Thursday, January 28, 2010

What are those black stains on my roof?


I've heard many theories in my career. Some think it's caused by granule loss, some say it's jet fuel. It's actually an algae, Gloeocapsa Magma, that feeds on oraganic matter in your roofing shingle. It is a hardy algae with a rigid husk. It can almost always be found on the north side of the roof where there is less sunlight. With the proper combination of cleaning agents it can be safely removed. Powerwashing causes damage and can loosen the roofing granules that protects the underlying membrane.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Cement Whitening


Getting cement to whiten may require more than pressure alone. Cement is pourus and may require a special cleaning agent to assist the process. Using a combination of sodium hypochlorite and with tri-sodium phosphate seems to work quite well. Using a chemical resistant pump sprayer may work best to apply the agent accurately, for this solution is not friendly to grass or other landscape. Allow the whitener to dwell for approximately 15 minutes, than using a 0 degree turbo nozzle wil finish the job. These are pics of a job in South Plainfield, N.J.









Saturday, January 23, 2010

Proper Pressure washing Techniques




We've been exterior cleaning in NJ for some time now. While many of our clients own their own machine they still trend towards hiring a professional. The secret is no secret. We've been using our own special blend of detergents with the main ingredient chlorine. It does wonders on vinyl siding and removing green mold. It's a must when it comes to whitening white aluminum wrappings and white painted structures. It's not about the pressure which most times leads to damage. We use a soft-washing techniques and rarely use pressures over 400 psi. It can be frustrating learning whats nozzles draw soap and which ones to use for pressure to the right application. Some soap nozzles do not work on all machines. They must be matched to the proper orifice size of the nozzle to the proper gallons per minute of the machine.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Are You Fit to Pressure Wash Your Own House?

Most of our customers are relieved when they find us. Nearly 95% of our clients own their own pressure washer. Most have tried countless times to do it themselves spending all weekend with minimal results. Powerwashing is not for the faint of heart, though a professional can make it look easy. The equipment is heavy, connections have to be secure and tight, and dragging a heavy duty hose around landscaping alone can be a work out.
What is it worth to free up your weekend and have a pro wash your house? If they're using proper detergents they can leave your house clean and mold free longer than using water alone. The average cost of power washing is house is around $250. There are factors to consider such as size, landscape, type of siding, windows and more.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Spring is Closer than You Think!

When weather breaks, the phone starts ring. Many pressure washing companies in New Jersey, as well as http://www.thompsonpowerwashing.com/ is hammered with phone calls for people wanting to prepare for the Spring. This year may be no exception. In June of 2009 it has rained every day for the month. Many people held off with projects until this year. Competent pressure washing contractors will be adequately prepared to handle the volume. A good idea may be to schedule now and lock in a price.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

American Roof Cleaners Association Forum




Monday, January 18, 2010

The Cost/Estimate of Pressure Washing in New Jersey

What is cheap in the tri-state area? Compared to most parts of the U.S. we pay less for fuel. As for everything else, things just seem to be more expensive. Housing, taxes, insurance, and labor, things just seem to cost more.
What about exterior cleaning? Well, as a pressure washing contractor for over 14 years now, I've seen prices rise all accross the spectrum. It depends on the method one uses to clean. Time, material, fuel, and labor are all factors. I have washed house for less than $200 when the customer had gotten quotes for over $700. The services were probably different. It may similarly be compared to a car wash. You can pay $10 to simply wash it, or $100 or more for a full detailed wash with all of the bells and whistles. It all depends on what your looking for.
We've started this company primarily washing mold from siding. It has slowly migrated toward roof cleaning, pool patio cleaning, vinyl fences, cement whitening, and more. House washing quotes can be given over the phone in most cases. Visit our wesite for contact info at http://www.thompsonpowerwashing.com/.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Is it too cold to pressure wash my house?




Any reputable New Jersey powerwashing contractor will be using some type of chlorinated detergent to adequately remediate mold, mildew, or other organic matter from your siding. The main ingredient used at http://www.thompsonpowerwashing.com/ is Sodium Hypochlorite. This is the main ingredient in household bleach you might use in clothes whitening. It may be a higher strength used for pressure washing. This chemical reacts favorably in warmer temperatures. It works also in the cold but it may require a longer dwell time to get the same effect. You will not be charged more for winter months. Since winter is not as busy, the contractor will appreciate the work, even though it requires more time. The same holds true for roof cleaning.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Gutter Whitening in New Jersey

"Why is it my gutters get those ugly black lines, and they were just recently installed?" We are asked this question frequently. These lines are not dirt. They are actually a type of oxidation called "electrostatic bonding". They cannot be removed by any type of pressure washing. It takes certain chemical to counter act the oxidation. http://www.thompsonpowerwashing.com/ has a simple and affordable way to restore your gutters to new condition. The cost is roughly 30 cents/ft for the first floor and 50 cents/ft for second floor gutters (depending on accessability, landscape, etc.).

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Importance of insured powerwashing contracors.

Many companies do not starting out having insurance. Many companies start with one person doing sporatic work. Overhead is low and rates are kept low. Low rates makes customers happy especially when the work is good. An isured contractor can easily be outbid by a non-insured contractor. But God forbid an accident does occur. Who will pay for damage to the home and medical bills? Perhaps there is long term rehabilitation, who will pay for this? The burdon falls on the homeowner. www.ThompsonPowerwashing.com is insured for $1,000,000.00. We strongly suggest one to ask your contractor to see their declaration sheet and follow up to find out if the insurance is valid. It's not worth saving a couple of dollars and risk losing everything you own to an uninsured contractor.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Finding the Right Roof Cleaning Contractor

When searching roof cleaning New Jersey, http://www.thompsonpowerwashing.com/ will have a link on the home page from the asphault roofing shingle maunfacturer (ARMA) describing the proper method to clean a roof. Pressure washing can loosen roof granules and lead to long term damage and drastically reduce the life of the shingle.

Monday, January 11, 2010

North Plainfield Powerwashing

Estimate to wash 4 buildings totaling 28 units. The issue is green mold enveloping the siding on the fronts and north sides of the buildings. Total price to pressurewash all 4 buildings $1785 (approx. $63 per unit). Job includes whitening of the gutters. This is generally the norm as far as estimates go. Average prices for condo units are $40-$85 per unit. Price varies occording to size, height, material, landscape, accessability. For more info vist www.ThompsonPowerwashing.com.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Thompson Powerwashing 732-726-9261

It's quite frigid outside. But before long the season will change. Outside around the house for the first time this year you'll start to notice how dirty your home can become during the winter months. Spring is coming and so is time to prepare the home surroundings for outside living. That's what we do here at www.ThompsonPowerwashing.com. We are more than just a pressure washing company. We create a curb appeal for more enjoyable living. We also clean roofing shingles, cement walks, cleaning pavers and de-weeding, decks/trex and other wooden strucures, whiten vinyl fences, gutter cleaning and whitening, lawn furniture restoration, and more. Estimates are always free. Our friendly staff is committed to giving excellent service. Serving Ocean, Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, Union, and Essex Counties. We are licensed, insured, and are proud Americans. See before and after pics at www.ThompsonPowerwashing.com.