Beth n Rod

http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/faq.php?faq=new_faq_item800

All, The thread has been edited. Opinions are respected, discussion is welcome, however we can do this without slighting anyone. Thank you. Beth

What else can you add about new growth trees? Personally, I have been skeptical of new growth for years. Beth

http://nc-es.fws.gov/coastal/plnwrawc/atlanticwhitecedarresearch.html http://www.chesco.com/~treeman/hardtoget/jk-64-html/chapter_5.html These are just plain interesting... Beth

Cujo, I appreciate the source references. I actually like reading things like that. Do you have anything that talks about cedar, specifically the effects of cutting the trees younger, as it pertains to the effects on their natural ability to repel certain insects? I had heard, that the newer growth was more prone to rot, decay, and infestation than the older growth trees. The whole dialog about acrylics, well, I can see how cedar for example, might be more prone to rot if an acrylic is applied, if the deck is constructed from newer growth trees (and the WMC is too high when the product is applied for example). Mind you, This is all simply theoretical, I have not got a source, nor do I have my morning coffee yet. :cup: The movie I referred to - I think everyone should see it once. It makes you stop and think. Rick, that's why I love ipe. It is so durable it's not even funny, and the wood itself is beautiful. I believe it has become my favorite species for exterior use. :groovy3: Smells like the coffee is ready. Catch you guys later! Beth :sunshine:

Rick, I agree. I was in the Dr.'s office today and read an article in a back issue of Money magazine, that described what we're discussing here. Personally, I think we're in for a dip in the economy. I believe all the tell tale signs are there. It was not that long ago that the dot com start ups had problems and rocked even those in the high tech market that were stable, long term stocks... Economically, it makes sense that if interest rates rise, home sales will diminish, given that income levels remain relatively the same. Disposable income doesn't increase unless personal income increases, and actually will decrease as the cost of living increases, given that inflation is higher than cost of living increases. Those who may now qualify for home loans, may not if the interest rates increase. Fewer buyers, means a shift in the market I would think, and sellers may also drop their sales price to remain compeditive and sell thier property for whatever reason. Ok off my soapbox. I love these kinds of fun discussions. :groovy: Fun stuff! :dancing: Beth

...and your source would be....? Got a study? Beth p.s. http://www.hoptechno.com/koyan.htm Koyaanisqatsi

This should take you straight to the product.... http://www.cabotstains.com/shared_frames.cfm?area=towoca&cabot=1 We absolutely love this stuff. Beth

Here's one we finished up today. It's a cedar deck, has Sikkens Cetol DEK installed (poorly) and maintained ( even more poorly) by another contractor. Luckily, the owner saw the logic of having the whole deck sanded down to remove the severely raised grain before cracking and splintering set in. Rod stripped the deck using HD-80 at 4 oz to the gallon, then we returned to sand the entire deck - floor, handrails, spinals, stairs, the works, back to smooth level wood. The last step was to seal it, we used Wood Tux Warm Honey Gold. The owners were thrilled! Beth :groovy3: :dancing:

http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/faq.php?faq=new_faq_item Read the above.... One is sodium hypochorite, the other is Di-Sodiumperoxidicarbonate . Sodium hypochorite can harm the wood and break down the lignin if used improperly. Better safe than sorry, we use the percarb. Beth

I find it is important to be able to get answers to your technical questions that would help you make a sound business purchase or solve a problem in the field. If your current vendor isnt meeting your expectations, there are many others out there who work hard to earn your business. I for one share in others feelings and experiences about espec and choose to buy from other sources who appreciate our business and who I will send referrals and new business to in return. One hand washes the other. Rod~

Rick makes an interesting point, and at the risk of getting off topic, I'll go there.... Gas is over 2 bucks a gallon, so is diesel. I don't know about you, but here we pay 3.50 for a gallon of milk...ON SALE. Point is, that the cost of the fuel has had an impact on everything across the board, from our supplies to other consumable goods our customers buy for their daily lives. Now we are in an area, with many 2 income earning families, and a fair number of folks work at home. Also these folks typically drive 2 new SUV's, under 2 years old. A report on the news recently spoke about how the average american has over 10K in credit card debt. People are no longer as able to afford what they once could and are living off plastic. Housing here is insane. The restaurants are jam packed, and people put these meals on plastic. People are also living off of home equity more. How many of you are concerned that if the Fed raises rates too fast, the housing market may become unstable and values may drop? That worries me. Bankruptcy is also on the rise... Enough of my rant, but I really think that the impact is more complex than simple. I believe more people will attempt to do things themselves, out of the need to cut costs, and then will not be able to afford to deal with it. We have seen how many seem to feel they should not have to spend much for a great result, and somehow it also translates into us as contractors being unentitled to a fair wage in these times of rising costs. Off the soap box.... Beth

Good seeing you John! We're looking forward to learning more about the upcoming convention. Enjoy the graduation. They grow up too fast! Beth

If it is 15 years old, we would bid to strip it and restain it. If they only want the mildew gone, a percarb with work fine. But after 15 years, they really need to strip it and restain or reseal it. Mind you, I have no photos to go by and this advice is based upon the age of the stain, sight unseen. Beth

There were 3 of us on the deck, and it was an all day job. Rod used a drum sander onthe floor, and I used a palm sander and did hand sanding to get int othe tight areas. Used defelting pads on the outer band boards, and 4x4's as well. The customer was thrilled, paid cash, and tipped us. It was a three day job (trip wise), one to strip, one to sand, one to seal. Took about 3 hours to seal. About 6 to sand, and I'm not sure how long to strip...I think Rod did it in under 4 hours. It doesn't include the interior of the porch, just the lattice work around it. The interior we will do next year. The porch is sunken, there are two steps down, so it should not harm the deck when we do. This was a fun job. It is always nice when the clients are really nice people too. Beth :sunshine: :groovy: p.s. it rained about 2 hours after we applied the sealer, we went back and checked it, it was fine.

Yes, it was. Part of it had to be done by hand...couldn't use a sander on all of it... Beth

Reed, this is great news! I sure hope they have you come out and get it taken care of as soon as it is in place! Beth

Ken, you would have loved the Wood Tux (regular - non-wet) we have used the last two years. I believe Russ is going to be making that again. HOORAY! Beth

There is also sodium metasilicate in the formula for light duty stripping of old finishes. Rod~

Welcome to the BBS. We hope you enjoy the forums, and find them to be helpful to you. Looking forward to reading your posts. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you have them, and take a look at the FAQ area ( see Nav Bar up top). Beth & Rod

Yes, and yes. It works. But the WET formula of Wood Tux is much thicker than the original, so you will either have to thin it or apply it by hand. Beth

Jamie, did you go back and check it? How did it hold up? Beth

Does the deck measurement include rails or is that just the floor? Just curious... For all the items included, we are with Ken on this one. If the homeowner has a serious offer of $150.00, ask them to tell you what the other contractor plans to do and and how long it will take. Explain your methods, the time each part will take, and they will realize the other guy is way too low. If he could do it in an hour, that would be one thing. But to do this job, is a day's work. No one wants to gross $18.75 per hour, assuming an 8 hour day, for a job like that. By the time you take out expenses, you are probably under $10.00 per hour. Ask the owner if they saw the certificate of liability insurance.... Beth

You're in Texas. Go visit Delco. They can get you rolling out with a rig most likely the same day. Call Larry Hinckley, tell him Beth sent you. :groovy3:

Anyone interested in this job please call our office for details. It is a Silo wash, and it is in Woodbine, MD. Beth