strip malls

[Craig Lawrence]

Deck season is just about over here and I am looking to try something new. Cleaning concrete walkways at strip malls, banks, business, etc. I was hoping I could get some information here. Will using a hot water pressure washer and surface cleaner do the job? I'm not sure if it will be enough to get the gum off. What chemicals would you use and how much should I charge per sq.ft. Thank you for any suggestions.
Craig

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[Mark Dadian]

Craig:

Jon is the undisputed expert on flat work on most boards that I've read. If you have a technical question, I'm sure he'd be glad to help.

As for strip malls, I just landed a contract for about 27k sq ft. to do it 3 times /yr. Get a good cleaner (eg.: DR-60) and you will out shine your competition who uses just cold water. HOT water WILL take up gum drops with a 15 or zero degree nozzle. Don't forget that the orifice size of the nozzle makes a world of diff. The bigger the hole (3.0 - 15) the more water to do the work for you. PSI is deceptive in its effectiveness if you don't back it up with flow (GPM). If you doubt this, experiment in your kitchen sink with a little water and a lot of water on cleaning an encrusted pan. My washer is rated for 3000 psi with 5.5 gpm using a 6.5 orifice. I lose nothing when I go to a size 11 orifice on wood, and 8-10 on all other surfaces.

Where do you live?, what is your weather going to be like in 6 wks? My mall wants me to wash starting in May, and they may even agree to have it sealed.

Well wishes to you and let me know how you make out with banks and drive thrus (I've not been able to crack that nut yet).

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GBU

Mark A. Dadian

 

[Jon]

Craig,

Mark said it all, hot water and your surface cleaner then go back over it with wand and nozzle for gum removal.

"Jon is the undisputed expert on flat work on most boards that I've read. If you have a technical question, I'm sure he'd be glad to help."

The quote above is nice to see but there are truly others that I know out there with years more experience then I have who are have said to me you never know it all.

In this line of work,(pressure washing) we will never know it all, there are always new products coming out and new laws we must keep abreast about.

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Beep beep, the OPC Roadrunner coming through.

Jon Fleischer
Oasis Pressure Cleaning
(909) 792-2247
Fax (909) 792-5633

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[This message has been edited by Jon (edited October 14, 2000).]