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jtrenta

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Posts posted by jtrenta

  1. Posted · Report reply

    Gary - The shutters look good with the Armour All high gloss product. My question is how long will it last? I don't have complete info on the product but typical Armor All is a short term solution.

    I'm the Restora marketing guy for Flood, so I can hook you up with a sample if you're interested in trying it. It's an emulsified oil/acrylic product that penetrates into the profile well (ever hear of Penetrol? That's the technology behind it.). You can expect to get 5 yrs. out of it. It's easy to apply. We have a semi gloss sheen. Let me know if you'd like some - send me an e-mail at jtrenta@flood.com.

    Thanks,

    John

  3. Posted · Report reply

    So, after "4-5 years", does it simply fade away, or does it crack and peal like CWF? Will we need to strip a house/shutter in order to re-apply?

    Restora won't peel away, but will slowly lose it's luster. After 4-5 years it can just be reapplied (after prep, of course).

    There's lots of discussion on whether it does or doesn't make sense for some contractors. That's great feedback, and the truth is that it isn't for everyone (just like gutter scrubbing or window cleaning). Some guys don't want to hassle with ladders, which is understandable, but pros that don't mind have been successful with Restora. I'm not familiar with the wax that is sprayed on shutters to make them look new, but I can tell you that Restora on shutters has superior long-term performance. Again, it just depends on your business model. It's good for the industry to have options!

  4. Posted · Report reply

    How long does restora last? Judging from the wet look it has upon completion, it looks like a house sealer or atleast a waxy substance. Will it still look lusterous the following season?

    Terry is correct. Depending on the locale and the environment, you're looking at about 4-5 years, although we've had it on some dark shutters for over 5 years in testing and they still look good.

    It is not a waxy material, but an acrylic finish. If you are familiar with Flood Penetrol and how it penetrates into surfaces, then you could equate that with the Restora finish. On a properly prepped surface, free of oxidation and contaminants, it will get deep down into the surface profile.

  5. Posted · Report reply

    I spoke with Mr. Carter yesterday and he told me that some were getting as much as 25.00 per shutter.

    I'd estimate that $15-20 is the most accurate range contractors are charging, and are being very profitable. It depends on the size and type of shutter, and what market you are in.

  6. Posted · Report reply

    Walk away.

    Years ago, I used to brush every house no matter what. Not anymore. If the siding is very old & oxidised, you brush and charge accordingly. If the cust dont wanna pay the price for neglecting there house, oh well.

    If you dont get your brakes fixed in time, its extra $ when you finally do!

    If you dont wash your house when your supposed to, its extra $ when you finally do!

    That's the perfect response. If they don't want to ante up, then they'll have to live with it. Pay me now or pay me later.

  7. Posted · Report reply

    There's two options here on using Restora, since it is a 2-part system. The Restora Concentrated Cleaner (step 1) will remove the oxidation. You would mix a gallon of bleach to a gallon of Concentrated Cleaner, and apply in through chemical injector at around 5 to 1. Let dwell for about 12-15 minutes (don't let it dry), then pressure wash it off panel by panel. It's good to do it in sections. It takes longer, so you should definitely charge more if they are willing to pay extra - this is a premium service so homeowner should be made aware of the labor implications if they want the look.

    The Restora finish (step 2) may not be applicable for all vinyl siding. Light colored siding is not a good candidate, nor is extremely old siding or cheaper grades. However, for darker colored shutters, and some darker shades of siding that has faded, the Restora finish works great to bring back color, as Terry from Tegray indicated.

  8. Posted · Report reply

    I think the key to unlocking this thing is the efficiency of application. I am not sure why it was mentioned that the product has to be backbrushed. If it is a penetrating sealant could it be sufficiently atomized through an HVLP or airless as to leave a decent finish? The contracor brochure states that it can be applied in less time than paint. Now we've never painted vinyl but we have painted porches and columns with some Penetrol and a S/W oil (via HVLP) and the finish looked baked on. Is your recommendation of backbrushing for the masses and CYA or is it mandatory?

    Ken -

    Through our experiences with working with the product, we know that backbrushing does 2 things: 1) smooths out drips and areas of excess product delivery, and 2) ensures penetration of the finish into the vinyl profile (whether it is the faux "grain", or profile caused by the weathering and cleaning process). Yes, you can use an HVLP to apply, but you may lose production efficiency by trying to be more deliberate in your application. We recommend delivering the product through an airless (in sections), followed by a quick backbrushing. You'd be surprised how fast the process is, and you can get into the hard to reach areas easier.

    Thanks,

    John

  9. Posted · Report reply

    I agree with Ken on this. I can't make my numbers work when trying to compare to the cost of just replacing the Shutters (including Labor) I have a hard time believing that I can sell this at the same profit margin that I see with simple cleanings. Wouldn't want to expend resources toward marketing a service that has a low profit margin. Would be a better use of time, energy and money to market just House washes. Let the home owners restore or find a handyman that works on lower profit margins have the work.

    Again, its not for everyone, and that's OK. However, I encourage to try the product to see the results.

