So this is a live document and I’m adding to it weekly and sometimes daily. But it’s a document based on all the things I’ve learned here. I’ve picked up some other stuff here and there but the majority has been from this forum. I’ve shared it with a few new guys and I’ve had some veterans take a look at it to make sure I’m not totally off in left field. If you see something wrong or that can be explained better please post or PM me about it. Thanks!
I’ve also got other stuff on my blog I’ve created and it’s available for use:
Terms and Conditions
12V Soft Wash System
Air Diaphragm Soft Wash System
Proportioner System
Chemical List
Beginner Equipment List
Deck Pricing Guide
Battery Acid Pricing Guide
Wood Restoration Guide
(Added by ∞):
Due to a formatting error I’ve replaced the washing template
with a downloadable word file.
Just my opinion, and maybe some better guys would think differently, but one thing I would consider adjusting is the information about concrete cleaning. At least were I am in NC I wouldn’t wash new concrete that is less than 24 months old unless your pressure is the same as when washing wood. It’s just too delicate. Last year a customer contacted us after someone ruined their 1 year old driveway with a surface cleaner and wand. Just what I’ve seen around here though.
I’ll have to look at what I have in there but I think less than 12 months I’d soft wash only. Over 12 to 18 I agree on soft wash or 1000-1500psi. It’s tough because it can depend on the pour, quality, of materials, and climate.
I was just trying to look at it as if I had never washed before, so when it said “consider using less on new concrete to avoid etching it” it was a little ambiguous. I don’t think a lot new guys consider how much “less” can actually mean. Great resource though, thank you for putting all of that together and sharing!
Absolutely! I really appreciate that kind of feedback. I have guys let me know I didn’t cover something or it didn’t make sense all the time. It’s how you make it better!
I added this just now: New Concrete: 0-12 months old I’d soft wash only. At 12 to 18 months soft wash or 1000-1500psi. It’s tough because it can depend on the pour, quality, of materials, and climate. It all depends. Start cautious and slowly go up from there.
@jwils Same here. Saw a post from @TexasPressureWashing on reddit, found this forum, and have been studiously reading and researching ever since. God bless you for selflessly providing this info.
This is awesome. I just pinned it to the top of the Newbies section. If @steve and @squidskc agree, I would kinda like to stick it at the top of the general forum, at least for awhile.
This is freaking amazing @TexasPressureWashing! Thank you for doing this! I will be reading through this asap.
@Infinity Alex, I think this should be on the main page always. This would help with so many questions that get asked over and over. Also, it could only help the industry as new guys would be more likely to price correctly, so that would elimate some pressure petes.
This is basically the equivalent of the smart kid taking your SAT’s for you. All the newbies just inherited a gold mine. Great stuff @TexasPressureWashing
I was thinking the same thing. Read the guide and then a test that you have to ace before you gain access to the forum. Sure would help keep basic repeat questions to a minimum.
It should also filter out the random DIYers, the trash talkers, and Facebook dummies, providing an overall better experience on here and filtering in the pros who have a passion for this field of work
I think elitist is the wrong word to use. There’s nothing elitist about having somebody read a guide that will do nothing but help them better them self and their business isn’t. Don’t worry though. We can still give the ones who don’t read it a trophy too. I also think you’d find the health of the forum would improve. Most of the arguments are from people asking simple questions over and over again. Anyone who has any intention of actually getting into pressure washing would be thankful they had to read it to join. I get that it’s not going to happen though.
I also think you’d find the health of the forum would improve. Most of the arguments are from people asking simple questions over and over again. Anyone who has any intention of actually getting into pressure washing would be thankful they had to read it to join. I get that it’s not going to happen though.
