The black stains on many roofs across the Midwest are caused by an airborne algae known as roof algae. This algae is becoming increasingly problematic in this region of the country. Shingle manufacturers are trying to combat the problem by producing algae resistant shingles.
We have seen many cases of algae resistant shingles suffering from roof algae so obviously there is still some research and development to be done by the shingle manufacturers. Something else the shingle makers do to help with the roof algae problem is to recommend roof cleaners and roof cleaning methods. These guidelines are effective for restoring a roof's appearance without harming the shingles.
The method the recommend is a low pressure chemical application followed by a low pressure rinse. Care should be taken to protect shrubbery and landscaping. What is not recommended and is actually warned against is the use of a pressure washer to clean roof algae off of asphalt shingles. Excessive water pressure will remove the shingle granules which are there to protect the shingles. This will lessen the longevity of the roof.
Neglecting the roof algae will also result in premature failure of asphalt shingles. The roof algae will only get worse if it is not taken care of. Roof cleaning should be considered before a roof replacement. Roof cleaning usually costs about a tenth of the price of a total roof replacement and can completely restore your roof's appearance when it is done properly by a professional roof cleaning company.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Selling Decks and Cleaning Maintenance
One of the biggest mistakes a deck cleaning contractor can make is to sell on price. Selling deck restoration services on price not only fills your customer base with cheap, price oriented, picky customers but it also leaves a wake of other repercussions.
Decks are not cheap to build or maintain so remember that. Customers that are sold on price alone are not loyal customers (not loyal to you anyway) they are loyal to the price. This amounts to the next time they need service, you are obligated to work for cheap again or they will just go else where. Selling on price can also result in you not getting what you should for a particular project and can lead to cutting corners and poor quality. This can reduce the amount and quality of referrals you get. Referrals you may get will be family, friends, or neighbors that are anticipating the same low price. This is definitely a recipe for disaster!
As a deck cleaning and maintenance company, your long term goal should be to build up a loyal customer base. Doing so will allow you to lower your advertising costs because you won’t have to chase new customers. It will also increase your profit margins by doing lots of repeat and referral work. It has been proven that most of the time a customer will spend more money with you the second and third time around, also your closing rate on referral customers is normally pretty high if you do quality work.
The way to build this loyalty is easy. Don’t sell on price but rather sell benefits, sell value, give a high quality service, and always go above and beyond the call of duty on each job. By committing to this principle, you will be allowed to charge more for a quality service and you will build a loyal customer base that you can depend on for years to come.
Decks are not cheap to build or maintain so remember that. Customers that are sold on price alone are not loyal customers (not loyal to you anyway) they are loyal to the price. This amounts to the next time they need service, you are obligated to work for cheap again or they will just go else where. Selling on price can also result in you not getting what you should for a particular project and can lead to cutting corners and poor quality. This can reduce the amount and quality of referrals you get. Referrals you may get will be family, friends, or neighbors that are anticipating the same low price. This is definitely a recipe for disaster!
As a deck cleaning and maintenance company, your long term goal should be to build up a loyal customer base. Doing so will allow you to lower your advertising costs because you won’t have to chase new customers. It will also increase your profit margins by doing lots of repeat and referral work. It has been proven that most of the time a customer will spend more money with you the second and third time around, also your closing rate on referral customers is normally pretty high if you do quality work.
The way to build this loyalty is easy. Don’t sell on price but rather sell benefits, sell value, give a high quality service, and always go above and beyond the call of duty on each job. By committing to this principle, you will be allowed to charge more for a quality service and you will build a loyal customer base that you can depend on for years to come.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
How to Wash Green Vinyl Siding
Mold and algae will appear as green streaks or blotches on your vinyl siding usually first appearing on the north facing side. This is the side that has the prevailing amount of shade and moisture. It is the same reason that moss grows on the north side of trees.
The wrong way to wash green siding is to use high pressure. Excessive pressure can scar and mark up the siding has it removes oxidation. Too much pressure can also force water in behind the siding through the bottom lip or overlap areas.
Vinyl siding cleaning the correct way is to use the methods suggested by the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI). They recommend using a mix of bleach and soap along with the right amount of pressure. How much pressure? Well as an experienced contractor, with the right chemicals, 500 psi or even less can be used. This is known in the industry as soft washing and it is very effective.
A reputable vinyl siding cleaning company will rely heavily on their chemicals to do most of the work. Not only does this make the job easier and remove all the green algae, it also kills the algae so it does not return in a short time. By just peeling the algae off with high pressure or hot water without the use of chemicals, the algae is not dead and it will grow back in full force in no time at all.
The wrong way to wash green siding is to use high pressure. Excessive pressure can scar and mark up the siding has it removes oxidation. Too much pressure can also force water in behind the siding through the bottom lip or overlap areas.