    -John

  10. Posted · Report reply

    John,

    It was mentioned that the cleaner was developed to work in synergy with the sealer/restorer. Profitability comes into question on a couple of fronts. Understanding that everyone thinks their housewash is the best lets say my formulation falls short of the Restora cleaner's ability to remove oxidation. I have two options. Change my technique and utilize your cleaner (which adds expense to my housewash cost thereby lowering my margin on it). Or, add a secondary wash for the areas upon which I want to use Restora. Again, this adds time especially since we are talking about going around all four sides of the house with equipment.

    The second part I question is in the margin of the service itself. Using Flood's example of a $300 housewash and a $300 add-on shutter restoration.. An average profit margin might be about 75% (on the housewash). Factoring in the cost of product, labor time, additional Workman's comp for having guys on a ladder, and realistic production rate I come in with an estimate of about 20% margin (for the add-on). So now to make it worthwhile, the add-on in Flood's example needs to at least triple in price to remain on the same plane of what we need to earn.

    How can I overcome this obstacle?

    Ken -

    Both really good questions, and its difficult to try to have one answer to satisfy all pressure washers professionals, and it will be a never ending debate. The examples we use are averages we used from many contractors that probably doesn't fit everyone because of differences in where they do business.

    Based on the feedback we've received from contractors that apply the Restora, both on shutters and siding, the profitability is strong, and their output is high. Because many pressure washers have established production methods, this opportunity may not be for everyone, and that's OK. However, we believe this is a a service that some contractors can use as an upsell to certain deck restoration or house washing jobs. Homeowners are amazed at the results, and its a great way to make some extra bucks.

    -John

  11. Posted · Report reply

    Do you have to remove the shutters from the house to restore them?

    Joe -

    You can absolutely leave the shutters on the house. Since Restora is a clear finish, you don't have to worry when it comes in contact with anything else. Just wipe up with a wet rag and you're fine.

    -John

  12. Posted · Report reply

    The cleaner in my kit says sodium metasilicate. Since that is my go-to chemical for housewashing I am assuming my regular housewash is enough prep?

    Ken - our experience with the sodium metasilicate is that it is a good prep product for shutters, but you may have to scrub to remove chalking and oxidation, which is the key to restoring the color. The Restora concentrated cleaner doesn't require scrubbing. As you know, pressure washing skill always is the determining factor. Guys with poor workmanship tend to fail.

  13. Posted · Report reply

    Bill -

    While I'm glad the homeowner you dealt with liked the shutter job you did, it sounds like the lo lustre you used didn't give you the sheen level you desired. We recommend the Semi-Gloss to give it a higher sheen, and if you ever have the opportunity to restore vinyl siding, use the lo lustre.

    We have gallon and 5 gallon sizes for contractors that would reduce your product costs. A gallon of semi gloss can cover 650 sq. ft. (average gal. of paint = 350 sq. ft), which allows you to do about 64 shutters (the kit can do 16). Tom Vogel at ACR can source that for you. The kit is more for that daring DIY'er that wants to climb a ladder.

    -John

  15. Posted · Report reply

    As the Flood Co. Product Manager, I appreciate the interest in Restora. We have sent out Restora samples to many pressure washing professionals to introduce what we believe is a good business opportunity for those interested. A Restora shutter restoration job can be a great upsell on many house washing jobs, and is a strong value proposition for homeowners vs. alternatives (replacement and painting). Since pressure washing pros are experts on surface preparation, this can be a natural add-on. It's also a nice segue into vinyl siding restoration if the opportunity presents itself.

    Tom has been through training and is correct in saying that it is easy to apply (similar to painting, but much more forgiving and can be applied in 1/2 the time, with very little setup/cleanup time). The key is showing homeowners how it can transform the color of the shutters, which refreshes the entire look of the house after a quality house washing. Just a small demo on a corner of a shutter can do it.

    While a few hardware stores stock Restora as a DIY solution, we do believe that contractor application makes the best sense. Our NE region Field Rep., Damian Mauro, and our Pro Product Trainer, Bill Gradisher, will be in attendance at the ACR Roundtable this weekend. They are both great guys and can answer all your questions on Restora, and any other Flood products.

    If you didn't receive a Restora sample and would like one, please send me an e-mail with your company name and shipping address, and I'll send it out next week. My e-mail address is jtrenta@flood.com. Also, I can answer any other detailed questions you may have.

    Thanks,

    John Trenta

  16. Posted · Report reply

    I really like the message you are trying to communicate - good job there. I think the picture is somewhat disconnected from the message, though. Maybe you could come up with an alternate image to support what you're trying to get across.

    Postcards are an OK vehicle for communication, but for this channel of customer it may get lost in the shuffle of numerous mailings they get daily. Another approach to this targeted customer may be a more formal presentation of your services, including references, photos of successful jobs, and a detailed description of your services. It might speak louder than a postcard...

  17. Posted · Report reply

    I'd recommend Charleston, SC. It's a beautiful southern city, lots of history, unbelievable architecture, shopping, food (that's my favorite), and plenty to do. They have museums, an aquarium, tours (so you don't have to walk), many hotels to choose from, and if she wants to dip her feet in the ocean, Sullivan's Island & Isle of Palms are only 20 minutes away.

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