Setting Up a Pressure Washer Rig to Clean Concrete
Maximum efficiency in the cleaning industry is a key to survival and higher rates of income. The trailer or tuck unit needs to be set up so that you can use a garden hose and external water supply, because you never know when you are going to need one for concrete or other types of jobs. Any new rig should also come with quick releases between the tank and the intake tube to the pressure washer. There should also be a valve that is turned so the water is running from the black tank that now holds the external water that comes in if you are running thru an unmodified hot water pressure washer skid unit with a float tank.
There needs to be a connection for a water hose that is on top of the black small tank. The inside of the tank has a floater in it so water will not run over when you are not depressing the trigger and letting out water. When cleaning concrete always use 3000+ PSI and 180+ degree water. These two elements are key to cleaning concrete effectively and correctly.
Now let's talk about chemicals for a minute. To clean rust there is a product made by Simonize that can be ordered from Howard at AAA Pressure Washers in Arizona that is called "Concrete Cleaner and Etch". Delco Cleaning Systems in Texas has another chemical that works quite well; www.DCS1.com . This chemical is an acid and can be very dangerous, but they sure work well. To apply this chemical you can spray it with a metal hand held spray canister. If you use a sprayer that has plastic parts to it, the sprayer won't last more then a one or two times before the parts melt and it is useless. The chemical should be mixed 50-50 with water. If you are using it on colored concrete try a test patch first because this stuff bleaches and lightens so it might make it lighter than the original concrete.
For removing oil or grease stains Simonize SC-260 can be used. It is a granule type chemical that looks like kitty litter. To apply it you need to wet down the area to be treated first then spread a thin layer of it over the spot. Take a brush and agitate it to work it in. Let it set about fifteen to twenty minutes before removing it. Make sure you are very through in removing the granules. This next chemical should be used for emergencies if at all possible. This stuff is very thick and should be applied with a roller brush that is an adhesive type roller. Let it set for fifteen to twenty minutes and then remove it being very careful not to get it on you or any of the other chemicals for that matter.
To develop the most efficient use of time at a concrete job site one person should be sweeping up loose debris from the work area while the other is setting up the equipment. Be sure all the corners are swept well because this is the area where most lose dirt seems to end up. Remember that when you hydro twist an area that you are simply lifting the dirt and stains. You need to go back over the areas afterwards to move the dirt away from the concrete. After you have used the hydro twister on the area you then need to cover all siding up with your cover plate or what ever guard you find works best and proceed to hand wand any trouble spots and the outer edges of the concrete.
Finally, when working where a lot of contractors are working be sure to be polite and try to work around them. You never know who they have contacts with. They may refer you to some one else. Concrete is a great "filler" account if it happens to be raining and you have been specializing in other types of pressure washing like truck washing. You can always do concrete in any type of weather and it pays very well for what you to do for the job. So remember, concrete work is always good to have. I hope this helps you in your pressure washer business.
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs
Related Articles:
The Concrete Network Reveals this Season's Top 5 Hottest Decorative Concrete Services
Web statistics generated by traffic patterns of homeowners, designers, and builders visiting ConcreteNetwork.com confirm the top five most researched decorative concrete services in the Fall 2006 season (October--December).
Concrete Cutting - Adding a Pre-Cast Concrete Stairway Bulkhead to Your Home
Installing a pre-cast concrete stairway to your home's basement is actually quite an easy project for the advanced do-it-yourselfer or anyone that can coordinate a couple of sub contractors. Doing so will add a water tight weather proof egress to your basement that, in many cases, is necessary to comply with local building codes during a remodel.
Leading Concrete Stain Manufacturer, Concrete Camouflage® Listed For Sale
With the explosive growth of concrete stain, it's hard to imagine why anyone would place Concrete Camouflage®, for sale on the open market. Especially providing they seem to hold one of the top spots in an industry that is today one of the best flooring solutions available. You have to ask yourself, Could this be Your Lucky day? Or just another article? Let's see.
2007's Top 5 Decorative Concrete Trends Revealed by The Concrete Network
From January to December, The Concrete Network has tracked traffic patterns through its Web statistics, and has put together a list of the top five decorative concrete services researched during 2007.
