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Beth n Rod reacted to 814jeffw in Good morning
I'm glad we live in a vanity filled world where everything has to be nice. Because my phone has been RINGING!! Always wonder how the cost of living is gonna effect my phone, but it still seems to be working just fine!!
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Beth n Rod reacted to Scott Paul in Need advice on sealing our deck
The problem is not in the products or the companies that make these silicon sealers. It is the restoration companies that market these products. They act as if this is the end all to your deck maintenance solution and it is far from it.
I carry a version of these products because in some instances it will have a purpose. By no means will I ever market it as the only thing you will need to do. If you want the wood to look good then you will need to do regular maintenance. Clean dirt and grime and apply a tinted stain/sealer to prevent graying.
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Beth n Rod reacted to Tmrrptr in Need advice on sealing our deck
Kevin, I think the molecular difference between wood and concrete is of such consequence that it is not a valid comparison.
But let me re-read your posts, and check your links first...
I just don't think Scotty is doing platinum replacement of cellulose structure in the transporter anymore.
But I could be wrong!
r
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Beth n Rod reacted to RPetry in Don't Let Your Builder Prep The Ipe Deck
Ken,
Looks like someone tried to sand just the butt joints to get off excess AnchorSeal.
Although, there are all those marks on the steps. Bad wood chisel work on plugs and spot sanding?
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Beth n Rod reacted to plainpainter in Don't Let Your Builder Prep The Ipe Deck
Do I see wand marks all over the place>? Still looks grey.
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Beth n Rod reacted to RPetry in Don't Let Your Builder Prep The Ipe Deck
Neil stated,
True, if you are countersinking without plugging. But ipe' plugs on an ipe' deck look way better than exposed SS fasteners. Don't see how countersinking to 3/8" or so has any structural effect when using 5/4 stock or better. Trimheads seem best.If countersinking and plugging is normal in NC, I hope the builders are getting a ton of $. What a tedious, time consuming job.
Why would you want to "undo" a countersunk and plugged ipe' deck? A light sanding is normal for us when first prepping ipe', whether stripped or unfinished, plugged or not.
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Beth n Rod reacted to PressurePros in Don't Let Your Builder Prep The Ipe Deck
Rick, how do you sand it? Do you use RO's or a floor sander?
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Beth n Rod reacted to Neil_Asheville in Don't Let Your Builder Prep The Ipe Deck
The 'undo' part is the spot sanding of plugs and the resulting effect after applying finish. I defur all ipe with Osborne, not a sanding, IMO.
Most projects I'm on have iron or cable railing...I like that combo of metal / wood. The face screws (when done neatly) looks good...to me! When plugs are sanded and oil applied, sanded spots stand out as shiney against a mostly matte finish. Most ipe decks get the EBTY's here and trim boards are sunk and plugged.
/neil
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Beth n Rod reacted to RPetry in Don't Let Your Builder Prep The Ipe Deck
Ken,
We use 7" R.O.'s with 60 grit Klingspor paper, usually two of us so it goes pretty fast. Most times very light, it seems to go about as fast as a Makita and 3M pads.
Neil,
Have yet to try an Osbourn brush. Know McMaster Carr has something very similar and one of their distribution centers is about 6 miles away. Is it faster than 3M pads?
Do it for all hardwoods. Stripped a mahogany Aussie oil job today and will give it a quick sanding tomorrow if the weather stays dry.
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Beth n Rod reacted to Neil_Asheville in Don't Let Your Builder Prep The Ipe Deck
You kjnow, Rick, I haven't tried the defelting pads on ipe. Once I started using the osbornes I didn't look back. Those things just might work with the smooth surface and nothing to snag on. Hated those things on splinters or nail heads!
You might find the 60grit is overkill on ipe. I do about 1000ft an hour defurring with the osborne, makes for a far better finish on ipe.
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Beth n Rod reacted to A and J POWERWASHING in Black ?Mold? on rock house????
if it was mold it would have came out , it might be some type of mineral in the rock it might just be a you have to live with it thing some time that sucks
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Beth n Rod reacted to Adrian in Black ?Mold? on rock house????
... or it could be a core section from a larger stone that has ions of mineral deposit buildup. The deeper you dig the more you expose. Texas has layers of cleeche SP? before you get to any layers of solid rock.
Cool to see another lone star on the board.
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Beth n Rod reacted to Washaway in Black ?Mold? on rock house????
could also be oil deposits in the stone itself. Had a client who bought cheap flagstone and he found out why it was cheap after it was layed around the pool.
Bit of degreaser pulled it all out.
question is why only that one stone...or are there more of it's kind?
btw, that looks like it's a piece from an entirely different batch.
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Beth n Rod reacted to homer in Acr Roundtable To Have An Open Forum On A New Organization !
