Want to POWER WASH? - READ THIS 1st

[FCPWLLC]

Originally Posted by garyslawn

been in lawn business 25 years, only pressure wash my equipment & home. Question is. How do you get the dark stains of the gutters... Thanks

I like either sodium hydroxide/butyl mix brushed on and rinsed or Potasium Hydroxide. Can't let it dry though. Or go to strong.

[kyfireman2004]

What is that stuff..........Is that what you make bombs out of........

[CCPC]

Originally Posted by garyslawn

been in lawn business 25 years, only pressure wash my equipment & home. Question is. How do you get the dark stains of the gutters... Thanks

An easy butyl chem that works well that you can buy right off the shelf is Purple Power. Brush it on and rinse immediately with low/no pressure. Be careful what you drip it on because it can fade certain painted surfaces if the surface is dry, or not rinsed off quickly.

[Barry M]

I thought I used low pressure at 3-400psi on vinyl siding, but Mike is the king of low pressure power washing.

Barry Maddox
Midwest Pro Wash
Power Washing Goshen, IN and Low Pressure Roof Cleaning Contractor

[CCPC]

Originally Posted by Barry M

I thought I used low pressure at 3-400psi on vinyl siding, but Mike is the king of low pressure power washing.

Barry Maddox
Midwest Pro Wash
Power Washing Goshen, IN and Low Pressure Roof Cleaning Contractor

That's what I use when I pressure wash exteriors in Jacksonville Florida, about 300-400psi.

[divine190]

Originally Posted by CCPC

That's what I use when I pressure wash exteriors in Jacksonville Florida, about 300-400psi.

What about Jacksonville?
What can be done to prevent the vinyl sidings from looking dry, except wax coat what would give them lustre?

[CCPC]

Originally Posted by divine190

What about Jacksonville?
What can be done to prevent the vinyl sidings from looking dry, except wax coat what would give them lustre?

That's where I run my pressure washing Company, Jacksonville Florida

[precisionpower]

Originally Posted by Barry M

I thought I used low pressure at 3-400psi on vinyl siding, but Mike is the king of low pressure power washing.

Barry Maddox
Midwest Pro Wash
Power Washing Goshen, IN and Low Pressure Roof Cleaning Contractor

Barry, your website is the king of pressure washing websites! I use to use around 400-500 psi, but then by chance I called Mike K. Last year, and he knows his stuff. I now use 50-100 psi, get it done much quicker, and make alot more money!

[blake101]

Originally Posted by jbmillion

I operate both a landscaping company as well as a power washing company. These are some quick tips to preserve the professionalism and price points in powerwashing. Remember, you guys know as well as I do that it sucks to loose a lawn to someone cutting any size lawn for $20. It goes the same for power washers loosing a $300-400+ job to someone who will attempt to do it for 100 bucks or less. $40-50 per man hour may be ok for lawns which are a repetitive business (weekly or bi-weekly, $1000+ over the season per customer) but its not enough for powerwashing which will only be an annual or bi-annual service. Please read these tips and do some research. WE ALL want to remain professional AND profitable in each of our own trades.

1) Washing of vinyl siding should be done with low pressure high volume. This means use of tips other than the colored tips that come with the washer. Homeowner pressure washers typically do not provide enough volume of water. You can recoup the cost of lower end commercial equip with 3 or so jobs (priced correctly)

2) If you are doing this correctly with proper equipment and chemicals you DO NOT need a ladder. 99% of the time you can clean up to 3 stories from the ground using the right equipment, chemicals and nozzles.

3) Household bleach, jomax M1 and other off the shelf chemicals while somewhat effective dont allow for use of low pressure. You should be using 12% sodium Hypochlorite mixed with surfactants and detergents. The darkest mold and mildew will literally melt from the siding with garden hose pressure.

4) You should be aiming for AT LEAST $100+++ per HOUR. Dont price by the hour though. 275-400+ per job average. To some of you out there this may seem crazy but people are happy to pay this sum for effective safe professional results. There home is their largest investment. For guys out there doing lawns remember your typical customer will pay you aprox $1000+ to mow their grass over the season why would it be unreasonable for them to pay 300-700 to have a clean home every year or two.

There is a wealth of helpful folks and info at the power washing forums www.ptstate.com

In your post you said you could clean up to three stories without leaving the ground. Could you tell me what kind of equipment, chemicals and nozzles you are using? Can you also clean the Roof (asphalt) with the same equipment and method? I have been reading that a lot of people use a 12v DC pump to apply the chemcals and to rinse, but, If you had, let's say a PW with 5.6gpm or 8gpm @ 3000psi could you not tone it down so it will work just as well, if not better? Or I'm I missing something here? It seams a lot of people have trouble with there 12v systems from what I have been reading on other sights, just thought a gas PW would work better and I do understand that you do not won't high pressure on the roof. Please be patient with me as I am new to all of this. If anyone else cares to chime in I am all ears. Thanks everyone.

[blake101]

Originally Posted by blake101

In your post you said you could clean up to three stories without leaving the ground. Could you tell me what kind of equipment, chemicals and nozzles you are using? Can you also clean the Roof (asphalt) with the same equipment and method? I have been reading that a lot of people use a 12v DC pump to apply the chemcals and to rinse, but, If you had, let's say a PW with 5.6gpm or 8gpm @ 3000psi could you not tone it down so it will work just as well, if not better? Or I'm I missing something here? It seams a lot of people have trouble with there 12v systems from what I have been reading on other sights, just thought a gas PW would work better and I do understand that you do not won't high pressure on the roof. Please be patient with me as I am new to all of this. If anyone else cares to chime in I am all ears. Thanks everyone.

No need to answer my questions, just read the answers. thanks to Michael Kreisle.