New Website, Concrete-Floors.org, Educates about Concrete Flooring Options
Concrete-Floors.org gives consumers comprehensive information about designing and incorporating concrete flooring in their homes or businesses. The site includes design tips, numerous photos, cost and maintenance information, and common questions about concrete floors.
The Concrete Network: Radiant Floor Heating Brings Warmth to Concrete Floors This Winter
Battle winter cold by incorporating a radiant floor heating system in your home or office. The Concrete Network explores different flooring systems, options and the benefits of radiant floors including energy savings, health benefits and more.
ADMET Exhibits Integrated Concrete Testing and Reporting at World of Concrete
ADMET Inc., a provider of integrated materials testing systems, is demonstrating its MegaForce II automatic concrete testing system and Concrete-Traker database program here at World of Concrete Expo in booth # N1366.
Business Savvy: CHENG Concrete Exchange Announces New Concrete Countertop Fabricator Training
The Leader in Concrete Countertops Launches New Seminar Designed to Help Professionals Grow Their Concrete Business
New Concrete Design Tool Lets You Visualize Your Concrete Project
Free online design tool helps homeowners and designers preview upcoming concrete projects before they start. Choose from five exterior project surfaces, such as patios, pool decks, driveways, and more, over 15 stamp patterns and hundreds of color options to help start any decorative concrete project on the right foot.
Decorative Concrete Staining The Concrete Superstore Way
Crete Ventures, originator of Decorative Concrete Kits, has formed The Concrete Superstore as a one-stop online service for educational "how to" information and products for Decorative Concrete Staining.
Custom Concrete Floors Provides Tips for Applying Stain to Concrete
www.CustomConcreteFloors.ca specializes in creating one of a kind solutions for your Residential, Commercial and Industrial Concrete Flooring projects. We understand how limiting and environmentally impacting most of today's flooring options are. Keeping this in mind we provide many low waste, high strength and durable concrete flooring finishes.
www.CustomConcreteFloors.ca specializes in interior floors on any surface... even wood sub floors. The options are limitless. You can find peace of mind in the fact that the owner of the company does the work himself or hires only well established sub-contractors with great references.
Contact us f...
New Concrete Driveways Catalog Offers Decorative Design Ideas
New design idea catalog on Concrete Driveways is available to download and print at ConcreteNetwork.com. Catalog includes 13 pages filled with color photos, design options and possibilities for creating the perfect driveway this summer.
Asphalt Versus Concrete Driveways ? Which Is Best
Asphalt and concrete are the most popular types of material for paving driveways. Asphalt driveways and concrete driveways both have their unique advantages. If you live in a cold climate and are considering a concrete driveway you need to make sure the base for the driveway is heavily laid with gravel and it is compacted first. Otherwise the driveway will run the risk of cracking due to frost heaves. In addition, concrete is susceptible to salt damage, a material frequently used on roads in cold weather parts of the country. On the other hand, if you live in a warm or hot climate and are considering asphalt paving, then you need to consider the fact that asphalt can become soft in the hot sun and is therefore susceptible to ruts.
Pattern-Imprinted Concrete Driveway- Instant 'Kerb Appeal'.
When looking to improve your own home or presenting it for sale, the outside appearance of your property has just as much impact as the inside. New kitchens, bathrooms and decoration are all great for indoors. A new pattern imprinted driveway, however, offers the ultimate 'wow factor' and immediate kerb appeal for your home.The driveway is the first thing you, your guests and your potential buyers will see. A tremendous number of properties look unloved and remain unsold because of a shabby initial appearance. A neat, stylish and lasting driveway will beautify your home instantly.Pattern imprinted concrete has been used to create stunning driveways and patios for over 50 years. Installed correctly, it has a lasting finish, can give your pro...
Concrete Cleaning Discussed at World of Concrete Expo 03
If you are in the pressure washing business and are serious about what you clean on the ground floor, I suggest you attend the WOC. The WOC is the World of Concrete Expo in Las Vegas, which is held once per year.