Ryan556

Don't even get me started on workman's comp......
Just remember, owners CAN exclude themselves. That does help some.
 
Beth

NY & the closest we come to doing KEC is eating at restaurants; )

Looks like fun! :onthego:

If the lattice is that thin, it would actually be cheaper to just replace it.
Seriously.
Lattice runs about $35-$40 for a 4x8 sheet.
Stripping it would cost several times that. Plus, you face the potential that it will just come apart anyway.
More aggravation and the customers perception isn't as good if they think you should have thought of that in
the first place.
Once you replace it, staining it will look better and last longer and the customer will consider you more in touch with
your work.
 
Back to you~
 
Rod

Shane, I really have to thank you. I have added butyl based degreasers to my mix, but its always a premixed product. Thanks a million times for posting that. I have it bookmarked and will be ordering next week. I have to say that your advice, both in forums and on the phone, have made me money. I truly appreciate your help.

Here is my 10 day forecast.
 
Today Mar 19 48°F
31°F
PM Rain
Chance of rain: 90% Wind: SSE at 20 mphDetails Thu Mar 20 34°
24°
Snow Shower / Wind
Chance of snow: 50% Wind: WSW at 26 mph Snowfall <1 inDetails Fri Mar 21 40°
33°
Partly Cloudy
Chance of rain: 10% Wind: WSW at 12 mphDetails Sat Mar 22 38°
21°
Snow Shower
Chance of snow: 60% Wind: WSW at 15 mphDetails Sun Mar 23 26°
13°
Few Snow Showers
Chance of snow: 30% Wind: NW at 14 mphDetails Mon Mar 24 25°
19°
Cloudy
Chance of precip: 0% Wind: WNW at 14 mphDetails Tue Mar 25 33°
19°
Few Snow Showers
Chance of snow: 30% Wind: SW at 11 mphDetails Wed Mar 26 27°
15°
Scattered Snow Showers
Chance of snow: 30% Wind: WNW at 13 mphDetails Thu Mar 27 39°
29°
Partly Cloudy
Chance of precip: 10% Wind: SW at 11 mphDetails Fri Mar 28 46°
36°
Scattered Showers
 
 
 
 
 
I am ready to move. Right now. RIGHT NOW!

hahaha yeah. I have been pretty busy. Just got back in town and have to leave again Friday to go get a new work truck. I really need to focus on this thing!

I would like to add that there are situations and conditions one needs to consider when recommending a either water or oil based.
 
Taking into account these 'environmental' factors will help you to avoid some problems but not all.
 
Hottubs on a deck for example. This could lead to high mildew growth on many oil based products and make it harder to clean and maintain,
whereas an acrylic would fair better, be easier to clean and maintain and last longer.
 
North facing decks are a great candidate for acrylics.
South facing decks are going to require oils.
 
Why?
Well, northern facing decks tend to be more shaded and have a higher probability of mildew growth. Acrylics can perform better and last longer in these situations which equates
to longer intervals between maintenance (except for light cleaning by the h.o.)
 
Oil based products are a benefit for the sun baked decks and while they perform differently according to formulation, they are easier to maintain than acrylics which would peel and flake
in these conditions, especially on the floors.  Acrylics work great on the rails, but oil is better on the floors. This is another way to save the customer on maintenance. Limit their maintenance to the horizontals and make the verticals last longer.
 
This of course equates to a 2-tone price application but in the long run, it is worth it for the customer and the deck.
 
Rod

 
 
I could see you 2 snowbirding down the road. Especially you Ryan. 173.5" of snow so far--Thats sick.
When I get my FLA house down the road I may make it party central for guys like yourself to come sit in the sun in the smack of winter....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh:)

GLBrown, Welcome, and please add your signature. House rules.
 
Actually, oils will penetrate deeper that a water based product will, but having said that, there remain when to use what and the question of durability.
These are not cookie cutter answers.
 
Beth

Bite Me Old Man Winter.....Lol!!!

Water based puts what I like to call a "thin candy shell" on the surface. It looks great at first, but ultimately starts to scratch, chip and peel away from the surface; normally requiring a strip (which is difficult with acrylics) and restain. Since it doesn't really penetrate, it also doesn't give the wood fibers the moisture it needs, which leads to splitting, cracking and warping.
 
On the other hand, a true oil based stain (I prefer A/C brand) pentrates deep into the surface, bonding with the fibers of the wood. This prevents that scratching, chipping and peeling. The oil also conditions the wood, keeping that needed moisture there to avoid splitting and cracking. It can even help seal up cracks that have already happened due to lack of moisture. And when it comes time to re-stain it, it just requires a simple wash before staining (providing you are applying the same color stain...and obviously those two steps aren't done same day).

I'm about to be a POG. Just had a re-evail for TDRL and all went well. Should get my letter in a couple months and then I will be joining the Guard when I get to Virginia. The wife said yes to going back in, but no to going back to the Infantry....We'll see...No more active duty (not counting deployments) for this guy either. I did a few years in the Guard in the beginning of my career (99-02). It was boring....boring is good I guess.
 
 
Anyhow, sorry for hijacking the thread...back on topic, everyone...NOW!

^^^this. I agree, Rod. It seems like the orgs are always "at war" with each other. It seems kind of dumb to me. I came to this site due to the lack of name calling, bashing and all around "internet tough guy" knowitall crap that exists on a few other forums.

^^^this. I agree, Rod. It seems like the orgs are always "at war" with each other. It seems kind of dumb to me. I came to this site due to the lack of name calling, bashing and all around "internet tough guy" knowitall crap that exists on a few other forums.

I like forums better because there is much less politics and more networking and civil discussion by contrast.
 
Rod

Today will be my first real day back at the gym in over 7yrs. I'm going to try and slow down my aging process or die trying lol. Hardest part to me is always just getting there. I took a 7 yr break so now my body is saying "Hey you lazy SOB get your azz to the gym"..lol
Who's been working out and who's going to start like me?

That is called the tuff molder.

Holy crap ! Is the tuff muddier for old fat Power Washers ?

That's an amazing and also inspiring story Ryan. Thanks for that. Now I'm even more motivated.

Every month I have to clean this boat ramp - worse than the view is being interrupted by people wanting to use the ramp, I just have to stare wistfully as they sail off into the sunset. I should charge more for the pain and suffering  :playful:
 
John

That is exactly how we do it as well. 
 
Allison was kind enough to use a picture of my son Zach rinsing out a gutter after scooping the debris.
 
A link to the magazine http://issuu.com/pccmag/docs/eclean_issue_18/1

As far as gutter whitening, I would like to see product comparisons. Gutter Grenade, Gutter zap, super clean..etc etc. Maybe in different temps too.
 
With clean outs, I would like to see how people are doing the job. I use the old fashioned bucket and rubber glove method. Then I run a hose down the downspouts. Works every time.
 
I've heard of people using vacuum systems on them. I would like to see the effectiveness of that.

dove season opened a couple weeks ago. If you havent dove hunted its a chalenge. But they eat good. Im old school. Im about processing your own food. Like Allison's daughter said. Its the circle of life. Ducks, deer, fish an occacional hog. Its all good.
 
Doug and Richard, I miss Elk hunting from when I lived in Colorado.

Great pics!  Typical Colorado.  Lemme guess - Mt Evans or Lost Creek?  Spent most of my life in or near the Rockies - you won't need a firearm for grouse in N Montana or much of Alaska.  You can kill all you can eat with a rock or a stick.  That's why they are 'fool hens'.  Same with fishing - carry a handline in your pocket for all the fish you can catch.  In the summer 'survival' is very easy.
Richard