[John@ccp]

For a while now I've been thinking about adding drive & patio cleaning & sealing to my carpet & upholstery cleaning services,I've noticed many drives in need of some TLC when delivering leaflets,when I've mentioned it to my customers they seem pretty keen.Any members on here cleaning and sealing drives,patios decking etc?

[Kev Martin]

There are dozens on here doing it but take advice regarding equipment before you purchase

Kev Martin
Marble Life Ltd

[mike roberts]

Simple as that just start up a pressure washing business 

Thats it just add it onto carpet cleaning....  become jack of all trades 

[mike roberts]

Whops ... John, it was a joke mate - look at our website 

Thats the sort of reaction guys get on the carpet cleaning side of the forum 
most of the subjects ie m/cs sealing ect have been covered numerous times try some searches if you havent already..

I would however treat your customer responses with some caution even if they initially seem keen. You may have a large database for carpet cleaning it does not mean you can simply convert them to exterior cleaning - dont take this the wrong way!
Personally if I was starting of p washing I would not offer sealing - concentrate on cleaning sanding possibly weed kill (need licence) sell it as a refurb leading to future maintenance cleans yearly or every other yr ... as opposed to sealing.

Best time of yr to start March - April
Best Mike

[John@ccp]

Thanks Mike sorry for the misunderstanding,I attended the smartseal course in Manchester last saturday where they put a very good case for the sealing process,do you think it would be better gaining experience with cleaning & sanding before moving on to the more technical aspects of sealing then? Also what equipment do you recomend,I've had a look at the petrol Kiam models on ebay but I think I'd prefer a decent used Honda either the 340 or 390 I'd also be looking for a 18" rotary flat surface cleaner and again i've looked at some of the cheaper makes but if there likely to drop to bits i'd rather go for the quality option instead,what do you guys use?     

[TomCrowther]

Hi John, I do a fair bit of powerwashing- drives and pathways and the "standard" kit is the Honda 390 13 hp model and 18" flat surface cleaner. This will allow you to clean the majority of surfaces relatively quickly and to a high standard. You may want to think about adding a hot box if you start to pick up more work and that will lead you onto gum removal and poss graffitii removal. Having hot will also enable you to quickly clean up things like mossy/dangerous fire escapes and what have you.
The guys who buy the cheaper engines normally regret it. The Honda is a workhorse and if maintained will run and run.

[mike roberts]

Thanks Mike sorry for the misunderstanding,I attended the smartseal course in Manchester last saturday where they put a very good case for the sealing process,do you think it would be better gaining experience with cleaning & sanding before moving on to the more technical aspects of sealing then? Also what equipment do you recomend,I've had a look at the petrol Kiam models on ebay but I think I'd prefer a decent used Honda either the 340 or 390 I'd also be looking for a 18" rotary flat surface cleaner and again i've looked at some of the cheaper makes but if there likely to drop to bits i'd rather go for the quality option instead,what do you guys use?     

John, smartseal have not got the best rep their seal is fairly cheap. I dont think they are helping the market at present via saturating web with cheap sites...
problem with sealing is that conditions have to be perfect ie completely dried out before you attempt to seal with our climate can produce headaches...driveways can look dry but when you apply a plate to compact sand surprising how much moisture is still present. Smartseal is all sell sell sell I wouldnt believe half of what they say... Cleaning show this yr local company to me franchise was telling new starters they can make £400 a day - yer right.

All topics have been covered in previous posts mate ref setup etc

[chris scott]

Thanks Mike sorry for the misunderstanding,I attended the smartseal course in Manchester last saturday where they put a very good case for the sealing process,do you think it would be better gaining experience with cleaning & sanding before moving on to the more technical aspects of sealing then? Also what equipment do you recomend,I've had a look at the petrol Kiam models on ebay but I think I'd prefer a decent used Honda either the 340 or 390 I'd also be looking for a 18" rotary flat surface cleaner and again i've looked at some of the cheaper makes but if there likely to drop to bits i'd rather go for the quality option instead,what do you guys use?     

We have been cleaning driveways for a while now www.northwestdriveclean.co.uk .I have made most of the mistakes that you can!!! I think i have it down to a fine art now. My number is 07973216502 if you want to chat. From machines to use to products and technique. cheers chris

[John@ccp]

I'll give you a call this coming friday,early evening if thats ok.Thanks,John

[chris scott]

No problem. Cheers Chris