First job - how to get better

T

trebor

New member
We did our first commercial job this past week. It consisted of a big box retailer's storefront concrete sidewalks. There were on average about 10 pieces of gum per 4 foot by 4 foot section and had probably not been done in three years or so. We used our wand , hot water and a 15 degree tip to get up the gum. We then went back over the whole area with hot water with our surface cleaner (WW Classic). Overall it looked much better but you could still see the marks made by our wand from cleaning the gum. I would have like the surface to not have shown these "wand marks".

So I have some questions. Did we do this correctly? What can I do so that the wand marks don't show next time?

I have already learned so much from this board and will hopefully one day be a contributor, but for now I need help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


(PS - yes I forgot to take pictures. I will remember next time.)

Trebor
 
The wand is getting it cleaner than the surface cleaner. If you are running 5 gpm from your wand then it is only 2.5 gpm from each tip of the surface cleaner.
Sometimes you have to go over it again if it hasn't been done in a while. You can also get a 5 degree gum tip.

BTW Fill out your signature line and people will be more out to help you.
 
Thanks

Thanks Ashley. That makes sense about the SC being at 2.5 gpm. But if I use a 5 degree gum tip on my wand won't I still have the same problem? Or are you saying change the tips on my SC?

Trebor

BTW - I will update my information. That was a good suggestion.
 
As far as the gum ghosts are concerned, if you go over them with a lite spray of fresh sh they should just about dissapear...No need to drown the entire area just a good misting should work. Hope this helps out! :)
 
Are you talking about marks like these. If you are then the wand is getting the surface clean but since the surface cleaner cut's the gpm's that means it cut's the cleaning power. If you had a 10 gpm machine on the surface cleaner then you wouldn't have a problem.
You can put some degreaser down first and it should cure it also.

Larry,
These pics are from my local Wal Mart last week and we all know who does them.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0127.JPG
    IMG_0127.JPG
    791.1 KB · Views: 90
  • IMG_0128.JPG
    IMG_0128.JPG
    770.3 KB · Views: 100
  • IMG_0129.JPG
    IMG_0129.JPG
    617.8 KB · Views: 75
trebor said:
Thanks Ashley. That makes sense about the SC being at 2.5 gpm. But if I use a 5 degree gum tip on my wand won't I still have the same problem? Or are you saying change the tips on my SC?

Trebor

BTW - I will update my information. That was a good suggestion.
Click to expand...

Your tips should all be fine. A 5º gum tip will be a smaller pattern. Sometimes you can fan out the marked upped areas so it's not so noticeable.
 
Ashley Phillips said:
Are you talking about marks like these. If you are then the wand is getting the surface clean but since the surface cleaner cut's the gpm's that means it cut's the cleaning power. If you had a 10 gpm machine on the surface cleaner then you wouldn't have a problem.
You can put some degreaser down first and it should cure it also.

Larry,
These pics are from my local Wal Mart last week and we all know who does them.
Click to expand...

Truely a thing of beauty. I hope no one walks on that concrete wearing only one shoe. Especially if its still wet. That would leave them with one Wet Foot.
 
Russ Spence said:
where is wetfoot ? Our WalMart in Millbrook needs some more damage to even out the other damage
Click to expand...

:D LMAO... Who ever said bigger was better? :confused: Besides my wife!!! I still think she was refering to my bank account!
 
Larry Millette said:
:D LMAO... Who ever said bigger was better? :confused: Besides my wife!!! I still think she was refering to my bank account!
Click to expand...

At least you hope she was referring to your bank account.
 
Larry

For real with the caustic and the gum shadows? You spray on after your done cleaning and leave it? Do you spray at each mark or mist everything.

As for the question - Yes clean cement first, then get gum - and use some soap.

Hardened gum is a miracle of nature isn't it?
 
ATTENTION !
Better be careful using any chems in a commercial situation, as a general rule it is not widely accepted. Especially at a retail store front with caustic ! The residual effects are long lasting and can burn someone for days afterwards. As far as sodium hypochlorite ? Well it will reduce the visibility of the gum shadows but I would check State laws and EPA regulations first, you have a lot of exposure on these !
 
tomtucson said:
Larry

For real with the caustic and the gum shadows? You spray on after your done cleaning and leave it? Do you spray at each mark or mist everything.

As for the question - Yes clean cement first, then get gum - and use some soap.

Hardened gum is a miracle of nature isn't it?
Click to expand...

What Steve said. Chlorine. Ya only need a light mist. Spot or full coverage whatever works for your situation. The active ingridient- (SH) will evaporate in a short amount of time. Like Russ said though. check to make sure your ok with applying whever your working. There are a few places I do work at down here that I won't use SH-(chlorine). :rolleyes:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top