Deck jobs - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Shaun Harton · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Deck jobs

Lee Kendall · Junior Member

deck cleaning and sealing is a whole different game, do some research, there is about 5 steps to cleaning and sealing a deck and softwashing alone won't cut it

Tim Teed · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

If it is a solid stain, it is pretty easy - just like painting. When using the clear and semi stains there is a whole process. You probably have to make two trips. In my opinion there isn't much money in deck staining part time. You would have to market it hard like softwashing, and there is more money in softwashing. Best bet is to refer to someone that specializes in decks and share leads

Jeff Thompson · Junior Member

Since you are in a rural area Shaun I would learn how to do decks just to have another revenue stream. I would also look into cleaning, sanding, and sealing pavers.

I've done decks for the last five years and have got away from doing them. The money was just ok, but the amount time you had to invest in doing a deck was the killer. I discovered it was far more lucrative doing other things, but I also live just outside Detroit and finding the other things to do is a whole lot easier than where you are at.

So until your Softwashing picks up enough to where you can ditch the decks, I wouldn't necessarily be turning them down.

I'd be glad to share what I know about cleaning and sealing decks. Send me a PM if you want to.

Paul Testa · Freshmen Member

Ditto to Jeff.... Done plenty of Decks and there are so many avenues of research, liabilities and questions you need to ask before attempting the cleaning process. Call me with any questions.

Shaun Harton · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Thanks guys, I have little to no experience in deck cleaning, but I have thrown on Thompson's water seal before, and that sucked brushing that on the deck I did. I will contact one of you in the next few days. I really appreciate the reply's guys.

Jeff Thompson · Junior Member

A good source for wood restoration is www.thegrimescene.com. There are a lot of egos and negativity on that board, especially to the newbies......but if you want to sit and read there is a wealth of information to be had on a number of topics, including deck cleaning. If you post you will probably get some negative responses, but sift through those and someone will give you a legitimate answer.

To get into wood restoration you will need to invest into some pressure washing equipment. You will find yourself stripping off old sealer and Softwashing is not the process for this.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Jeff Thompson wrote:
There are a lot of egos and negativity on that board, especially to the newbies......but

Understatement of the year.....lol

AC

Jason Mariano · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

Hi Shaun,

Do your research for sure. I use to do $1.50 a square. This year we are at $3.50 a square to clean and seal. If you need help with picking stains or how to soft wash give me a ring.

I also seal composite decks which customers love!

Shaun Harton · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Thanks Jason

Mark Fermoyle · Lead Tech Certified

Shaun,

I used to do decks years ago when I was doing "power washing". I abandoned it and dropped it like a bad habit a few years ago - and here's why. It takes you THREE days to do a deck job, and with the price of gas these days, that's not acceptable! It takes one day to go to the site and do the measuring, recon, and talk about stain colors with the potential customer. It takes a second day (if you get the account) to go strip, neutralize, or simply wash the deck. Then it takes the third day to go apply the sealer to the deck. That is 3 round trips to the site. Then you have to consider the cost of the gas to run your machine because if you need to strip a deck, you're NOT going to do that with a SW unit. You also have to account for the cost of the stripper, neutralizer, sealer/stain, masking plastic, tape, etc. that you'll need to purchase for each job. Plus you'll need to purchase an airless sprayer to be able to make good time and move on the next project.

All this to say that I moved into doing roofs once I realized I could make as much by noon doing a roof treatment as I could in three days doing a deck. Actually, I make more doing a roof treatment!!

My advice ..don't mess with the decks. Stay away from them! The overhead is too much and the market is too saturated. SePEARate yourself in your area as an outstanding SW roof cleaner!!!!

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Mark Fermoyle wrote:
Shaun,

I used to do decks years ago when I was doing "power washing". I abandoned it and dropped it like a bad habit a few years ago - and here's why. It takes you THREE days to do a deck job, and with the price of gas these days, that's not acceptable! It takes one day to go to the site and do the measuring, recon, and talk about stain colors with the potential customer. It takes a second day (if you get the account) to go strip, neutralize, or simply wash the deck. Then it takes the third day to go apply the sealer to the deck. That is 3 round trips to the site. Then you have to consider the cost of the gas to run your machine because if you need to strip a deck, you're NOT going to do that with a SW unit. You also have to account for the cost of the stripper, neutralizer, sealer/stain, masking plastic, tape, etc. that you'll need to purchase for each job. Plus you'll need to purchase an airless sprayer to be able to make good time and move on the next project.

All this to say that I moved into doing roofs once I realized I could make as much by noon doing a roof treatment as I could in three days doing a deck. Actually, I make more doing a roof treatment!!

My advice ..don't mess with the decks. Stay away from them! The overhead is too much and the market is too saturated. SePEARate yourself in your area as an outstanding SW roof cleaner!!!!

Truth spoken here.

AC

Shaun Harton · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Thanks Mark , I agree 100%. I did a large deck last week, and it took way to many trips to finish it. No more for me. I actually have an arraignment with a local power washing company, they don't like cleaning roofs, and I don't like deck work. We are helping each other out for now. Lol. Keep your enemies closer kinda thing. Lol

-- Edited by Shaun Harton on Wednesday 30th of July 2014 09:52:49 PM

Mark Fermoyle · Lead Tech Certified

That's a good arrangement to have, Shaun. I've got a guy at church who I refer all my deck leads to - AND he does awesome work.