John Orr

While heat, over time, will degrade chlorine, the few seconds it takes to get through the hose will not. I have been washing with heat for almost 8 years. I started washing with cold water, and it works fine, but...like doing the laundry, hot water and bleach better and faster.

What Scott said. I'll add that if you want to downstream any higher than 10' or 12', buy a 1/4" male quick connect with a female mpt and add a 1/4" air chuck with male mpt. The two pieces should run about $5. 100' of hose makes more sense and keep the 50' as a spare. The fewer connections, the fewer possible leaks and the less you'll need to relocate the machine. If you develop a leak, the hose can be repaired.

I may not be an "expert" in downstreaming, but I've been doing it for almost 10 years. I actually have 5 downstreaming tips, all of which I make myself. Their use depends on circumstances, distance, wind and strength of mix. 6% mixed with "herbs and spices" will work fine, just may take a little longer for dwell time and/or multiple applications. Heated water (about 120*) will speed-up the process regardless of the strength of the mix. If you need to run more than 150' or 200' of pressure hose, the downstreamer can be inserted in-line at any point. (Watch the direction of flow arrow!) P.S. I'll be speaking on house washing at the ***** Convention in Orlando next month and will be giving away verbal and physical tips for downstreaming.

Looking at the picture on their website, it looks like they're using a surface cleaner on a shingle roof! My guess would be that the "sham-poo" is sodium hydroxide (a degreaser on asphalt shingles??!!). There are a number of such products on the market.

As I always tell my stipping customers, I use as low a pressure as possible, though 8 gpm helps!

Dan, the strippers I mentioned have antifreeze in them, plus sodium hydroxide and surfactants. Works pretty well in a pinch, particularly on the verts.

You might try adding either Behr's or Flood's Deck Stripper to your mix. (The Flood is thinner) I accidentally discovered that adding this stuff to a hot mix will help to penetrate. Worth the $20 to try.

Jamie, Ken didn't just "respond", he gave you (and all that read his post) an education! Thanks Ken and thanks Jamie for asking the question.

Downstreaming 12.5 will work just fine - and no danger of killing anything. Allow a few minutes to dwell, then follow-up with a pump-up of 3% for the spots. Using this method, no rinsing is needed. (I am assuming the customer doesn't want the concrete completely cleaned, just the stains removed.) This method has worked for me for almost 10 years, so it should work for you. P.S. ShureKleen 800 (pretty sure) and Ferrous Stain Remover (sure) will reverse acid "burns". P.P.S Is it Pee-Can or Peh-Kahn? ;)

Offering available start dates that are about a week or so out also gives that "sense of urgency". So when you call back, let them know that you are setting next weeks schedule and wanted to know if they wanted to be in it. When I first started, when asked what my next opening was, I never said "today" or "tomorrow". My "next available" was always a week out...even if I had nothing scheduled. I always offered to "squeeze them in" sooner. People - myself included - like dealing with busy people.

Actually, looks more like a coffee drinker in withdrawal! (Or me with my meds!)

Sorry, I just read Beth's spider post and I'm sitting here in the hospital - slightly high - after having a new knee installed...due to an accident a year ago. (Not my fault - she admits to hitting the gas instead of the brake.) This situation is why God allows lawyers to exist.

Was he the crack spider?

Not sure which spider I am this morning!

Pat, I think I speak for many when I say "Thank you" for addressing this issue directly with those of us that work with your product. Our cleaning customers are yours as well, so its to all of our advantage to make and keep them happy.

Wow! I know its been a cold summer, but is that really snow on the ground? lol

Pat, Its been a while, but your company has hired me in the past to perform warranty cleanings for TREX decking. As you stated, pressure washing is a no-no for ALL composite decking. Regular cleaning will keep it looking good, though the dreaded "black spots" keep me busy. Are you still recommending sealing?

What's an x-jet? (Brett Favre? Why would I need him to help me wash a house? ;)

Assuming this is pressure treated decking, it may be possible to "erase" these marks by using low-pressure (less than 1000 psi) and a wide spray pattern. Working perpendicular to the marks, start about 8" out and work your way closer, moving the wand quickly from one side of each board to the other. Stay within the gaps and keep the wand moving. You may not be able to remove all of the marks, but you can lessen their appearance. If you don't feel comfortable with my suggestion, sanding will work. Use a coarse grit and wear a mask - especially if the PT wood is older than 3 or 4 years.

My general rule of thumb is 1 hour per 1000 sq ft. A typical 2500 sq ft house will take about 2 1/2 hours - including drive/walks and brushing gutters.

How are you applying your mix?

Never heard that before. What's the reasoning behind it?

Life is good with AC! Awesome work. What color is that, or did you create one?

If that roof is anywhere near the deck you just finished, I would recommend against cleaning it.

Sounds like the tip you are using is clogged. Try a different one.