Bad Concrete Finish Fixes

What to do with bad concrete coatings.

In the Pacific Northwest there is a ton of different concrete finishes being used in the industry. Many have performed well under the duress of constant weather and environmental changes.That said, there are more that have failed or have become unsightly than have lasted to a satisfactory level of enjoyment. Having the proper maintenance program for concrete cleaning and sealing becomes a high priority if the desired outcome is aesthetic durability and beauty.

A licensed contractor does not mean they are up to date on the best sealers, stains and coatings. Fast finish provides an in depth evaluation that goes beyond the standard one size fits all or in this case one coating or sealer works in every case. Having a broader product and applications background enables Fast Finish to provide a better solution than what most contractors offer. 

Another overlooked area regarding sealers and coatings is the short window in Oregon for application. Booking and planning in advance for the following season is usually the best approach and does not leave you with a run of the mill finish that is often provided in the area. 

What about TSP as a cleaner?

We use TSP for some things but here is some things to know for those who are looking at adding Soft Wash services to their pressure washing services...

Soft Wash differs from pressure washing in that it primarily relies on chemistry to do the heavy lifting in the cleaning process.,.

Note: TSP is (SH) or bleach compatible-

((Soft wash))

As a rule, you should Avoid adding TSP to your soft-wash mixes for two primary reasons:
1.  If left to accidentally dry on glossy surfaces such as windows or shiny gutter or garage doors, TSP will cause permanent damage to the shiny surfaces and 'De-Gloss' paint or glass and stain metal and cement surfaces.
2.  Use of TSP will give the possibility of violating the Clean Water Act or CWA.   If evidence of pollution by TSP or other pollutant by your company's services cause a fish kill, waterway plant death, eutrophication of nearby bodies of fresh or salt water, you may be held liable.  It is rare but can cost thousands in fines as warnings are almost never heard of.   Many states only allow the sale of a TSP substitute. ( found at HOme Depot)

-TSP is basically good for preperation of re painting and treating mold on wood or painted surfaces...

Penetrating vs. Topical Sealers

Question-Can topical concrete sealers (ex. acrylics, epoxies, urethanes, etc.) be applied over penetrating sealers?

Answer-((Yes,))topical sealers generally can be applied over most penetrating sealers. Penetrating sealers generally do not form a membrane, film, or barrier that would prevent the topical sealers from adhering to the surface. As a matter of fact, most penetrating sealers were originally developed for use as primers to be applied prior to topical coatings and sealers being applied. It was only in recent years that penetrating sealers gained popularity for usage as a standalone product due to their inherent properties for preserving, protecting, and strengthening concrete, brick, and stone surfaces. Please consult product label and product specification sheet for specific details on the product you are considering.
Can penetrating concrete sealers be applied over topical sealers? 
No, topical sealers create a membrane, film, or barrier that prevents the penetrating sealers from absorbing into the surface. If intention is to apply a penetrating sealer to a surface, then it will be necessary to properly remove the topical sealer from the surface prior to application of the penetrating sealer. Removal may be accomplished through scraping, grinding, sand blasting, shot blasting, pressure washing, chemical stripping, or other accepted method

Hidden mold signs

 

these are the most common signs of mold illness:

• Headache
• Fatigue, post-exercise malaise, and weakness
• Memory problems, focusing issues, executive function problems, brain fog
• Light sensitivity, blurred vision, red eyes
• Sinus problems, air hunger, cough, shortness of breath, asthma-like signs
• Vertigo
• Static “shocks”
• Weight gain despite sufficient effort (weight loss resistance)
• Tremors
• Muscle cramps, constant nerve pain, pain in the joints, aches without inflammatory arthritis, “ice pick” pain
• Persistent nerve pain
• Numbness and tingling
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, appetite changes, nausea
• Night sweats or temperature regulation issues
• Excessive thirst
• Increased urination
• Metallic taste

Regarding these symptoms, you can easily see why they are often confused with other diseases’ signs. Yet, the disastrous effects of mold have been scientifically studies for more than three decades.

Gluten Free Pressure Washing

The last few years has seen a steady increase of business in pressure washing services in Salem Oregon. Every handy man and lawn care service has jumped on board to add it to their up sell in services provided. So with all the options out there how does a home or business owner choose the right match? For many it will be a price based decision with least   expensive bid and whatever review rating they can drum up online for legitimacy. Fair enough, as I make some purchasing decisions the exact same way. But you are not purchasing a tv or appliance here.