...it would be wise not to hitch your horses to any Vendor, Manufacturer or Distributor. Remember how the PWNA was started? It reminds me of something my father once told me... 'more often than not - behind the guise of most unselfish acts lies a selfish motive.'
If you are going to do something I would only hope that you do it as a group of contractors completely away from any influences, recommendations of anyone other than those of you who the organization will be formed to benefit.
There should be no rewards for those of us who are not full-time contractors other that to give all an even playing field to display our products and tell our story.
I would also suggest that the BOD be made up ONLY of a group of contractors dedicated to serve two Masters - the organization they were elected to manage and their individual business. Those who own BBS's, sell equipment, chemical, etc. should support your efforts by passing on information and helping to educate the industry. Then and only then will you have an organization that is not destined to fail.
As a Distributor and Manufacturer I have always wanted to share our knowledge without any strings attached and I am sure that if you gave all of us at the distributor level an equal shot you would find yourselves with an organization free of any illusions that somewhere there is a 'puppet master' with something to gain from all your hard work. Without that commitment I fear that you will be just like everyone else who has not taken such precautions and find yourselves replacing members rather than growing your organization and being alienated at the Mfg - Dist levels.
Whatever you decide - think it through very carefully and amongst yourselves over a cup of coffee at the local diner if need be rather than in the presence of those who could be viewed as someone with something to gain.
Good luck,
John
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Beth n Rod reacted to bkwelker in Acr Roundtable To Have An Open Forum On A New Organization !
Very good points by Mr. Kramer and Mr. Allison.
My business is about 60/40 window cleaning/pressure washing and I happen to currently sit on the board of the IWCA as well as serve as President of the Association of United Window Cleaners. While both of these organizations seek out and welcome associate members (manufacturers & distributors), their membership does not carry voting privileges, nor can they sit on the board in anything other than an advisory capacity.
I can tell you personally that as a matter of policy both organizations bend over backwards to not show even a hint of favoritism of one associate member over another even if it means passing up what may have been an attractive opportunity of some sort - exclusive sponsorships, etc.
I think that policy has proven itself to be directly responsible for some measure of both organization's successes and would seem to be only appropriate.
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Beth n Rod reacted to Pams Pressure & Clean in Acr Roundtable To Have An Open Forum On A New Organization !
All,
I would like to take the opportunity to weigh in on this topic as I have been named a player in it. Hopefully, I can fill in some of the blanks, shed light on some bits of dim information and otherwise prove to answer some questions.
FYI, .... I'm probably going to get long here so there it is, you've been warned.
First I'd like to thank those who have called and e-mailed me recently to ask about the goings on. I hope I have helped you and also look forward to hearing from anyone else who wants to talk.
As to the formation of a new org, I'd like to say this..Thanks for thinking of us. It really means a lot that some folks think us worthy. Second, be careful what you ask for. Brian and I are known for speaking our mind, standing for the right, and fighting hard for what we belive. This has caused us some trouble recently and our personalities aren't likely to change :)
John and Jack make good points and I'd agree with much of what they both have said, although I'd also add the counter argument (more for argument's sake and to provoke thought and discussion) that by barring all of the types mentioned, you'll end up barring many qualified individuals. Not that there aren't other qualified folks out there, but those that are hiding need to now come out in the open.
It is also of paramount importance that we seek to include those outside of our own sphere of influence. Sure, Beth has many whom she can reach out to via this BBS, but how many more can John reach..and Barb & Tom, and all the others. The potential number of contractors and contacts is staggering. Ignoring the value that distributors and Mfg's bring is to the peril of any org.. John is dead on the money with his observation that dist's and mfg's should be involved but not in management. The history lesson is there for anyone who cares to look.
I'd caution anyone to move slowly in the pursuit of a new org.. Moving fast for the sake of moving or acting with emotion instead of reason can have less than desirable results. Brian and I have been involved in discussions (more as consultants than anything) with folks who have suggested a new org. and who are dedicated to making something positive happen. More than anything we have both said over and over again.."Don't be in a hurry".
It is necessary for many things to happen and here is my own personal list (which is open for revision if need be) of the minimums.
A business plan - Before the pursuit of any endeavor, a plan must exist. Be it a trip away for vacation, a new profit center for your own business, or in this case, a new organization. A well thought out and documented plan must be in place. This plan would include market research, marketing plans, sales plans, revenue forecasts, and all the other standard items that any responsible businessperson would have.
Solid market research - As alluded to in number one, it would only make logical sense that prior to bringing a product to market, a responsible manager would have the facts and figures to support the move. Further, but more importantly, for it to be successful, the org would HAVE to know what it is that the potential membership would want, and also whether or not they could actually provide those benefits.
Complete transparency - Not only ethically required, but lawfully required. No back door deals, no closet contracts, no B.S.
