Beth n Rod

See you next week. HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!!!!! :dancing: Beth

We realized that not only would our advertising campaign provide a strong influx of calls for service, but also that repeat service and maintenance was also going to be necessary. Building a relationship with our clients also meant future business and not just a oneshotgiveitallyougotpaymeandbyebye mentality. From our 2nd year on we adjusted to growing pains and developing a training program to get multiple crews up and running. There wasn't much support in this area and we had some trial and error. But the one thing that did help immensely was our reinvesting into the company. Getting bigger meant getting faster and more efficient which meant we needed to be effective. It was a road in the making but we are doing well as a result. Diversification due to our climate in the winter keeps money coming in. All in all, these were factors impacting our business growth. Rod!~

Good day Richard, It is good that you would take into consideration that you may need to make recommendations based upon your inspection. Relative to your service capabilities I am sure your will proceed accordingly. As per the scenario you posted, I would agree that in addition to washing you may need to repair and paint the siding which is great money for you. I do not know of your skill set here but this would surely set you apart from other pw'ers in your league if you could do it all. Rod!~

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684839385/qid=1136729238/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-0682972-1040746?n=507846&s=books&v=glance Not the most cheerful book in the world, but a very good resource. Highly recommended. Your family is in our prayers. Beth

I agree. I think it is under the sealer. Look at the underside of the board...the little thin edge....same phenomenon.... Beth

Ken, it looks like caustic residue under the sealer that was not neutralized. Hard to tell exactly from the pic but yuck! Rod!~

My guess is this... (I am not a Dr. by a long shot) but the thought occurred to me that she may have suffered a mild stroke. Strokes tend to affect the centers of the brain associated with speech and motor functions. This could have been onset by the trauma of the operation, stress, or the diabetes itself. I would suggest the Dr's run some tests on her for more conclusive evidence but from what I understand about diabetes this is very much a possibility. I pray for her health and your strength. Rod!~

How about... Regular maintenance helps to retain a better resale value. Regular maintenance helps to catch deficiencies needing repair. The costs are going to rise and fall with the market and depending on your areas economic condition will determine the final appraisal value. Some are lucky that way while others are not. Overall, keeping the home clean will help to maintain its appearance and bring attention to areas that need repair sooner rather than later. Rod!~

This seems to happen on old dry wood with us and although we do our best to make sure the wood is coated to saturation, as Reed said, there are some sections of boards that just wont hold the stain. We thank them for bringing it to our attention and resolve the issue. Rod!~

Man Jon, you're beating the moths out of the closet.... Yes, her name was Barbara Sivells, and she was on the BOD for PWNA till their company went out of business. She went off the BOD the season before I went on. I had not heard they sold the design to Wolman. I have not seen it carried by them...bet it got discontinued. (hope it didn't) Hey do you have a photo of it? Thought it would be fun to see if you can scare one up, since we are on memory lane! Beth

Jon, Check the link I posted earlier, what do you think of the "Topper"? Rod!~

I remember the deckhand... as I recall they are no longer in business. It doesn't look like the one Shane found. It was different as I recall. :( Beth

Thank you Jon! Thank you Alan!

yeah,yeah,yeah...ok...reverse it-backwards-inside out and invert it. :lol: HVLP=High Volume Low Pressure Thanks for spotting the typo. Rod!~

We can use the pump up for applying the stripper but it is a back up option in the event the HVLP sprayer does not work or there is no power at the location. It is primarily used to apply a neutralizer. HVLP=High Pressure Low Volume and it refers to a decker unit from PumpTec. http://www.pumptecpumps.com/2005WHPWCatalog/Page26.pdf With one exception I have not used anything other than a sprayer to apply a stripper or neutralizer. The one exception was when using ABR's Strip it all. The stuff is so thick you can't apply it any other way and to try to thin it down only makes it weak. Needless to say, after the pail was used up, I never went back to the product. Rod!~

For anyone reading! Any time hydrochloric acid is mixed with chlorine you get a toxic gas. Besides this, the combination will create a fire from an exothermic reaction ignition from products or reactants. http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3825 The TGS Library link above has a down loadable chemical reactivity program we use that allows the user to combine chemicals and see the results of the reaction. It is for use as an educational tool but not as a guide for mixing. It does not serve that function. Refer to a qualified chemist for additional information on your mixing questions. Rod!~

Excellent advice. Backups are important. Always have a plan "B"... Beth

Ummmm...you see, I was out working with them, and I sort of took it upon myself to do the posts....that and I was snapping photos. Normally we don't do it, it just happened that way on that particular job as I recall. I also recall not wanting to get sprayed with too much sealant, although that happened anyway. Beth

Here is an example of a fence being sealed using tarps. One is draped on the opposite side and one is on the ground. By alternating each up or down respectably to the side you are working on, this will protect the property from overspray. Rod!~

Thank you Jeff!

Brent, Click the link in the google ad where it says Support TGS or this link if you will... http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/payments.php Rod!~

Look around in different local mags, coupon mailers, newspapers with contractor listings, Coupon mags. These work really well when you find ones that have a number of other contractors advertising in them. Jump in the pool is what works and then as you can afford, go to other mediums for targeting a market. We placed an ad in a coupon mag called "The Clipper" which brought us a bit of business. We started using coupon mailers for test marketing and then put an ad in a newspaper that frequents contractors. We now only advertise in The Clipper and the rest is direct mail to our previous clients for maintenance scheduling. Keep a thorough database of all your contact information obtained during any ad campaign including tracking of where they heard about you. This helps to know where your best ad $$$ are being spent. Rod!~

Here's some information about the upcoming PWNA convention. It was in a public area on the BBS. Beth

The latest news (date and so forth) can be found here: www.pwna.org Hope this helps. Beth

See? You should stop pulling the trailer with your shoulder! Seriously...please do as the Dr. says. Surgery is the pits. Beth