Beth n Rod

Too much to cover here... http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/faq.php?faq=new_faq_item5000 Rod~

These are both great products. If you have not tried them, you'll want to. Beth

Call one of these folks (see vendors in link) and get the x-jet, M-5. Talk to them also about house washing solution. If this is your first house, go straight to the horses mouth and get a distributor's help. It's very, very valuable. They can make sure you have everything you need the day you do the work. http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/faq.php?faq=new_faq_item800 Beth

Thanks! :) They are really nice folks, and have a beautiful yard and view from the deck too. This is the second time we have done the deck, and the first time for the furniture. Beth

Personally We like: Cabot's - Australian Timber Oil Extreme Solutions - Wood Tux Wet Sikkens - Cetol SRD We have gotten excellent results with them, and repeat maintenance has been a breeze, no mildew problems. Beth

Here is a clean pic of th eipe deck and teak furniture. I believe Rod used EFC-38 to clean, followed by Citralic to neutralize. Beth

I might have to get one of these things for Rod. His back is a mess. The hot tub is great for things muscular, and tendon pain, and if you are only slightly out of alignment. But for major relief, this might be the ticket. Anyone got a link? You know I love links... Beth

We are getting Russell Cissell of Extreme Solutions, Inc. back to host Wood Chat again on Wed. nights! This weeks topic Estimate, Bid, Close. . .How to get the deal! is the first in a 20 week series dealing with all aspects of the exterior wood restoration industry. If you would like to hear what other topics will be covered come and participate in Wed nights chat! Join Russ on Wed. night at 9pm eastern. Beth

Wood chat is TONIGHT folks.... Wed. 8/31/05 at 9pm Eastern. :dancing: http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/chatr.php If you have not used the chat module before you will need to read this - you will need to register to use it. http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3237 Beth

Ok, this is a pet peeve of mine. Last week there were a couple of contractors going through our neighborhood, soliciting door-to-door to see if homeowners wanted to have their driveways resurfaced. The tags on the truck were from Tennessee. We're in Maryland. The main guy approached home owners as they pulled into their driveways after getting home from work, then hit them up for business. I stood watching from across the street. One of the owners they approached, had thier driveway professional done about a week prior, and they still approached her - they didn't know enough to be able to tell! The other owner they approached, had it done a year ago. After a tornado hit our area a couple years back, we had people driving in from West Virginia to take down trees, (very scarry - they had no clue about how to do it, they just did it) and remove debris (this part, ok...). I guess there are contractors who are sort of akin to ambulance chasers... just a pet peeve of mine. Anyone else seen this? Got stories? Beth

And they will no doubt in my mind, flock to wherever tornados hit to make a fast buck...seen that too... Beth

I got to think ing about how important it is that we all take care of ourselves, given the physical nature of our work. Ti's one thing to tell an injured worker to see a Dr., but how many of us take care of ourselves if we are injured in the field ( assuming non-emergency here...not life and death)?? Do you stay off your feet? Take care of your back Or your hands? Shoulders? Knees? Or do you ignore the pain and keep going? I thought this might be an interesting poll that if we all answer it honestly, could make some of us think about changing a bad habit.... Here's hoping you take good care of yourself! Beth

I know of a gentleman who lead a team to Ohio to do a weeks worth of flood disaster recovery work, no charge. I heard from my Dad this evening down in LA, and my step brother has been out all day in his boat rescuing folks from roof tops and taking them to the superdome. Raising money is a good thing. In times like these there are lots of things that need doing, and for a while I imagine they will be pretty basic, but very important. Beth

Just heard they are ok. :) What a relief! Beth

Mirage47 Got your photos, thanks for sharing. From what I can see it doens't look too bad. My suggestion is a percarb wash, neutralization, prep ,and seal with a semi-transparent. I'm attaching the photos you sent. I'm sure someone on our forums from your area can assist you. Beth

Thanks Mike. They are not sure the levy will hold at Lake Ponchatrain now. The one in New Orleans failed. Sounds like the flooding is going to get worse. Have not heard any news about Hammond yet. If anyone hears about Hammond, please let me know. My Dad is pretty helpless...he's about 80 and he's blind. Beth

If the company that put the sealer on didn't seem to know what they were doing, then I would not go so far as to say the deck doesn't need stripping. Prep is everything, and does effect future maintenance. You asked professionals here for their opinion. Sure you can seal over it...and you'll create more problems and compound the situation if things were not done correctly to begin with by the company you have no confidence in. Personally, sight unseen I would say have it stripped, possibly sanded depending on how poorly the prior company washed and how much damage they did ( Cedar is a very soft wood), then have it sealed. Posting pics may shed more light. I can't give you do it yourself advice without photos. http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums...ighlight=attach The above link should help with attaching a pic. If you need more help, let me know. Beth

http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums...ighlight=attach This should help with attaching a pic. If you need more help, let me know. Beth

Do you have any photos you could attach??? You have several options. First off, consider hiring a real pro - you might find one here. If you prefer to do this yourself, considering you have cedar, I am leary of suggesting you strip this. I am more likely to say you should sand back down to nice wood. Deck stripping is not easy. What did the contractor you hired last year seal the wood with? I would suggest a quality sealer for the wood...but are you looking for a solid or a semi-transparent finish (do you want to see the wood or not)? If you find a contractor witha hot water unit, you might be able to have the driveway cleaned, but to have a hope of removing the stain from concrete you need hot water in addition to chems in my opinion, due to porocity. I suggest V-Seal 101 or 102 to seal with after a successful cleaning of the concrete. Any other info you can provide - photos are best - would help. I'm sure others will be able to respond better if they can see the areas of concern. Beth

My Dad is in Louisiana. He's off Lake Ponchatrain, right near New Orleans. I have not heard a word, and get "all circuits are busy" when I try to call. I'm a bit worried. They rode out the storm at home. Beth

Tomorrow night (wed) at 9pm eastern.... join us for wood chat. http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/chatr.php

This cedar deck and porch had Cabot's on it. It was stripped with HD-80, brightened with Citralic. HD was used at 3 .oz to the gallon. Viola! Beth

Thanks guys... Beth

Here's a shot of a sorely abused and neglected PT lumber floor. It's been faithfully beaten up by other companies and sealed. This deck was in shade all day, with mature tree growth all around the house and over it - large trees - and the house was cedar and in WORSE shape than the deck. The house is black and the owners have no desire to get it done. Well, hopefully they will come around in time. Meanwhile, here's HD-80 in action during the strip. Beth

Hi Robert, Hope all is well with you. Been a while. How's things in Bend? Hope you are having a great season! Beth