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Ask the Expert
Here are the most frequently asked questions
we receive from our clients. TRI FLO hopes you will find these informative
and educational. If you have any additional questions or your question
was NOT addressed here, please feel free to CONTACT
US. All Inquiries will be responded to.
What is pressure cleaning? And what can it
do for you?
Pressure cleaning is the concept of utilizing pressurized
water and stain specific solutions to clean such varied surfaces
as wood, concrete, brick and all types of siding.
Will
the pressure of the machine damage my siding, wood or concrete?
No,
the term "pressure" in pressure cleaning is a misnomer
and often misunderstood. Actually the pressure of the machine allows
a professional contractor to do two things:
-
Apply the solution evenly and to the surfaces it needs to reach.
For example, the peak of a two story home can be reached from
the ground by utilizing a professional grade machine. So there
is no need for you, the homeowner, to be up 20 feet on a ladder
scrubbing your siding.
- Work at an
efficient rate and speed.
What
kinds of solutions are used in the cleaning process?
TRI
FLO uses the latest techniques, technologies and chemistry available.
All solutions are safe, biodegradable and environmentally friendly
for your plants, pets and children, when applied by a professional
pressure cleaner.
Choosing
the specific and correct solution is based on the molecular composition
of the stain as well as the surface upon which that stain appears.
For example, TRI FLO would use a different solution to remove a
grease stain from a driveway versus an asphalt parking lot and would
use a different solution to remove mold from your home's siding
than from your deck.
Why
does mold & mildew (that nasty, ugly green and black stuff)
grow on my home?
There are several reasons why
- mold and
mildew are produced by fungi that grow on walls exposed to humidity
and feed on nutrients in paint, bird droppings and sap that settle
on its surface. The Southeast U.S. is a mold & mildew hotbed.
- In the age
of energy efficient and environmentally friendly materials, some
of the most commonly used play a part in creating the growth of
mold & mildew. For example, energy efficient aluminum and
vinyl siding, which remain cool to the touch even on some of the
hottest days creates a good growth environment.
Lead free, non-toxic paints developed to ensure the safety of
human beings also now helps ensure the "safety" of mold
& mildew. In the past, the lead element in the paint helped
kill off and deter mold & mildew growth.
Mold & mildew
on your home can shorten the life of a paint job and accelerate
the need to replace siding and wood. Once mold & mildew appear,
they quickly send spores floating through the air looking for a
new place to feed and reproduce. (see our House
Wash service)
How
and why should I maintain and care for my deck?
Answers to the following questions can be found in
our Wood Deck Care section
- What causes
my deck to weather and turn gray?
- After cleaning,
what type of sealant or protective coating should be applied?
- see the EPA's
latest findings and recommendations regarding wood deck care.
USA
TODAY Feb 13, 2002
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