Beth n Rod

Please read the forum rules regarding vendor posting and spam. You may ONLY post things like this in Look What's New. Thank you. Beth

I'll start off by suggesting first that you read the archives. This forum in particular has a ton of information on the very same questions you are asking which so many individuals have already posed before. Pick your search term and have a read. There are a number of products others use to clean and strip decks in addition to other structures as well to be found in your searches. As far as pricing goes, the best advice I can give is to understand YOUR costs that go into the service first. I have a sticky in the library forum which touches on this so you can develop your own price structure instead of trying to compete based upon arbitrary pricing among those you may compete with...at this time. I say that cause if you are not profitable you may join the ranks of many who under price themselves and are no longer a 'competitor'. Once you have had a chance to cover some of the basics on pricing, I would be glad to get into the specifics a little more at that time cause there is so much to cover beforehand and time is running shy for those of us including yourself who have a finite season in which to do this type of work. http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/business-topics-tips/ The Library In the process of learning, it includes research. Have a click on the links above to get started. :) Rod!~

Welcome to TGS. Glad you found us. There is lots of info on these forums about wood care. Please go to SETTINGS and add your signature. Beth

Looks really nice!!! Beth

I think that means your testers love it.... Beth

We have seen this kind of thing across the board with multiple products that are oil based. It's frustrating, because there used to be a number of very good choices out there. It's the VOC changes. We are seeing it here on the east coast in spades. We have a repeat client whose neighbor had very little mildew on her deck compared to our clients. The neighbor had an acrylic installed. Our client had an oil. Very typical. Beth

We saw this last year which had significant rains all year long. I also noticed that the deck in your video is surrounded by plants which can release pollen and end up in the stain before it sets up. Taking that into consideration I conclude that the extended time to set up makes it (Armstrong) vulnerable. We noticed a higher instance of mildew proliferating on decks where there were pine trees/bushes in proximity as well. Armstrong takes up to 36 hours to set up as the drying and non-drying oils need time to separate with one penetrating while the other seeks to cure on the surface. In order to stave this off we add M-1 mildewcide to give it some added protection. No more problems. Rod!~

Mark, Never any doubts about the AC longevity. Just perplexed by the bare wood. More coffee is needed now however.... :cup: Beth :groovy3:

....the mystery continues. Oh well. Back on topic. Glad to see the endurance of the product reach 9 months, our customers will be happy about that. Rod!~

And perhaps that is a part of it. Around here, it would not weather that way at all. But then, I'm in MD not AZ. Beth

I don't know how the boat got missed here. Beth and I are not test by questioning the stain on the test board. We are interested in the fact the unstained portion of the board has not turned gray over the 9 month period. Anyone in this business knows that Ipe among all other woods will begin to gray in 6 weeks. The fact that it hasn't is what is amazing to us. Perhaps a bit obscure of an observation but for those of us who have customers who don't like the thought of having to stain the product year after year, this little detail is important. Keeping a piece of wood from weathering gray without a coating is thought impossible but the photos have been posted and we are wondering how it is possible. Our customers would love to know. Perhaps this NP-9 solution has something to do with it? What is it? Rod!~

sqft X sides (1,2 or inside/outside) The costs of wash and seal are computed separately based upon known times for completion (plus a factor to account for any site obstructions and obstacles which can extend job time), supplies needed, Chemicals required and sealant to be applied. Rod!~

We are torn....we're neck and neck between semi cedar and super cedar. I voted semi-cedar but it's really close! Beth

Jake, Never meant to take anything away from A/c. We use and love your product. I guess I just found it very unusual that the non sealed area of the wood (first thing I mentioned actually) did not gray after a period of time had elapsed that would normally allow for that visible aging on bare wood. We always tell our homeowners that the installation of any product will vary on their property, depending on a variety of factors. They seem to appreciate that. Have a great day all. I enjoy a lively debate. :groovy3: :cup: Beth

Man - this would have been a great poll..... For this kind of fence, square footage.... Beth

Jim said it!!! He said it!!!! They are testing at an angle for VERTICAL application! Siding! Rails! Vertical! Jimbo said: And the amount of life quoted on a typical can is ALWAYS listed at the vertical life, not the horizontal life. Ever notice that? It's ok to say you noticed that too.... :lol: My point is, a horizontal surface can't be represented diagonally. Period. If you test two or three boards, one horizontally, and one vertically and maybe another diagonally, you will get different results. Beth

My point is simple..... It's about more than the UV, it's about the rain, dew, pollen, plant debris etc that sit on a horizontal board and add to the deterioration. It's a more real life test because in real life the boards are not at a 40 degree angle. I'm sure it is all very scientific, but I don't think it actually best represents wear. That's my opinion. I'll ask you all this...how many of you (be honest) have ever looked at a can of any coating for exterior use and thought it silly that the claim for the life of the coating was as long as it was? How many of you knew at the time you took the can off of the shelf that it would not hold up that long? Are you raising your hands? And was the reason because you knew the lab test were not true to life? I rest my point. Have a great day. :cup: :groovy3: Beth

Yes, but in real life the deck floors are not at a 40 degree angle are they? No. Unless you build the thing while drunk..... :lol: In real life the floors are horizontal, the rails are vertical, and not diagonal. In real life you get direct sun on the floor, with the weather not having the ability to run off as easily....read that as if it rains, you may get puddles...etc. Rail systems always look better longer, and floors fail first. Floors take the wort UV beating. Floors by pools, even more so due to the light refracting off the water. Decks close to the ground have issues that decks on the second story do not. But none of them, are at a 40 degree angle. And in my opinion, a finish at a 40 degree angle will last longer, than a finish that is lying horizontal. Beth

Randy, Photos man, photos..... Beth

Ipe is an amazing hardwood. Not disputing that. But there is no escaping the fact that it will gray with direct exposure. This works to the advantage of folks like you and I who want the wood to have protection for as long as possible between trips. Prior to 2005, there were a number of products with higher longevity than we see today. But that's beside the point. sunlight causes UV graying - on all species installed outdoors when the wood is unprotected The following will affect the life of ANY product: rain snow wind abrasion from plants in proximity people/animal traffic extreme heat extreme cold amount of sun UV exposure spilled items like: BBQ grease, candle wax, food & beverages household cleaners when home owners try to resolve the above messes planter rings from pots and tree/shrub/flower debris But I am off track again.... UV exposure begins with construction. Beth :cup:

I would remove it, and say something like "I'm terribly sorry to have disturbed you, thank you for your time." and left. Nothing else to say. Beth

Those DO come in handy..... Beth

Looks good! Love that water view as well! Beth