I need help with an estimate. My 20 module training set isn't arriving in time to get estimate out, he needs it asap, but doesn't need it cleaned until 4/1. Im getting a 7 gal/min pump in bucket tomorrow along with green wash, bleach wash, and plant wash.
The house is 3 stories, 3200 sq ft, 1st story garage and 2nd-3rd stories house. 1st story is dryvit (I think) and 2nd-3rd hardiplank.
He also wants 2600 sq ft of driveway cleaned. Im concerned about that because I'm using SH and do not want to kill grass. Can I do clean that wand and pump?
Leading up to the front door is 30 steps of brick that needs cleaning.
A finished wood deck 100 sq ft.
He has lots of plants surrounding house no roof just house and drive way.
The key is to have him want to work with you. Explain how you will clean by softwashing. You definately need to do an easy demo. If he can't wait for you to set up your pump in a bucket, you can demo with a pump up sprayer(just tell him you are having some work done on your equipment but you wanted to show him the results asap) It is also nice if you aren't the first guy giving an estimate. It will take a few rains for the concrete to fully clean up, but it lasts a lot longer. Spray a small 4 x 4 section of concrete, let it dwell 10 mins and then rinse a 12" x 12" square with a strong spray of water, and that will show him how the concrete will look after a few rains.
Or you can surface clean the concrete with a power washer and surface cleaner then apply a 1-2 % mix instead of using a strong 3-4%. Plus this way will give you instant results. No waiting for rain.
After talking with customer. He is having a party (which is why he is getting cleaning) beginning of April and doesn't want any dead grass next to driveway and side walk. So I'm nervous about using SH (especially since its going be be one of my 1st times using it). I plan on practicing on my own house and other places 1st. I don't have surface cleaner to use. After talking with a few of the pros and hearing that power washer are sometimes used could I just use that? My biggest concern is with the driveway and sidewalks and grass. Thanks to all helping with this.
A surface cleaner is an attachment that hooks up to the pressure washer. I would never use a wand to clean concrete. Look up powerwashstore.com to see what I'm talking about.
No chemical for the intial clean. We put a 1% solution down after we surface clean to remove the stubborn stuff. Also it will keep the concrete cleaner longer as well.
No reclaim is needed there becuase no storm drains and and there was no oil or grease in that drive.
Do what Michael says, surface clean and spray with a light mist before you spray water heavily along the sides of the driveway that will defiantly not kill the grass also spray into the driveway from the sides.