Beth n Rod

Hey there all you wood loving contractors. It's August. By now we have all restored lots of decks. Show off your favorite summer project here! I'll post one as soon as I find our "favorite". Beth

No worries :-) Beth

Mike, please add your signature. Thanks.

Sup! Good to see you back and all the good news with it. Rod

Can't wait!! Beth

Mine is not the only way but perhaps others may have alternatives they propose. Rod

Did you brush any of it? Blue and green colored aluminum siding always has problems and we quote to brush it. We use a degreaser in the solution to help with the oxidation and to even up the degraded color. Customer is informed if the siding is in bad enough shape to begin with that they may consider painting it afterwards because of the nature of these colors on aluminum siding. Rod

Sorry for the delay....busy. There is no way to keep the screen clean while washing. You have to rinse it frequently to keep the debris and wood fibers from bonding to it though. Rinse at an angle though from both sides. Elongated wood fibers tend to lap over the individual wires. Rinsing from an angle helps to get them loose better. Chemicals used on the trim covering screen sections will damage the screen and remove the coating turning them shiney or more like bare aluminum. If the screens are fiberglass, they can be damaged by the chemicals and during the wash actually tear. We often recommend just replacing them instead and applying a coating that will last a long time inside the porch to minimize the need for future cleaning. Rod

Heat gun and disposable towels to remove the bulk of it. Goof off to deal with the residue. Rod

That's horrible! So sorry to hear that Jon. Beth

This is going to be a GREAT show!

The Pressure Washer's Guidebook is SHIPPING NOW folks! You can also preview the Table of Contents and several chapters!!!! http://www.cleanertimes.com/books/bb2015

This is a great book, and it's getting really solid and helpful reviews! Beth

What kind of sealer did you use? Were there any spills noted or defects revealed after the wash? The only thing similar I have seen is when guys sweat on a deck and the stain looks much lighter where the drops landed. Doubt that is the case here but I would ask the customer what the history is. Just a wash may not be able to deal with it if there was a requirement of a specific type of chemical to strip any of this residue. Rod

Each to his own. Best service we have gotten hands down, is from Tom & Barbara Vogel of ACR Products. Best knowledge of machines, chems, process, and best service. We have used all mentioned. Also McHenry Equipment in Md., GREAT service, very high level of knowledge, just can't beat them. We have others we use too, like theprosealerstore.com, props go to Scott Paul there. Also have used Bob at PressureTek. There are some others too but I have not finished my coffee yet..... Beth

Our prior experience with ES was similar. Left a bad taste many years back. We have since formed relationships with other vendors that we have trusted for many years. With a new owner, we may try ES again, but the need would have to arise. Beth

This is similar to the kind of flooring they installed in all the Baja Fresh Restaurants in our area. We used a surface cleaner and 120* water to clean them for final inspection. Your situation would be able to withstand at least that considering it is designed for outdoor use compared to the Kitchen environment. Rod

Have you gotten your book yet? Beth

Hello Ty, Glad you found us! Enjoy the site. There's lots of info here. Beth

On old Pt lumber we have found that Armstrong's Cedar Semi-Transparent is the one that gives the better result. Amber is designed with a finer pigment and doesn't allow for any masking of the aged wood. Another idea is this (don't tell anyone I said this) but add some bleach to your stripping mix. Then neutralize. If there are traffic patterns, obstructions from UV like furniture and grills, the effects may be deterred by a sanding of the floors and caps to remove the old layer of wood. You will have to counter sink nails (use an empty pneumatic nail gun to do this.....MUCH faster and less killing of your hands) Last option is the hardest. Pull each deck board up and run it through a planer. Some people flip deck boards too but I am not a fan. Many experienced deck builders have crowned the boards to ensure the cupping is downwards and not up. Planing the boards allows you to remove the hump and keep the crown down as it should be. Rod

The SRD is not the one that makes people cringe. The DEK does. When it fails, it does a magnificent job of it. Very expensive (difficult) to remove. Beth

There is a banner on the forums now....easy to click and buy it! Beth

https://youtu.be/ZLP11LVaKGU Check out the book review! Beth

I ran into him at CETA when I was presenting last fall. He told me then. Had on an Envirospec shirt. Beth

Dan Galvin bought E-Spec. Beth