Beth n Rod

I doubt it. If the guy is insured, she has every right to a claim if it can't be removed by cleaning..... A few years ago - 5 maybe - a roofing and siding contractor hired us to come wash siding, at the request of the insurance company, to see if there was actually hail damage or if the hail just scuffed the dirt. (the test for hail damage is water and light on siding looking for dings) Long story short the siding cleaned beautifully, no dings. The Siding contractor was PISSED and tried to say we did damage by removing the dirt which showed where the hail hit ( I can hear you guys laughing) and he tried to make a case of it, which fell apart miserably. Insurance companies have adjusters for a reason, many states also protect consumers against this very thing. In MD for example you are required to have an MHIC License for what is deemed home improvement. MD has a fund that pays for damage like this, and in MD if you hire an unlicensed contractor you are entitled to A FULL REFUND ( from the unlicensed contractor) for every penny you spent, even if you are satisfied with the work, because of the licensing requirement. They are not licensed you don't have to pay! I know of a company in NJ, that a few years ago did a cedar home. This person did a nice job. Very professional. The owner then contacted NJ Dept of Consumer affairs and got a FULL REFUND - because there was not a begin and end date as required BY LAW on the paperwork. In that case the contractor felt he was set up on purpose. Hard to say, I really don't know any more about it. The state of NJ has some teeth, just like MD does. Now I will admit it never crossed my mind that the marks were pre-existing (read that as taking people at face value) so my next question will be, has the house been washed before? How long ago? Do you have photos of the home from prior years? Beth

Ask NJ that question. If it were MY home, no way is he touching it again. (didn't get it right the first time, sorry - no more chances - he has no CLUE based on those photos how to wash a house) Ask NJ if a home improvement license was required and I am sure the liability is required. You will want to get proof of insurance, but talk to NJ before you ask for it. You don't want this guy to crawl under a rock and go POOF. See if they intervene or what...they may want a copy of the written paperwork between you and him, I know for a fact very specific things must be in writing. They may want you to correspond via registered mail, for example, that would not surprise me at all. Beth

How are they lying if they have scientific data to back what they say? Beth

If that is the case a proper cleaning MAY work, but it's hard to say if you will still see it. You'll know after the wash. If not, you have a very valid claim for new siding. I strongly suggest you talk to the State of NJ, follow the link I posted earlier and see what they outline as a course of action. One of our members here offered to come look. Please let us know how this turns out. It is a shame to see damage like this on a home. I know I speak for many here when I say that striving for professional results is paramount, and we all have to combat the stigma associated with the type of contractor that has placed you in the situation you are in. Beth p.s. this might be a good link to browse as well... Home - VSI - The Vinyl Siding Institute Cleaning - VSI - The Vinyl Siding Institute

Mary, does the siding feel rough when you run your hand over the areas where the wand marks are? In other words are the marks just visible, or can you FEEL the scarring - feel a difference in the siding? Go check, and come back and post. Beth p.s. looks like a zero degree tip was used to me....

Going green is huge. Look at the following.... builders talking about green solutions - bamboo flooring etc renewable energy or resources is a term you near more look at lowes and hd's ads....focused on environmentally friendly things for the home cars - alternate energy reduced VOC paints and stains using good made from recycled materials Walmart just launched a HUGE green save the earth campaign aimed at reducing landfills and air pollution Now tell me, if all of these things are being done, and all these companies see the value in it, how can it be anything but good business to be a part of the trend? Beth

Very nice work! Great addition to your portfolio! :) Beth

Oxidation was removed in the darker areas, so the rest needs to be removed as well. There is a product called Restora still available that can help even the result a bit and there is a dealer in PA. who still carries it called ACR products. They have an ad on the main forums page if you need the number. I am only aware of this dealer having stock so if anyone knows of another source closer by, then please post. It will require an 'experienced' Professional to conduct the service. One thing I will remark upon is that the process would not involve high pressure necessarily. It can be done with low pressure and brushing which would provide a better result. This is of course given that the siding was not physically damaged in the process. Otherwise, replacement is the only option. Pictures would be extremely helpful. Rod!~

Removing the remaining oxidation may work of that is the culprit. However if the wand marks damaged the vinyl itself, it will still look like what it is - scarring. I am concerned that the marks are an inch wide.... Beth

Any others? Beth

Mary, Welcome to TGS. We are so sorry to hear you had a service performed that was substandard. As a consumer, now is the time to make yourself aware of your rights. The thought of wand marks on vinyl siding is not good. Without pictures ( please if you have a digital camera, post some here) it is hard to say, but you may have a case for new siding, as that kind of scarring may be irreversible. I advise you to do the following: read this link New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs if you have not paid the contractor - don't do it yet. if you have not seen a copy of their liability insurance, now is the time to get a copy. You may be filing a claim. if in NJ a home improvement license is standard, get a copy of that too Take photos of the damage, and hold up today's paper so you can see the date get another professional, power washing or a siding company - someone to come out and give you their professional opinion in writing about the work Beth :cup:

So if your customer asks you about environmentally friendly methods or products, how will you approach that? Beth

Offer to gently clean the whole thing. That's about the best you can do. If you didn't harm a coating, well, cleaning is not damage. But, he can argue that it is not in as good a condition as it was before..... Beth

There are issues that impact us regarding the Clean Water Act, there are things folk are doing in light of various severe weather (not just drought) condition that are "green", there are the expanding VOC restrictions, by expanding I mean many states have acted others will follow. There are new products designed to reduce the footprint. What is your company doing? Beth

Gee thanks Kevin, I knew I could count on you, to give a professional, well thought out response... :lol: Next! Beth

Great points Ken! :) Beth

Keep 'em coming guys and gals! Beth :sunshine:

Tell Peirce that Rod said he is full of it. :p :lol: The redwood that exists out here comes from the west coast and there is no climatic conditions, species variations or any situations that will support his statement. Rod!~

You can't get Redwood in MD anymore. We maintain a number of Redwood decks, and have had problems getting replacement lumber for a couple years now. Not one single lumber yard can get it. Not allowed to use it in MD. Beth

Talk to James (Jim Foley) he does tons of that style of wood home. John Tornabene (John t) does a good number of them also. Beth

That makes no sense to me.... I don't see why a board in one location, would behave any differently than a board in another location given the same ambient temps, same cleaners, etc., same process...tannin bleeding would be the nature of the species I would think... very odd.... I'll go drink more coffee. :cup: Beth

They look AWESOME though.... :banana: Beth :cup:

You might be able to install new floor board cheap...Lance has a point. Beth

...and here too.... Beth

I bet.... Yuck... Beth