Vinyl siding cleaning the correct way is to use the methods suggested by the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI). They recommend using a mix of bleach and soap along with the right amount of pressure. How much pressure? Well as an experienced contractor, with the right chemicals, 500 psi or even less can be used. This is known in the industry as soft washing and it is very effective.
A reputable vinyl siding cleaning company will rely heavily on their chemicals to do most of the work. Not only does this make the job easier and remove all the green algae, it also kills the algae so it does not return in a short time. By just peeling the algae off with high pressure or hot water without the use of chemicals, the algae is not dead and it will grow back in full force in no time at all.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Roof Cleaning Warsaw, IN
Black streaks on asphalt shingle roofs in Warsaw, IN have become an increasing problem. These unsightly black streaks are caused by an airborne algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. This algae is not only unsightly, it decreases the properties curb appeal and overall value.
These black streaks (roof algae) can also diminish the longevity of the roof by not allowing the shingles to reflect heat like they need to. Once infected, the roof will never get better, only worse. The algae will spread and turn the entire roof black.
The good news is that shingles that are still in decent shape can be cleaned and rid of this algae without being harmed. A low pressure chemical application is suggested by the major shingle manufacturers themselves. Roof cleaning in Indiana is not all that common of a service but it does exist.
Roof cleaning in Warsaw, IN has been proven successful. The recommended chemicals kill the algae so it does not return anytime soon. By applying the chemicals with low pressure the shingles are not harmed. Never allow a pressure washer to be used on your shingles. The proper roof cleaning methods can restore your Warsaw home's appearance and save you costly future repairs and replacements.
These black streaks (roof algae) can also diminish the longevity of the roof by not allowing the shingles to reflect heat like they need to. Once infected, the roof will never get better, only worse. The algae will spread and turn the entire roof black.
The good news is that shingles that are still in decent shape can be cleaned and rid of this algae without being harmed. A low pressure chemical application is suggested by the major shingle manufacturers themselves. Roof cleaning in Indiana is not all that common of a service but it does exist.
Roof cleaning in Warsaw, IN has been proven successful. The recommended chemicals kill the algae so it does not return anytime soon. By applying the chemicals with low pressure the shingles are not harmed. Never allow a pressure washer to be used on your shingles. The proper roof cleaning methods can restore your Warsaw home's appearance and save you costly future repairs and replacements.
Monday, September 29, 2008
House Cleaning | Deck Cleaning in Indiana
Exterior house cleaning may be a service that you would rather hire out than try to tackle yourself. Ladders and pressure washers are a dagerous combination and can cause injury in inexperienced hands.
Surfaces can also be easily damaged with too much water pressure. Washing vinyl siding at an upward angle and too much pressure can force water behind the siding possibly causing water damage. Hot water can cause vinyl siding to warp by expansion. Too much water pressure will also leave wand marks on the surface of siding.
When deck cleaning in Indiana please note that excessive water pressure will scar, fur, and splinter wooden decks made of pressure treated lumber. Be sure the deck cleaning contractor uses lower pressure on your Indiana wood deck.
Asphalt shingles should never be pressure washed. The pressure will remove the shingle granules which are there to protect the shingles. Make certain the roof cleaning company you hire uses a low pressure chemical application method to clean roof alage off of your shingle roof.
Surfaces can also be easily damaged with too much water pressure. Washing vinyl siding at an upward angle and too much pressure can force water behind the siding possibly causing water damage. Hot water can cause vinyl siding to warp by expansion. Too much water pressure will also leave wand marks on the surface of siding.
When deck cleaning in Indiana please note that excessive water pressure will scar, fur, and splinter wooden decks made of pressure treated lumber. Be sure the deck cleaning contractor uses lower pressure on your Indiana wood deck.
Asphalt shingles should never be pressure washed. The pressure will remove the shingle granules which are there to protect the shingles. Make certain the roof cleaning company you hire uses a low pressure chemical application method to clean roof alage off of your shingle roof.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Black Roof Streaks Review
The black streaks that are found on many asphalt shingle roof's in the Midwest and throughout other parts of the country, are cause from an airborne algae. This algae usually first starts appearing on the north facing slopes where the prevailing amount of shade and moisture are present.
This algae can be removed by using a low pressure washing roof methods so no harm is done to the shingles. The major shingle manufacturers recommend this low pressure technique and also recommend certain cleaners to use.
Roof cleaning can cost a fraction of what it would cost to replace the roof, yet every year I see homeowners being mislead by uneducated roof contractors and being sold on replacing their roof's prematurely. This is equivalent to replacing your vinyl siding because it has mold and mildew on it, it just doesn't make sense.
