[ascjim]

Going to be quoting this one when I'm back from the F1.

It seems pretty straight forward, there is a lot of growth on the lip in the wall. Would you scrape it all off our just spray over it?

[Smurf]

I take it you are going to do that building from the ground using a softwash method?

All I would probably do is apply a SH softwash mix, let dwell, bad areas scrub with a wfp stiff brush if required, and then rinse down. That way should kill any growth instantly so will be easier to remove. 

Or another way is to use a doff type system from a picker as would not cause any damage to the render like pressure washing would.

Then if you like once the walls are dry you could go back over and treat the render with a biocide.

[ascjim]

I got this one and it's booked in next month.

I will spray a biocidal wash on the bad areas a couple of weeks before, hopefully this will help.

I may have to use a stiff broom to get the algae off.

[Smurf]

Might be a good idea after your recent event to stay well away from using blackwash (SH) altogether on that one James.

[ascjim]

I'm staying away form Hypo and stilling with Blackwash from now on!

[chris scott]

Backwash is Hypo….stick to scrubbing windows.

[Smurf]

Backwash is Hypo….stick to scrubbing windows.

That sounds a bit harsh Chris 

[chris scott]

Why?
"I'm staying away form Hypo and stilling with Blackwash from now on" …says to me he has not researched the job/chemicals he is useing. Even after a "cock up".
"So just let the insurance sort it out" …who pays for that?  Their are a limited number of insurance companies  dealing with the sort of work we do. If they get too many claims one of two things will happen, They will increase the cost of PL or decide we are to much of a liabilty and refuse to insure us.

[Simon Campbell]

Genuine question-is there not a course out there that incorperates chemicals such as hypo and acids as part for the course material? It seems to be a popular subject but how many people really know how to use it properly? Must be an opportunity for someone out there willing to teach?!

I hold my hands up I have used it on a couple small jobs but still reluctant to bring it out on the bigger jobs

[Kev Martin]

We already teach it on our courses!  But you will never prevent people going the cheaper / quicker route and that sadly is what Hypo / Strong Brick acids are.  Quick fix but with lots of consequences used incorrectly in the wrong hands!  Finally quite frankly you reach a point where you just let people get on with it because, you tell them, they then don' t listen and do it their way anyway and then wonder how it went wrong!  Chris Scott is right as well because in the end we will all pay for the stupidity of their actions through increased prices on insurance.

[ascjim]

Why?
"I'm staying away form Hypo and stilling with Blackwash from now on" …says to me he has not researched the job/chemicals he is useing. Even after a "cock up".
"So just let the insurance sort it out" …who pays for that?  Their are a limited number of insurance companies  dealing with the sort of work we do. If they get too many claims one of two things will happen, They will increase the cost of PL or decide we are to much of a liabilty and refuse to insure us.

Don't be a doughnut.

Yes there is Hypo in Blackwash, but we won't be mixing high strength hypo with water. That has all ready been done for us by using Blackwash.

Also, if there is ever a problem, we can claim through Benz, plus they have all the safety sheets we need.

One render job can earn more then 4 weeks on windows (for some). There is so much profit in it at the moment it's to hard to ignore.

[chris scott]

'If there is a problem we can claim through Benz"….best of luck with that Dinky.

[Smurf]

What with all the name calling  chaps

I have you know I just happen to like dinky donuts as is one of my favourite snacks 

[Simon Campbell]

Kev... Out of curiosity do you do courses dedicated to purely external hard surfaces so for example any you are likely to jet wash and then the associated chemicals and seals? Etc

I stick to what I know best which is mainly water but a course of this nature would do wonders for my confidence and business opportunities

[chris scott]

Kev... Out of curiosity do you do courses dedicated to purely external hard surfaces so for example any you are likely to jet wash and then the associated chemicals and seals? Etc

I stick to what I know best which is mainly water but a course of this nature would do wonders for my confidence and business opportunities

Simon information is available on here from other contractors.
Research your topic, show us you have tried and do care about your project.
Post your question and  what you regard as the correct way to proceed (founded on your research).
I will always answer genuine questions if I can with no pi55 takeing…..as far as I am concerned idiots and lazy people are fair game in my book.
Anybody for a doughnut? 

[Simon Campbell]

Hey thanks Chris, good advice all taken on board 

 I'm someone who can't really stray too far from what he knows and and when I used to do carpets i went on probably one course a year to gain info and stay current.

There doesn't seem to be anything official for outdoor work such as best way to clean a conservatory, driveway cleaning etc for anyone who wished to go into that as a newbie, or if there is I can't find anything.

If you start carpet cleaning you have difficulty picking which course to go on but just thinking for anyone experienced and willing to share (not all their secrets of course) their knowledge of outdoor cleaning there could be an opportunity.

[Smurf]

To be honest I've found cleaning stuff is not really rocket science.
Most answers you are looking for you will find on the tinternet in one form or another if you look hard enough.

There are also some very knowledgeable chaps like Chris and others on forums too that I would call specialist cleaners not just cowboys like myself...Yehaa! 

[Simon Campbell]

That Yehaa makes me lol 

[Smurf]

Just don't go telling me customers though as they tink I'm an expert 

Best ones are the walk ups when they say "that looks good what are you using"
I promptly reply "Sorry it's a trade secret" then carry on working as you do.