big mike

Never heard of Purdell, but Landa is known for quality gear. Allison make some nice equipment (EnviroSpec), as do HydroTek and many others. I've also had very good luck with pressure pro skids, low cost + long lasting. I'd suggest a 16' box minimum. You will regret not having that extra couple of feet.

I give ours a once over every spring and that's it. Might spray off the floor if something gets spilled as well.

Exactly what I was thinking. Sure is pretty though. I've never been able to keep any of our rigs looking "new", even when they were new.

One of our trucks is ready for Christmas!! [ATTACH]14005[/ATTACH]

Maybe...... Here's my view; to replace lattice you need to go buy it, bring tools to remove the old and dispose of it, then install new lattice, and stain it (if it's wood). It may be cheaper, but time-wise, it takes MUCH longer. That's a lot of extra steps and time when I could just downstream a little more stripper, rinse a bit longer, apply a little more OX, then spray some extra stain. The only time I even offer to replace is if the lattice is completely shot. Otherwise, it's just part of the total square footage. (this pertains to deck skirting only) To each their own.....:)

Good point Celeste. I really don't mind lattice, and i'd rather clean and stain it than replace floor boards. Vinyl lattice is a good option. Tony, point out the moisture and mildew growth at the base of those skirt boards. They act like a wick and pull moisture from the ground. I'd give them another two - three years before they need replacement. So, it would be an easy up-sell for you, if you offered them lattice.

As much as people hate to deal with lattice, its a good option on low decks. You are correct that the deck needs airflow, but just adding a vent or drilling holes isn't going to have the effect you're looking for. The moisture needs to air out quickly for it to be effective, otherwise rot will happen. Let the homeowner decide if its more important for the solid skirt, or replacing deck boards in 5 years.

Vic, Yes caulk needs a good ambient temp of about 40 degrees normally to bond, so wait for warmer temps. As for not being able to get the caulk where you want it, I have to say that you need to get inventive on this. True, a caulking gun may not get the product where it needs to go because it's bulky, but a pair of surgical gloves and a finger application might just get it done for you. Apply generously and clean up the excess before it sets up and you should be OK.

Hi Vic, Are these plastic style gutters? If so, I've never had luck sealing them properly, and ultimately shelled out the dough for some seamless ones.

Well Marko, not to burst your bubble, but RV antifreeze costs about $2.00 - $3.00 a gallon, where as Green costs $6.00 - $8.00 per gallon. Plus, Mr Pink protects to lower temps than Mr Green. Win / win. Mr. Green will damage automotive systems if undiluted to 50/50. Once you dilute it, its good to -20. Mr pink can be used undiluted and protect to -50. An important factor if you live north of the Mason/Dixon. :lgcold:

My last dog drank antifreeze and died. Ethylene kills, its not some urban legend.

You guys should be using pink RV antifreeze (Propylene Glycol) It is easier on the seals in your pump and won't corrode like fittings like the the "green stuff" does. Also, the pink is rated at -50 degrees, but I wouldn't count on any manufaturers claims on that. I had the coil crack at -30, so now I make sure to clear the entire system, except pump, with air. Two other benefits of Pink over green: 1- pink doesn't kill animals 2-you can use it to boost sodium hydroxide.

I use air to clear the coils, lines, hoses, unloader, etc. I run antifreeze into the pump. Had a coil freeze and burst with RV antifreeze a couple of years back, and don't want to go through that EVER again. Also, there's a hex fitting on the bottom of most unloaders that you need to let the water out of, and pull the burst disc also.

I do this all the time as well.

Adrian, I'm not sure for your state, but in MN if you do any construction, you need a contractor license. That's why I don't build decks anymore, just do minor repairs. Congrats on getting the deck build. It can be very profitable.

Ed, welcome. I'll try to be gentile here, but you really need to use the search function at the top of the site for the answers you're looking for. Try a search for "deck cleaning" or "deck washing". You'll find a months worth of info, and good advice. If you need more specific answers, pictures always bring advice. Good luck..

Congrats Adrian.... As for the deck numbers, its really going to depend on what type of wood is going to be used. And lumber prices change almost daily, so that will be a factor. Gather as much info on design, size, and material, and you'll get some answers. I've done some deck construction myself, but not for several years now. Good luck.

Dan, you may want to hold off on your celebration just yet. The only reason the market is rebounding slightly, is the fact that its shopping season. When the final numbers come in in January, hold on to your hat. Also, what about the dollar losing over a third of it's value in one short year? I won't call the recession over until my dollar buys what it could in 2008. Our national debt is spiraling out of control, and the spending continues. This double dip your talking about is coming, but it won't be til next spring.

Andy, thanks. I have to admit, the market is ripe up here for roof cleaning. No one really does it (maybe 4-5 contractors that I know of) as a service. The insurance adjusters up here are very willing to just re-roof. Needless to say roofing contractors make bank. People in the north are unaware of the idea of roof cleaning, but I'm working on changing that. Very little competition equals higher prices (for the time being). Also, we don't pursue roofs like we do decks.

Now Jim, THAT was funny... My last response in this thread: 3 gal Chlorox Bleach, 2 gal H2O, big squirt of Dawn in a five gallon bucket. Mix. Apply to surface. Let sit for 5-10 minutes. Agitate (brush) if necessary. Rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse. Done. That is my basic homeowner "how do I clean this deck" procedure. Was that simple enough??

You crack me up...:lol: The only thing lame is the new guy coming on this forum and expecting answers just handed over. Let me explain something to you, and any other new contractor to come in here. First, use the search function at the top of the site. Most of these questions have been answered dozens of times, and failing to use due diligence will get you nothing but grief from the folks who really do help. Second, you have posted 12 times, and of those 12, only 2 are giving an answer or advice to a question. So I'd suggest taking some of your own advice and if you have nothing meaningful to contribute, don't feel obligated to critique answers given by true professionals. Lastly, It appears that no one can answer a post sufficiently to your standards. Forgive me if i don't take "the adams approach"..........

Here you go again. How could it be a joke for me, if I hadn't even posted in this thread yet?? You seem to have some problem with me, and that's fine, just keep it out of your responses to legitimate questions if possible.

OK, have it your way, no pass. You say that you're "hurt by my words"?? PLEEEEASE..... Now let's get one thing straight: You started the bad mouthing, not me. I posted a simple response to a question (6 months ago) but you felt it necessary to single out my response and tell me to quit running my mouth? Didn't think I'd respond? If you think for one minute that your comments won't be challenged or debated on a PROFESSIONAL contractor forum, you're sadly mistaken. I will suggest trying to keep it professional though.

The only mouth running is yours. The reason I don't like to post pricing on THE FORUM is simply because rookie contractors like yourself can come in and get easy info on pricing, without taking overhead into consideration. If you took a minute to check things out before trying to slam me, you'd see that I have extensive pricing available on my website for my customers. I realize that it would involve some actual work to check it out, and that's probably beyond your abilities. I'll give you a pass this time. My advice remains the same; charge whatever YOU need to make a profit, period.

lol......