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RyanH

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Posts posted by RyanH

  2. Posted · Report reply

    Unlike many users on this board, I am not in the situation of having an overabundance of pressure washing competition in my area. Most competition is in the form of part-timers, not full time companies. Currently, I would still consider myself to be part-time, but am quickly working to change that. I have only had a few dozen residential and a few commercial jobs, but have spent almost every dollar I have earned to put back into my setup. I have invested hundreds of hours experimenting with various pieces of equipment, reading up on other techniques, buying / building better equipment, etc. I am still using an off-the-shelf commercial pressure washer (around $1100 new), but manage quite well.

    All of that for this: why does it seem that the competition I see on the streets pulling their trailers around do not use many of the tools I consider to be necessary to do a good job? For example, most cleaners I see have a fresh water tank, a pressure washer, some high pressure hoses, and not much more? In addition to these things, I carry extension lances, a ladder (rarely used, though), dedicated backpack sprayers for various purposes, extra water and pressure hose, various boxes of chemicals, an assortment of tools, stuff to clean windows (chemical, squeegee, sponges, extensions, etc.). Am I overdoing it? Are there ways of doing jobs without all of the stuff I use? My customers have been extremely impressed with my setup, and it doesn't even look as neat and professional as the competition carrying only a washer and some water, but I seem to have everything on hand to do a very good job everytime.

    What gives? Are they, despite the nice washers and trailers, not as "professional" as I aspire to be?

    I would appreciate in help, encouragement, opinions, etc. on this. Am I trying to reinvent the wheel with all the stuff I use, or am I just more thorough?

    Thanks very much.

    Ryan Holbird

  3. Posted · Report reply

    I read many posts on this site claiming that it is possible to clean 1000 to 2000 square feet of concrete per hour. My question is: what method is being used? What is the fastest way to clean concrete? The best I am able to accomplish is about 500 square feet per hour (less if it is *really* dirty). I am comfortable using a wand for my cleaning. Does a surface cleaner really make such a huge difference?

    Thanks all!

    Ryan Holbird

  4. Posted · Report reply

    Anybody have any suggestions on the best clothes or coverings to wear while pressure washing? I have tried water proof rubber boots and gloves, nylon shorts, etc., but I still can't manage to keep from staying wet (mostly a problem with the feet and hands). I don't mind so much getting wet, but my hands are constantly raw from handling the wands and lances with wet hands. I have found that a hat with a brim all the way around does really to keep the water out of my face and shoulders.

    Any input appreciated!

    Thanks,

    Ryan H.

    Commercial Service Providers

    http://www.commercialserviceproviders.com

  6. Posted · Report reply

    I've been a lurker on this board for about two weeks now, and finally I see a place where I think I can give a little help.

    Had my first taste of filthy gutters today. The best chemical I have found (and I have tried several "off the shelf" chemicals) has been something called "Purple Stuff." I buy it at Advance Auto Parts for a couple of bucks per gallon. I spray it onto the gutters full strength with a squirt bottle or a sprayer like those used for spraying pesticide and allow it to sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with a brush and rinse off. If you allow it to sit long enough or use two applications, it can be washed off with high pressure and no scrubbing. Miracle stuff, in my opinion!!!

    Ryan

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