Mike's Quality Home Care Tips
A Word About Pressure Washing Companies
Anyone can go into business if they own or rent a pressure washer in the state of Georgia. This business like so many other businesses is not regulated by any state laws. So, think about it – would you hire someone to do your painting just because they own a paint brush?
Tip #1 - Professionalism is the Key to Quality Service!
Professionals are trained and educated in their area of expertise.
- EDUCATION of chemicals such as: cleaners, strippers, stains, brighteners, and bleaches.
- KNOWLEDGE of pressure washing equipment, ladder safety, respirators, sprayers, and environmental safety issues.
- CONTINUED yearly education concerning environmental issues, changes in new cleaners, stains and sealers by chemical companies and new local regulations (ie. Drought issues).
- CERTIFICATION in the areas of the wood restoration and cleaning competency. Specifically: the cleaning, protecting and refinishing of wood surfaces, and all the proper steps to take in that process.
Tip #2 - Professionals Maintain High Standards
Professionals provide protection for themselves as well as their customers and employees through adequate coverage in the form of workers' comp and general liability insurance in case of an accident.
- ALWAYS following product label and safety instructions.
- ALWAYS following proper steps in cleaning, preparing and staining surfaces.
- ALWAYS using proper safety equipment.
- NEVER cutting corners of doing poor work for quick money.
- ALWAYS disclosing anything damaged to the customer so repairs or replacement can be taken care of promptly.
- ALWAYS informing the customer of any potential problems that would save them time and money.
- ALWAYS being truthful with everyone involved in a project.
Tip #3 - Reasons Why You Need to Have Your Home Pressure Cleaned?
- You take pride in your house and want it to look nice and clean, like you neighbor’s house.
- You’re tired of looking at algae and fungus and worry about the potential danger it presents.
- Your home will sell faster when it looks nice and clean.
- Because you have too much to do on the weekends and you know you can’t reach the high gable ends with your pressure washer.
- It took you 3 days to clean the driveway with your pressure washer last year.
- You feel better knowing your home is clean on the inside and on the outside.
- You are tired of hearing you spouse ask, “Are you going to pressure wash the house this weekend?”
Tip #4 - Clogged Gutter Warning Signs
- Mounds of twigs, leaves or plants growing in your gutters.
- Gutters with black streaks down the sides, especially around the downspouts.
- Gutters pulling away from the fascia boards.
- Splashes of soil, dirt, and clay two or three feet high on the side of your home.
- Plants beaten down below the gutter after a heavy rain.
- Deep holes in the soil directly beneath a downspout.
- Rotting wood or peeling paint under a gutter by a downspout.
- Water in your basement after a rain.
Tip #5 - Serious Problems Caused by Clogged Gutters
- Rotting wood, facia, and rafters.
- Breeding of mosquitoes, carpenter ants and moisture ants.
- Erosion of foundation and leaking basement.
- Puddling of water on the roof and subsequent roof leaks.
- Mold/mildew growth in attic area and algae growth on outside walks.
Tip #6 - Common Deck Mistakes Homeowners Make
- Thinking Thompson’s Waterseal will adequately protect their deck.
- Using bleach and pressure to clean a deck.
- Sealing mildew, mold and fungus between the wood and the stain.
- Putting the wrong product on their deck.
- Thinking a new deck does not need to be cleaned before staining.
- Buy cheap stains and expecting prolonged protection.
- Hiring a contractor based solely on price, who has no knowledge or training in wood restoration.
Tip #7 - Proven Tips for Maintaining Your Deck
- Keep leaves and debris off the deck – blow off regularly.
- Keep standing water off of your deck – potted plants should be moved weekly to prevent black rings from forming.
- Place a mat under your grill or smoker to keep the grease from soaking into your deck floor.
- Bird feeders should be moved weekly, especially hummingbird feeders, which drip sugar water onto the deck.
- Carpenter bee holes should be treated with Delta Dust. Fill the holes with aluminum foil and wood filler.
- Hammer down any nails that are starting to come up to prevent boards from twisting and warping.
- At least once a year, have the deck cleaned to keep any mold or mildew from growing on or into the stain.
- Never apply oil and water based stains over one another.
- Be aware that stain goes on decks and paint goes on walls. Never paint a deck!!
- Use low pressure and the correct cleaner when cleaning a deck.
- Always use the correct galvanized fasteners on your deck, floor and railing.
- Remove tree sap with a small amount of mineral spirits.
Tip #8 - Reasons to Have Your Deck Restored
Preventative
- To prevent rot and decay of the wood fiber and slow down the destruction of the decay of unprotected wood.
- To keep wood boring carpenter bees from drilling into the unprotected wood.
- To stop the damaging effects of UV rays from drying out the wood and causing the wood to split and crack.
- To slow down the absorption of water in to the decking, which will cause black spots if left unclean.
- To stop the build up of mold, and algae on the decking which can lead to accidents.
- The deck will last years longer by maintaining it regularly.
Appearance
- Cleaning your deck will make it look like NEW!!!
- You can entertain more often outdoors and enjoy your deck weekly when it looks appealing.
- The value of your home is enhanced when a deck is taken care of.
- A stained deck can compliment or detract from your home’s appeal to potential buyers.
Pressure Washing
Gutter Services
Decks & Patios
Log Home Services