|
|
|
How To Avoid Four Power Washing Scams
Scam #1:
Misleading Claims Like: "Specializing in Hot Water Washing". You may read
this in ads, or hear this from contractors. Whether a contractor
uses hot water or cold water is a residential application, the end result
is the same. Hot water does, however, speed up the cleaning process in
commercial and industrial uses, but what does it mean to the
homeowner?
The truth is hot water has no benefit and shouldn't be used in
residential services. It can warp vinyl siding, damage wood and
asphalt shingles, and can be detrimental to surrounding landscape
and plants.
Crafty claims like this are nothing more than a desperate attempt of
trickery to gain your business and trust.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scam #2:
"The Infamous $99 Housewash". To some
degree, all of us are attracted to low prices because we want to
work within a budget, especially with our economy. However,
contractors offering unbelievably low prices are cutting corners
somewhere and insurance
and the proper chemicals are the first things to go. They are hoping
you are basing your buying decision on price alone and if they are
the cheapest, they will get the job.
Once they get the job they have to take shortcuts in order to make a
profit. Professional power washing is not as cheap as some unethical
power washers would like you to believe. Make sure you are paying
for the level of quality you expect. Beware of these so-called
"Splash and Dash" contractors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scam #3:
Outdated Beliefs: "Just Blast the Deck and Use an Expensive
Sealer." Many people believe that using an expensive sealer will
make all the difference. The fact is: the number one reason a sealer
fails, no matter how much it cost, is because the wood is not
prepared properly. Wood goes through many stages while being
cleaned. When using the proper cleaner the wood turns very dark, as
the ph level goes up. A neutralizing process is necessary to lower
the wood to a more acidic level, so the sealer will adhere properly.
With the wood prepared properly, it can then be sealed with a
contractor grade sealer. If an old sealer is present, the deck will
need stripped so the new sealer can adhere to the wood properly.
This stripping process is only done properly using a
stripping
agent and LOW PRESSURE, NOT high water pressure
or hot water.
Obviously, each contractor will be biased toward his own method. You
should look to what wood professionals say. There are
wood
restoration classes that contractors can take to become certified,
check to see if the contractor you are considering is certified.
We are proud to say that we are
Wolman Certified Contractors.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scam #4:
Requiring A Deposit Before Work Starts.
We've all heard the dreaded stories about unscrupulous contractors
taking money for a job, then vanishing...never to be seen again. The
bottom line is, if a contractor doesn't have sufficient working
capital to cover necessary expenses, it's a risky situation for the
homeowner.
At St. Louis Pro Wash, you don't pay a dime
until the project is completed to your discerning standards.
We guarantee your absolute satisfaction and we pride ourselves in
standing behind our work, now and in the future. |
|
|
|
