Beth n Rod

Daniel, I'm not going to argue with you, we have applied it wet, we have applied it dry, it holds up better if you apply it dry. No lie. Better color, slightly different looking finish, longer lasting applied dry. End of story. Beth

Absolutely NOT a fan of Perma Chink's deck product. Don't know that it is mean to be applied wet though... Applying to wet wood has drawbacks. You can't see areas that need prep before staining. Need to sand???? Can't sand wet wood. Beth

Architecture Billings Index Points to Major Downturn in Commercial Construction Architecture Billings Index Points to Major Downturn in Commercial Construction Falls to lowest level since 2001 with nearly 9-point drop off WASHINGTON, March 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Reflecting the deteriorating conditions in the housing market and overall economy, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) tumbled almost nine points in February. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI shows an approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the February ABI rating fell to 41.8, its lowest level since October 2001, and down dramatically from the 50.7 mark in January (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The inquiries for new projects score was 54.3. "This is a clear indication that there could be tougher times ahead for design firms and a noticeable slowdown in commercial construction projects coming online in the foreseeable future," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Ph.D., Hon. AIA. "Interestingly enough, we have also had some survey members reporting that their business is in great shape from a billings and demand standpoint. The one bright spot continues to be the institutional sector with continued positive conditions for construction projects such as schools, hospitals and government buildings." Key February ABI highlights: -- Regional averages: Northeast (51.5), South (48.3), West (46.3), Midwest (42.6) -- Sector index breakdown: institutional (54.9), multi-family residential (46.6), mixed practice (43.9), commercial / industrial (40.6) -- Billings inquiries index: 54.3 About the AIA Architecture Billings Index The Architecture Billings Index is derived from a monthly "Work-on-the- Boards" survey and produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group. Based on a comparison of data compiled since the survey's inception in 1995 with figures from the Department of Commerce on Construction Put in Place, the findings amount to a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to twelve month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction activity. The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly survey sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended. According to the proportion of respondents choosing each option, a score is generated, which represents an index value for each month. Work-on-the-Boards CONTACT: Scott Frank of American Institute of Architects, 202-626-7457, media@aia.org SOURCE American Institute of Architects

Everyone has to earn a living. Welcome to the year of seeing extra fees. I don't know how agents make their income, but I do know I expect to pay for it... after all we are the customer. The agency has to get paid with someones money, and since you pay the premiums it stands to reason that the money ultimately comes from you. Beth

We have been using WT for years, and rarely apply it to wet wood. There is some finishing you can't do to wet wood. If you want to do any sanding, or buff off any fuzzies after stripping a deck, you can't do that to wet wood. Also, think about a wet sponge holding water. A full sponge will reject fluids. If you wash and seal right behind it, you limit the amount of penetration you will get. We have done decks both ways, and the product holds up better in our experience on dry wood. It's your reputation. The customer will count on your professional knowledge to give them the best result for the dollar they spend with you. Apply dry. Beth

This, is worth reading! Why the Fed cuts won't help you - MSN Money Beth

Rick, Beautiful! Sows ear to silk purse! Beth

Rot requires 3 things, they are: Oxygen moisture above 20% food (wood - cellulose & Lignin) Without any one of these rot can't happen. This is why wood at the bottom of a lake is in pristine shape, and can be salvaged for lumber. No oxygen. If wood is sealed when it is too wet, and the product applied will not allow moisture to escape, then yes rot can happen. For example this is a problem frequently with builders, who build in many conditions very rapidly, and have painters who paint wet wood, not checking the WMC before doing their work. Then rot sets in....and it's no wonder. Beth

AFP: Fed set to cut rates again in effort to stem crisis Columbus, Ohio: Bracing for a retail job slump - Mar. 10, 2008 Job losses worst in five years - Mar. 7, 2008 Beth

This was really filthy... I forgot I had this footage from 2 years ago.... [YT]OhhO4DcoNfw[/YT] Beth

Boots keep my feet quite dry, the wanding techniques help in addition to knowing where splash-back will occur and what causes it. It was a typical hw solution. The pressure was backed down to around 1500 psi by using a 25075 tip with my 3400psi/4.6gpm unit. Rod!~

Are you accepting Euros this year? Maybe John T is - after all he's in New York. Beth

Eeeeeeewwww! Gross. Beth

Bush: Economy facing 'challenging times' - CNN.com Poll: Three-quarters think U.S. in recession - CNN.com The Associated Press: After Bear Stearns Rescue, Who's Next? AFP: Fed likely to follow emergency move with fresh rate cut

I'll ask him. :) Most likely yes. HW solution. Beth

Ditto. We are adding it. It never hurts to have options. Beth

[YT]HqbVbPvlDoM[/YT] Beth

Please vote :) Beth

Won't let me on either. Even changed my password, still not working. :rolleyes: Beth

He either forgot the surface cleaner, which happens, or one of our crews had it, which is more likely. Beth

Hi Jon! How have you been? Beth

You're welcome! Beth

I would like to know more. :) Beth

I've got news for you, I used a strong mix of plain sodium percarbonate last year to get the tacky tux off our deck. It will, in a strong enough concentration, strip all by itself. I also used it in a weaker solution over the summer to clean stains around planters from leafs, and flower debris, and some mildew. It works great. Will percarbs clean your clothes? Yes. Sure you can mix it with other things, but sometimes you only need it to do so much. Depends on the job. Beth

Hey Rick, I don't have that problem, which are you using for your stripper? I find, all I have to do is re-wet with water and let sit for a few minutes till I am ready to start rinsing. This causes the chems to re-activate and bring the hardened sludge back into suspension. Thanks for the vote of confidence Daniel, it was a side effect of working on full sun decks and it was happenstance that I stumbled onto the discovery that the chems stop working when dry and decided I can just leave it that way till I am ready. Controlling the reaction is not always easy to do but this is the best way I know of next to keeping in mind the application patterns most use and knowing where the heaviest applications will need more chem for longer dwell time. Let me know how you do next time you try it, maybe we can come up with some rules of thumb (so to speak). Rod!~