Beth n Rod

Thank you Ronald! (aka Milkshake) Beth

I need to let you all know that due to the responses we have had, we will be leaving the ads up. It seems they are either on or off when you make a donation, and it would be a global setting that effects all users. The majority have indicated they would like them to remain so...there you go. Thank you all for your support. Beth

I Bought a 5gal. pump from northern tool which worked just fine for me, I only needed to add a longer hose to reach the inlet while keeping the container secured to the bed wall. Item #169471-2601 - $18.99 Was this the same one you got? Rod!~

Thank you John! All TGS Site Supporters have a golden trophy in their postbit and a TGS Site Supporter title. All TGS Site Supporters also get listed in the FAQ area with a link to their web site. Beth

Personally, I like Virginia quite a bit. Have been to many parts of Virginia during my life. If you decide to make the trip, let me know. We are not too far. Beth

Click here to use Pay Pal Or mail to: See Dirt Run! Inc. 13616 Warrior Brook Terrace Germantown, MD 20874

I use a cut type pattern where I am using the fan perpendicular to the edge so that the impact spray follows the concrete. Also I am holding the wand perpendicular to the surface as well. If you are using a surface cleaner and do not have any obstruction to the unit overlapping the concretes edge then I would use it, otherwise a wand is the best without any shield to take away your constant 2 handed control of the wand. A soap tip helps with clean up of all the debris created by the wash process without blowing it onto other surfaces you do not intend. Rod!~

All of our TGS Site Supporters have just been listed in the FAQ area as well. Some of you I do not have a URL for your web site. Please contact me with your URL if you have one so I can add a link to it. Beth

Just added to the list above. Thank you John Orr! Beth

Carlos, Thank you very much for your generous donation. It is deeply appreciated. Beth

Hi Scott, I got them. All I can say is...wow. I'll post them in a while. Anyone who is thinking of Katrina work.... If you have roofing skills, carpentry, drywall, that's what's needed. There is a ton of work unrelated to power washing. Plumbers, electricians....all the basic building trades. Scott does that pretty much sum it up? Beth

There is much ignorance out there and a tiered service system has backfired on us as well. We gave an estimate for a deck previously coated with cwf/uv cedar. 2 options 1st-strip the deck and then apply sealer. $$$$ 2nd-wash the deck and then re-coat. $$$ The customer opted for the lesser and didn't take into account our informing them that the product may not be completely even in color due to UV discoloration. Well, as you can guess, they were not happy with the result regardless of what expectations we could give them in the proposal and they complained about it anyway pleading basically ignorance and that they were not told that it would turn out like this. We stood behind our work and applied more product to their liking knowing full well they had been informed...we both were there. The lesson learned is as Beth stated, we only offer the best possible service so that when it is done we know that there will not be any variables to bite us in the behind. Unless we know what is on the deck, how long it has been installed and perhaps even who did it will we consider offering any alternatives. Any warranty is conditional as such, informed in advance and in writing. Someone else said it quite well...If we didn't put it down, it comes off and we will warrant it. Otherwise we will not bid it. In the business world we have learned its not good time spent to deal with the problematic previous installation nor is it a good reflection on us if we appear in any way at fault. We know we produce quality and now understand that quality must start at the beginning. Rod!~

We have offered different things in the past (year ago). The problem is, when the homeowner (this was for decks by the way) doesn't listen, or read, and won't take responsability for the choice they make. They opt for a wash, not a strip, and then don't understand why the result is what it is, regardless of how much you explain to them why the should opt to have the deck stripped. What we do now, is offer one option on jobs that we see would otherwise turnout less than favorable. We opt for the best service only. On jobs where the results will be superior at even the most basic service level, we might give an additional option. A few years back thee was a carpet cleaning company here local to us, that we used to bump into when estimating. One time a client showed us the liturature. In addition to haveing no clue how to calculate a square foot, the choices for Plan A, Plan B and Plan C would only lead any homeowner to the most expensive option. As I recall, the options read something like.... Plan A - Deck is washed with high pressure, and no cleaners. Will cause damage. One coat Sikkens will be applied. Plan B - Deck is washed with high pressure and no cleaners. Will cause damage. One coat of oxylic is applied. One coat of Sikkens is applied. Plan C - Deck is washed with low pressure, Oxylic is applied, one coat of Sikkens is applied. I kid you not. Beth

Hi Scott, We thoroughly enjoyed spending the afternoon with you when we were down there. Thank you for the tour, and the company. Some of the Katrina sights...they leave you thankful for many things....many many things. When I get a chance I'll upload some photos so others will see what we saw. Saying there's immeasurable work to be done doesn't even touch it. It's always fun visiting family, even if all you do is kick back and relax, which we did. (and ate way too much wonderful food) Beth

Richard, Welcome to TGS! :) Rod!~

Rich, Excellent info. Thank you for sharing that! Beth

If you count everyone but yourself, yes. If you are picking up with Larry, then yes we have. :dancing: Those who say they mailed something will be listed when the check arrives. Beth

We have certain things we do specialize in, however we offer certain services beyond just what we specialize in, when we feel they are a good fit. In areas where we don't offer service, we do have companies we network with and do some lead sharing. Beth

Bringing this back up to the top...ths is the time of year to plan to hold a round table. They are normally held in the winter. It's a great way to socialize and network. Beth

Here are some links to the latest ***** Convention updates. This show is really shaping up. Class Schedule - what's going on when dates and times Classes Being Offered - what can I learn about What's included - meals and menus Tradeshow floor plan Hope this helps. :) Beth

Jon, Thanks for the explanation. We don't have that problem with the tubs that ESI ships their product in. The problem I have is when my crew doesn't use a dry cup to scoop with and get water inside the bucket and then the clumps form. I like Beth's answer best but in relation to the problem you are having I don't think it would be sufficient. Sounds like you need a different container with a seal to keep out this moisture problem you are having. Forgive me if I am stating the obvious but keeping the naoh in a bag should be a temporary thing until you can transfer it into a more suitable container for storing. I have had to pick up some extra buckets of various sizes for storing products in and HD or Lowe's has them. Empty buckets with lids that have a seal ring in them. Have you looked into them yet? Also, we only activate product in the field and avoid having more than a gallon in activation upon completion. The activated product will be utilized on the next project before any additional product is activated and diluted or concentrated as needed. Any left over is placed into one of the used 30lb ESI containers with the label specific to itself and sealed. I also mark on the bucket in bold lettering SOLUTION for DOT Hazmat purposes.] Lately ESI has been shipping product in 10lb pails. Fortunately I have a number of 30lb pails to transfer them into for use in the field. Rod!~

If you can get your hands on packets of silica gel that might help. Pop them into the open tub. Beth

Jon, Are you referring to cryohydrate? This is a deliberate action by a combination of substances in concentration to create a freezing point. Or are you talking about the product falling out of solution (precipitating) and forming crystals? Rod!~

Thank you all so much for your generosity. Some folks have asked why we continue to have this BBS since we don't have a store now. It's simple, it's there for those who need it. If we are all more successful as a result of it being online, then that's a good thing. Beth :sunshine:

No, there is regular maintenance to keep up the integrity of the finish. This depends entirely upon 2 major factors. 1- the type of finish and its durability 2- the weather conditions that are prominent These 2 factors combined will help to determine the frequency. Also in regard to your question specifically, it depends upon what you are using to clean with. As Carlos said, give Russ a call and take your company to the next level. This BBS while rich with contributions can offer a great deal of info but you will have a tough time piecing the information together from what you read and will give you literally a collage of information. IMO...It is better to be taught in a coordinated and well structured learning environment. Good luck and Welcome to TGS. Rod!~