All services have a niche. Far to many companies over reach by providing a bit more than they really understand how to do. Fast Finish specializes in sealers and coatings with an emphasis on restoration. Just like the ingredients in bread. Not All bread tastes good, and we have our preferences. Our preference  was to become experts in preservation, longevity and address the problem of cleaning with pressure washing from the standpoint of a consumer not having to spend so much time and money doing it every year. In order to do that we needed to become experts in protection of the surfaces needing the cleaning. Whatever surface that is, Fast Finish is sure to have a solution to protect and beautify it so that it has to be cleaned less frequently and definitely easier to clean when it does need it. That is at the heart and core of every cleaning. Normal pressure washing can degrade and break down the surface over time. Having the right company like Fast finish of Salem Oregon  do it insures that the surface not only gets cleaned but lasts longer as well.

Sealers and Coatings

Sealers penetrate the surface while coatings rely on adheasion. Good sealers offer protection even after surface wear. You can see this in the nano type sealers where water continues to bead up.

For details on what sealer is best for you contact Fast Finish experts at 503-749-5001 and they will get you going in the right direction with options....

Paints vs.Stains

 First thing to know-

 Water-based stains can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the wooden surface. Water-based stains can be cleaned up with water.

Oil-based stains will only adhere to wood previously stained with an oil-based product. 

So which one is the best? The answer is not as simple as one over the other, but the conditions and exposure of the surface that determines the best application.

When dealing with wood decks, you have to consider it's direct exposure or enclosure of the wood. paints are coatings and they do not penetrate the substrate like stains. they are a thin adhesive film that can wear down or off over time. Stains penetrate into the surface and also condition the wood. The airflow beneath a deck can also be a big factor. A deck that can absorb moisture can rot quicker. If water can constantly sit on the surface, then stain is better than paint. In damp moisture prone climates wood will be absorbed under the paint and trap in the moisture and rot. If the deck is enclosed, paint will provide a more uniform appearance to the surface. 

The same can be said for sealers and coatings for concrete. Coatings float on top whereas sealers actually penetrate. The coatings are more eye appealing but require heavier maintenance long term. sealers penetrate the pores rather than covering them and relying on the adhesive nature of a coating to protect the finish....

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Concrete Cleaning made easy

Concrete cleaning has always been a male doninated industry. With the invention of great tools and even better chemistry, cleaning concrete has been made easier than ever and more female business owners have taken notice. One such owner had made it her bread and butter in Salem Oregon. The owner of Fast Finish in Salem Oregon is female. Although she shares the business with her husband and partner she is the genius behind the curtain with innovation in concrete cleaning. 

Although the business is usually booked out two to three weeks, residents and business  alike are willing to wait for the cleaning service that Fast Finish delivers

Fast Finish Oregon: Best Roof Cleaning in Salem Oregon

Fast Finish Oregon: Best Roof Cleaning in Salem Oregon: When you drive around Salem have you ever noticed the heavy moss, mold, and lichen, on the roofs in your neighborhood? Some look like carpet...

Sealers - what you need to know

It is that time of year once again! Pressure wash that driveway, patio and sidewalk. But dont stop there, and forget to seal it afterwards. Why go through all the work then leave that clean exposed aggregate or concrete unprotected? That exposed surface is now more-vulnerable than when the oil and dirt were on it. But what sealer is best?  There are a couple things to consider. Looks and longevity are usually at the top of the list. What most people dont know is that most who want that nice shiny sheen on their exposed  aggregate sacrifice longevity. There is no way around it. In order to get that look, acrylics are used in the mixture. Acrylics are not sealers! Acrylics are coatings. The Difference between a coating and a sealer is the penetration they have to the surface. Acrylics have either a water or solvent base as a carrier. The thinner the mix or percentage of acrylic to the carrier the more penetration it has. Acrylics need a build up on the surface to create the sheen. 25-30% acrylic is typically standard to achieve that desired result. So everything is coated and looks great, but the catch is coming. In Oregon and high moisture, rain fall or humidity states, moisture gets trapped underneath these coatings. Coatings do not breath and trap thst moisture. The result is white haze, premature failure, flaking an chipping in some extreme cases. The fixes are only temporary at best. The coatings also need to be re freshed every couple years to maintain the desired shine as well. This is evident by areas that are less exposed to the elements under the eves and shaded areas.

Sealers on the other hand, penetrate into the pores and create a vapor type barrier but allows moisture to escape, depending on the carrier types. You can even attain a moderate sheen but nothing like acrylic coatings. The sealers also come solvent and water based as well and have a much longer wear life if they are not just topical in nature. Coatings and sealers both have their place. It is good to understand the pros and cons of each before making a decision...