Trex Decking Issue - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Bob Riddick · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Trex Decking Issue

Zach Maynard · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

It's too bad he is refusing a staining of the deck, it seems like that may help the aesthetics.
Even a sealing of some sort may help the looks, the picture where it is wet by the door makes me think of that.
How long did your mix dwell?

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Never seen that happen on a trex deck, though some looks like uv damage.

AC

Danny Cronauer · SoftWash Systems Certified

My bet is it was power washed in the past, I have cleaned a deck very same color, I also think its UV related. This is an older Trex deck. I would shoot a 4% Test spot. On these older trex decks 1% doesn't cut it.

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Some of these trex deck manufactures strongly recommend not to use bleach on them because it may remove or lighten the color. It is always best to use a light solution and do a test spot before treating the whole deck.

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Also bob the first picture looks like UV damage from the sliding glass door.

Barry Landis · Sophmore Member

Michael Derose wrote:
Also bob the first picture looks like UV damage from the sliding glass door.

I have to agree with Michael on this. We see damage all the time from the reflection of the sun beaming down on sliding glass doors.

Bob Riddick · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

All good advice and responses, thanks. In this case, the manufacturers cleaning program is the same as SoftWash. 1% with quick rinse, then bleach wash and quick rinse. Followed the procedures to the letter.
I'm going to find out if the deck has been pressure washed in the past. I would agree with UV rays except we have the same reaction under the railing.
Trex rep coming next week.
I also agree with test area first, but after 50 decks with nothing but success, I guess we may have gotten complacent.
I'll let you all know how this goes. Thanks again.

Jason Mariano · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

Hi Bob,

We see them along the Jersey shore its UV damage on the boardwalks .Some homes are power washing issues. I clean them up and sell the seal to the customer. Easy to put on and a great up sell ! If you power wash a trex it voids the warranty on trex. Soft wash soft wash and seal and your golden!

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Bob Riddick wrote:
All good advice and responses, thanks. In this case, the manufacturers cleaning program is the same as SoftWash. 1% with quick rinse, then bleach wash and quick rinse. Followed the procedures to the letter.
I'm going to find out if the deck has been pressure washed in the past. I would agree with UV rays except we have the same reaction under the railing.
Trex rep coming next week.
I also agree with test area first, but after 50 decks with nothing but success, I guess we may have gotten complacent.
I'll let you all know how this goes. Thanks again.

Bob,

Maybe you can get me the Trex Deck reps info and we can have them down for Softwashapolooza and do a Trex Lab!

AC

Bob Riddick · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Great idea, AC. Consider it done.

Bob Riddick · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

So here's the latest on this Trex issue. There is a class action lawsuit that settled against Trex for installs after 2004. My customer's deck was installed in 2003, and after they did their own legwork found that they would only collect 1/2 of the initial cost of their deck material. Not good enough for these people.

It gets better. The customer started out saying we did nothing wrong, it's a Trex issue. Until they didn't like what they heard from Trex. Now they say it's a Bob Riddick issue and I owe them a new deck.

I contacted my insurance co., told them my story, and at their suggestion, filed a claim. The adjuster was at the house yesterday, and I am waiting to hear from him, as I have asked to be kept in the loop.

Trex cleaning instructions offer two different methods. One calls for "up to 27% bleach solution", the other says "less than 50% solution". We used a 1% with immediate rinse. Can't imagine what a 27% mix would do.

I'll let you know more as it comes my way. What I've come to know of this customer, the final decision will come from a judge.

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Bob do you have a picture of the deck before you cleaned it? Also the real percentage of you mix is 10%. That's 1 gallon of bleach to 9 gallons of water. We use a 2 or 20% mixture ratio when doing trex or composite. Next as soon as they said it was not your fault then I would have had them sign off on that stating those exact words. Good luck with the claim.

Lastly we actually pre wet the deck before we apply our solution to the surface. This way everything stays wet. Your case is different because I would bet my salary( and it is a nice one) that they pressure washed it before and because of that it broke the fibers down and changed the color of the deck by allowing the bleach to get underneath and bleach it out. This is just my opinion based on cleaning a lot of the decks.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Michael Derose wrote:
Also the real percentage of you mix is 10%. That's 1 gallon of bleach to 9 gallons of water.

Mike,

This is actually incorrect. When you buy bleach (sh pool shock) it is not 100% SH. It is somewhere between 10% and 14% SH. When you dilute it 10 times. (ie, 1 gallon into a ten gallon tank and add water) you are actually making a 14% SH into a 1.4% solution. Or... a 10% SH into a 1% solution. I know this is slicing hairs to some of you but it will make a REAL difference when the DOT, EPA or a Judge shows up in you life one day.

AC

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Bob,

Keep us posted. Sometimes you just get customers looking for a free ride. Sorry your going through this.

AC

John Aloisio · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Bob,

two of the many composite decks we cleaned this year had similar damage. Both owners admitted to pressure washing them in the past. I had them sign off on my contract before we started that it was prior damage. That being said, in my opinion, you did the right thing and were honest with the owner. Hopefully that will mean something in the grand scheme of things and all will work out for you. I know that over my 20+ career in the roofing industry, one thing always held true....tell the truth and be honest and it does seem to work out.

Bob Riddick · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Thanks everyone. I can't say enough about the real value of the BB. Considering that this deck was 10 years old, I would also bet it had been pressure washed somewhere along the line.

Sadly, AC, these customers appear the "something for nothing" type, even if they have to lie to get it. I also believe that "what goes around comes around". I will continue to stand behind my product and my staff.

I do appreciate your feedback and will keep you posted.

Have a nice weekend!

Zach Maynard · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

This is terribly unfortunate Bob. But I hope you have a great weekend too.

Bob Riddick · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

It's been about a year and a half, and yesterday I got a summons from the county judge. The homeowner is suing me for $40,000!

Way over the top, I would say. They are claiming damage to another property we cleaned for them at the same time.

Since we wouldn't buy them a new deck, and they turned down our offer to stain the deck now and then seven years from now, they decided all the pain and suffering is worth $40,000.

Stay tuned. This could be very interesting.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Bob,

I am certainly willing to be an expert witness for your defense.

AC

Bob Riddick · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

I'm really glad you offered, AC. I have a feeling I'm going to need you on this one.

Thanks.

Jesse Bracken · Junior Member

Now that speaks to the Power of the BB and SoftWash Systems!!!

Someone mentioned above that the truth comes out and that truth is the best policy. This is a rotten deal good luck; My prayers are with you Bob and may AC give them hell...

Jess