Bad spots on aluminum

[tzahlman]

Have done 2 houses w/aluminum siding. The first one was an inlaws and experemented with my x-jet on it. The siding had spots that looked like dirt or mildew but no matter what I tried it would not come off, had the same problem with the second house and told the customer since she didnt seem to mind not being able to remove them that as soon as I found somthing that worked I would comeback at no charge and remove them since I kind of overcharged her to begin with. Both homeowners have prevously tried to remove these staines but nothing worked. Anyone have any ideas????

Thanks Tom @ CleanImage Powerwashing

 

[gordon mahrle]

Hi Tom, how old are these houses? Are you sure it is not the bare aluminum showing thru the color? Any more info on what chemical you were using and how much mold and mildew was present? Gordon

 

[Larry L.]

<b><font color=green>Welcome Gordon


Also with the more info,,,are these spots real small or more like specks and looks brownesh black?

 

[Mike Hughes]

Tom,

I think what you encountered was artillery or shotgun fungus. If so, you are not going to get it off. Do a search on "artillery fungus" and you will find some more info.

Usually they are little black specks......if you try to scrape one off, a residue is left behind. When power washing, some come off, most do not. If you get them in the first three weeks they are on there, you stand a better chance.

I educate my customers on them before work begins, and set reasonable expectations. I do not go out of my way to try to remove them..........except sometimes on vinyl siding, I apply some extra pressure.

I hope that helps........

 

[tzahlman]

I used r-109 and also tried wolmans brightner through my x-jet. the spots range from small to large and are brownish black. kind of looks like grease spots in places. Am thinking of not doing aluminum because the customers are calling me thinking I can remove these spots. Dont feel right taking money and not coming through.


Thanks Tom

 

[Mike Hughes]

Tom,

Here's your problem. You simply have to tell the customers what to expect right from the beginning. I point out what I can, and what I can't do from them. Anything that is remotely questionable, tell them you can't guarantee that you can remove it. Most will understand.

You will never disappoint anyone this way. You can't lose this way. If you don't get them off, you did what you promised. If you DO get them off, you look like a hero.

Of course, always try to find a way to remove the stain.........try to learn something new at every turn..............but, remember, you can't get them all!

 

[gordon mahrle]

I could not agree with Mike more- Don't be afraid to tell people (nicely) that aluminum siding does age and some times it goes too long without being cared for. Sometimes the only solution might be to power wash with the idea of getting as clean as possible so it can be painted. That's where vinyl siding has a little advantage in that it ages better but it still needs to be maintained. We tell our customers here in Michigan that as a rule they should have their homes washed about every 3 to 4 years depending on things such as how many trees surround home, what kind of weather we have had, ect. It all adds to mold mildew and dirt and the more often they have it washed the better (and easier) it is to maintain. We have been doing this for almost 11 years now and the amount of repeat residential work is fantastic! Hope this helps some- Gordon Great Lakes Power Wash, Inc.

 

[Bridget]

Welcome

WELCOME Gordon!!! [hello]
(nice posts)

Say.... I see your from the fine State of Michigan and that you've been at it a while.

Bridget
[jr]

 

[gordon mahrle]

Thanks for the welcome Bridget, maybe we could work together sometime!

 

[Dan Flynn]

Welcome Gordon

We look forward to hearing from you often. Thanks for the $75.00 donation. I received it today. I didn't even recognize your name. You can be assured your support will go a long way into progressing this site. I have a nice feature coming up. Look for it soon. We really have a great group of people here. I hope you feel as comfortable as I do around here.

Thanks again to Gordon and Great Lake Power Wash, and welcome to our little community.


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