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.