Being educated about roof algae can save you thousands of dollars. Having the roof cleaned also ensures you get the full life out of your shingles. Roof algae diminishes the shingles ability to reflect heat and will lessen the longevity of the roof. If you are still skeptical, find a company that offers a power washing guarantee so you are willing to give them a chance.
This algae can be removed by using a low pressure washing roof methods so no harm is done to the shingles. The major shingle manufacturers recommend this low pressure technique and also recommend certain cleaners to use.
Roof cleaning can cost a fraction of what it would cost to replace the roof, yet every year I see homeowners being mislead by uneducated roof contractors and being sold on replacing their roof's prematurely. This is equivalent to replacing your vinyl siding because it has mold and mildew on it, it just doesn't make sense.
Being educated about roof algae can save you thousands of dollars. Having the roof cleaned also ensures you get the full life out of your shingles. Roof algae diminishes the shingles ability to reflect heat and will lessen the longevity of the roof. If you are still skeptical, find a company that offers a power washing guarantee so you are willing to give them a chance.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Tips On Cleaning Concrete
On concrete or cement that is suffering from dirt, algae, mildew, or tannin stains caused from sticks and leaves, an effective solution is house hold bleach and soap. A common concrete cleaning mix is 1 part bleach to 2 parts water and a few squirts of dish soap for every gallon of mix.
For heavier mildew killing power use 1 part bleach to 1 part water with the same amount of dish soap to pressure wash concrete. You can apply this solution with a pump up sprayer, just be sure to rinse the pump out with water afterwards. You may also choose to apply the cleaner with a brush on a pole. Be sure to wear the proper personal protection when working with any chemicals.
After allowing the cleaner to sit for several minutes, wash the concrete with a pressure washer at about 2000-3000 psi. Hold your tip a couple of inches from the concrete, move back and forth keeping your nozzle the same distance away from the surface. Wash at a nice steady pace but move slowly enough that you get a good clean even look. If done right pressure washing driveways can really add curb appeal to your home.
Be careful when cleaning around the edges of the concrete slab, landscaping and debris can be blown around from the water pressure. Always protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses. Make certain to rinse any plants or shrubbery that the concrete cleaners may have gotten on.
For heavier mildew killing power use 1 part bleach to 1 part water with the same amount of dish soap to pressure wash concrete. You can apply this solution with a pump up sprayer, just be sure to rinse the pump out with water afterwards. You may also choose to apply the cleaner with a brush on a pole. Be sure to wear the proper personal protection when working with any chemicals.
After allowing the cleaner to sit for several minutes, wash the concrete with a pressure washer at about 2000-3000 psi. Hold your tip a couple of inches from the concrete, move back and forth keeping your nozzle the same distance away from the surface. Wash at a nice steady pace but move slowly enough that you get a good clean even look. If done right pressure washing driveways can really add curb appeal to your home.
Be careful when cleaning around the edges of the concrete slab, landscaping and debris can be blown around from the water pressure. Always protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses. Make certain to rinse any plants or shrubbery that the concrete cleaners may have gotten on.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Illinois Remodeling Company | Vinyl Siding Contractor
Having a low maintenance home in very important for most Americans. So what is the best way to make a home more maintenance free? Easy, just cover the exterior with a premium vinyl siding. Most remodeling companies can have a new vinyl exterior installed on your house in a weekend which also makes this one of the quickest major improvements you can have done.
Installing vinyl siding is not a DIY project though. It requires a lot of commercial equipment to do the job right and safely. If you like to do it yourself and want to install house siding, you'll need several sets of extension ladders, walk planks and perferably a pump-jack pole system with safety nets to save you in the event of a fall. You will also need a vinyl break machine and several of your friends to with carpentry experience to help.
As you can see, there would be a lot to buy and you may be lacking the experience to do the work correctly. So with all this said, just hire a vinyl siding contractor to do the work for you and save yourself the trouble and risk of getting injured.
For those of you that live in the Chicago area, there is a very good Illinois siding company that can handle all of your home improvement need, not just siding, and do so for a price you can afford. Just follow any of the links to visit their site.
Installing vinyl siding is not a DIY project though. It requires a lot of commercial equipment to do the job right and safely. If you like to do it yourself and want to install house siding, you'll need several sets of extension ladders, walk planks and perferably a pump-jack pole system with safety nets to save you in the event of a fall. You will also need a vinyl break machine and several of your friends to with carpentry experience to help.
As you can see, there would be a lot to buy and you may be lacking the experience to do the work correctly. So with all this said, just hire a vinyl siding contractor to do the work for you and save yourself the trouble and risk of getting injured.
For those of you that live in the Chicago area, there is a very good Illinois siding company that can handle all of your home improvement need, not just siding, and do so for a price you can afford. Just follow any of the links to visit their site.
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