Beth n Rod

Mike, I think you will find many seasoned professionals here would not agree with your approach or ideology towards wood. After 10 years of doing wood ourselves, we have found that the methods and techniques advocated in your post create more problems than they solve. Using a clear sealer for example is an easy on and off process but for the customer, you are doing a disservice because that product won't last for more than 9 months and the deck will turn grey as well which is the very reason for wood care to begin with to help the customer avoid. Not trying to beat you down or anything but cause you feel you can use a pwing gun doesn't mean you understand HOW it is NOT to be used. On wood, we nor anyone else worth their salt will not endorse high pressure and no chemicals to clean with. Please take some time to do some searches on TGS and find out more about how others are doing it so you can improve not only your service but the customers appreciation of the work by helping them to keep their deck looking good for longer than it takes for the wood to turn grey otherwise. Customers who have been bitten will know to watch out for you, others won't. Help keep the standards of wood care respectable and learn how to do it right please. Rod!~

Michael, There is NO reason to EVER wash with just pressure. It's not correct, and it doesn't kill the mildew and algae spores that reside in the substrate. You can't just "brush off" the the raised grain you create, you would have to sand to do that. (and you can't perform that while the wood is wet) You might think you are working smart now, but you aren't. What you are doing is wrong. I won't elaborate any further. It wouldn't be nice of me. Beth :cup:

Great news! Congrats!!! Beth

+1,000! If you are using just water and pressure, you are not truly cleaning but are doing damage. Wood is SOFT. Pressure Washing and Contractor Cleaning Forums - The Grime Scene - FAQ: FAQ’s on Wood Restoration Beth :cup:

The first year or two until you get name recognition and a reputation developed is going to be slow. While you may be ambitious to get to the bigger stuff keep in mind that if you are not cautious, you could get in over your head real quick. Take your time, pace yourself, evaluate your work, the process (effectiveness, time to complete, etc), your methods, putting into practice a form of a regimen and understanding your set up and breakdown times. All of this will go into helping you to develop your pricing model and help you to quote more accurately and become more competitive with the more established companies. ex: I used to wash a section of rails and see how long it took me under various circumstances to do it. This gave me a benchmark for other employees to follow. Doing the same with staining, sanding, housewashing, concrete driveways and more will help you to get a hold of your costs and maintain profitability. Also, I would like to mention that for our first 5 years, we did a great deal of reinvesting in the company with those profits to upgrade our equipment and vehicles to improve our performance and quality. Don't stop shooting for the stars but beware of the ones that fall on you, they may be the ones the other guys didn't want and for good reason. Rod!~

Sam, Welcome to TGS. Please add your signature. Beth

Buy a measuring tool....wheel, laser, whatever...much more accurate. Beth

Hey folks, I need to hear from you. It never hurts to get a little extra FREE publicity for your business, and here is your chance. I'm working on another article for Cleaner Times magazine, and I need your help. If you would be interested in being interviewed, well here's your shot! Post away! What is the biggest challenge to your business right now? What can you do or did you do to overcome that challenge? Was your effort successful and why or why not? If the challenge is beyond your control what are you doing to try to manage your business in spite of it? Where is your business right now compared to where you thought it might be at the beginning of the year? Where do you see your business in the next 12 months based upon your specific area? Beth :cup:

Sure they count. You washed a house. It was an add on. Beth

Look for it in October! Beth

Try your state sites. Also call your property managers. Beth

Adrian, I don't use these, have no idea if they are any good or not but I'll add them anyway. I hope they are helpful. Government Bid Notification Service - Find RFP's | Contracting Opportunities to Grow your Business Government RFP Notification - Get Government Bids & Contracts Government Bids | State and Federal Bids | Military Bids & State Contracts | StateAndFederalBids.com Find RFP: Federal, State and Local Government RFPs, Government Bids & Government Contracts https://www.fbo.gov/index?cck=1&au=&ck= Find RFP: Federal, State, Local Government RFPs, Bids & Government Contracts Finder and Notification Beth

True, but you do wash houses.... ;) Beth

Rick. No ladders.... Beth

Rick, Remember when you finally broke that stubborn barrier of yours and advertised? You were amazed as I recall.... ADD HOUSE WASHING.....your guys will love you and it's a great way to keep your customers happy too. Beth

+1! Grills should jut be moved side to side, check to make sure the wheels are UNLOCKED. (stupid feature if you ask me) Also check the side arms carefully before you lift, many are not tight and won't stand being lifted... Beth :cup:

+1!!! Beth

That's good news. Beth

They will use it where they need it. When I know what the issue will be, I'll let everyone know. Please leave your video up, I have not used it yet. Beth

I'll be submitting the article this week, and wanted to thank you all for your participation. Once I know what issue it will be in I'll update the thread so you will know when you should look for it. Hope you all enjoy it! Beth

Well put! It takes some skill and a good eye to apply anything that WILL lap, run, drip, etc....etc.... The goobers will weed themselves out very fast with a product that requires skill....it will end up looking like a Behr deck slapped on by a DIY'er after a zero degree tip cleaning. Know what I mean? Beth

Used Endure one time....back in 2006. Had perfect weather for 48 hours after application. Then it rained - washed most of the endure off the deck. No kidding. P-Chink replaced the pail with one from another lot, we redid the deck, but I have had many P-Chink staff (both tech and sales) say their deck product is not the best. I appreciate the honesty. We are U2 fans however. Terry Miller says he has great results and support from Flood. Have you tried their stuff? Rod and I are thinking about putting some samples boards together and letting it cook in the yard.... Beth

Can't stand the P-chink Deck Endure. Once was enough with that. Have not found deck nirvana in waterbornes yet.... What happened to LN? Are you talking about the U2 line? Beth

JFife, Which waterborne is your favorite on a deck? Beth

+ 1.... or more.... Beth