Cash - It takes money to make things happen. A new org will have to have a solid bankroll to deliver the things we think are necessary. Examples would be marketing materials (good stuff too... not just some lame logo or limp pamphlet), basic forms, basic safety plans, business assitance and education materials, lead generation tools, negotiated rates with advertizers, etc. This all takes clout. Clout starts with cash in hand.
Controversy need not apply - A tough stance to take, but echoed by all who have participated in the discussions to date. This means that demonstrably polarizing individuals, or individuals who have a clear history of attacks, negativity, downright meanness or other socially unacceptable behaviors simply cannot be in leadership positions. Placing people like this, no matter how popular they may be, in a position of power leads to the demoralization of the org, casts a shadow of doubt among the members, and dims the effectiveness of the org in the public eye.
Education - Contrary to current practices in existing organizations, a properly empowered and designed org must be a clearinghouse for education and the free market must decide who does or who does not participate. This is Brian's baby, and I agree with him.. but I'm writing this so I'm going to put it out here.. The org should have the responsibility to its members to ferret out viable and practical educational opportunities. Members should have the power to define what they want in an educational opportunity, both in topic and content. The org should present a set of minimum standards, curriculum requirements, etc. When a potential educator meets those requirements then, the org can say to a member "Companies A,B, and C offer this training and here is the contact information for each." Further, the org has the responsibility to monitor these educators and if they fail to meet acceptable standards, the org should have the power to solve the problem. There is more to this, but Brian needs to take the lead here. This is really the minimum of where I'm at.. There is more, but I really don't want to write a novel.
For those who have read this far, Brian and I have agreed to host some "Town Hall" style meetings for anyone who wants to pursue this effort.
This one at Tom's place is one of those and is geared to the Northeast segment. We also want to do one in the South (I'm in Atlanta Ga. so near me would be great), one in the Midwest, and one on the West Coast.
Volunteers, Locations, and help is needed at every one of these so feel free to contact me or Brain for more info.
We'll also be announcing a date for a giant conference call to do the same thing and save travel money.
Here's the basics---
This is a Town Hall meeting to explore the possibility and potential for a new power wash association.. Not a bashing session against anyone else. If you have good solid input, ideas, or plans, this is the place to have your voice heard. If you want to pick a fight with an org or an individual that you are not happy with.. sorry, this ain't the place. Call your rep from whatever org (or the person) you are having an issue with and take your problem up with them. We can't solve it and we can't waste time trying.
Be bold with your ideas and have them thought out and ready for scrutiny. NOTHING is off the table, but the table is of limited size. Therefore only the best ideas will stay. If you have a good idea and it stands the test, then it can come to fruition. Think about things like planning, implementations, costs, budgets, follow-up. These are challenges that need to be overcome.
Get involved. If you want to facilitate change, you must act. It's a law of nature. Nothing happens without something else happening first. If YOU want a new org, then YOU have to make it happen.
Ok... That's it.. I'm spent
P.S. I'm available for anyone to talk with. Please remember that like many of you successful contractors, I'm a busy guy, so if I don't answer the phone and you really want to talk.. you have to leave a message.. I will call you back as soon as I'm able. (Eastern time, not after 9 pm too please...)
770-318-1032 (mobile)
Regards to all,
Cujo
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Beth n Rod reacted to Greg R in Hhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeellllp!!!!!!!!!
The house needs restripped. The streaks your seeing are not streaks but remaining finish. The contractor needs to allow for additional dwell and apply more stripper and should KEEP stripping until the surface is uniform. Then and only then brighten, buff, and borate. I WOULD NOT allow it to be sealed as it is.
EDIT: Should probably read the whole thread first :)
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Beth n Rod reacted to FCPWLLC in New feature - You Tube
Like this? Video How to attatch pictues on the Grime Scene.
Cool......
[yt]3VvbouXlTh0[/yt]
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Beth n Rod reacted to Barry M in Surface cleaner help
About 10 o'clock on the swivel there is a perfect little hole. I don't know if it was there before, if there was a bolt/plug in there, why it's there now, or how it even got there but all my water flow wants to spray out of that hole instead of my nozzles. Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.
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Beth n Rod reacted to newlook in Cleaner Times Magazine wants to know... and needs your help.
Concrete and Landscaping installs. I will email the details directly to Cleaner Times :)
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Beth n Rod reacted to Keep It Clean in Cleaner Times Magazine wants to know... and needs your help.
A Full Service Pressure Washing,plus Lawn Service.
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Beth n Rod reacted to FCPWLLC in Cleaner Times Magazine wants to know... and needs your help.
Non Pressure Roof Cleaning and Interior Cleaning Service (Maid, Janitorial)
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Beth n Rod reacted to Jeff in Cleaner Times Magazine wants to know... and needs your help.
Gutter cleaning.
Some of the best money I make is from gutter cleaning at condo complexes. quarterly, bi annuallt and anually,
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Beth n Rod reacted to smb181 in Cleaner Times Magazine wants to know... and needs your help.
Carpet cleaning