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At times, our ability to provide 100% stain removal may be limited due the chemical composition of the stains. We will address every problem to the best of our ability to make sure that you are satisfied, but some surfaces absorb stains over long periods of time and there will be times when the best we can offer is improvement, not perfection. The following stains are particularly difficult to remove, and to do so requires very specialized, often hazardous, chemicals (which we can still provide, but as an added service charge).
Example of ruined siding that was washed with high pressure, unevenly removing the oxidized layer.
Clean Smarter, Not Harder!
Oxidation Restoration
Oxidation Restoration
Vinyl siding and exterior house paint oxidizes faster in the sun. In cases where oxidation has not been addressed for a long time, a simple soft wash with basic chemicals will not ‘restore’ the original color of the siding. In these cases, we will wash the siding with low pressure and leave the oxidation undisturbed. This is the cheapest option and is acceptable to many customers.
One of the many reasons why we don't use high pressure on house washes is to limit the uneven removal of oxidation on vinyl siding. Complete oxidation removal and restoration necessitates a specific chemical wash that is not standard and must be mixed on site to demand. This will require a very time intensive soft brushing method and could add many hours to a job.
We will inspect for oxidation prior to beginning a standard cleaning and present to you the option for the additional oxidation restoration service with a no-obligation estimate.
Run your finger along the siding, and if you find a chalky residue, that is a tell-tale sign of oxidation.
Rust Stains on Driveways
Rust Stains on Driveways
Rust is a complex mix of hydrous iron(III) oxides (Fe2O3·nH2O) and iron(III) oxide-hydroxide (FeO(OH), Fe(OH)3 , and requires a chemical to chelate, or chemically bind to it, so that it can be dissolved and washed away.
There are three main chemical options that professionals use, which are all strong acids that are highly corrosive in their required concentrations.
Muriatic Acid: also known as Hydrochloric acid or HCl. We avoid this, if we can, due to how easily it can etch the surface of concrete and glass, but sometimes the toughest stains need the strongest solution.
Oxalic Acid: a white crystalline organic compound that's known for removing rust, hard water stains, and mineral deposits. It is used commercially as a laundry rinse, wood-bleaching agent, and calcium remover. Oxalic acid can remove some organic paints and varnishes.
Hydrofluoric Acid: sometimes known as Aluminum brightener, Hydrofluoric acid HF, is a chemical that we will refuse to utilize. Concentrated HF isn't as dangerous to a human as weak HF. Weak HF isn't acidic enough to burn immediately, so it diffuses through skin and will react with the calcium in the blood. From the National Library of Health: "Hydrofluoric acid is highly toxic and damaging. It penetrates into deep tissue causing liquefactive necrosis and...causes systemic fluoride toxicity including cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal and neuromuscular symptoms, electrolyte imbalance and enzyme inhibition which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and death. " We don't believe this should even be sold as a product to the general public!
Our solution of choice is Oxalic Acid and, in cases of severe rust, we'll use Muriatic acid; both of these are biodegradable once washed away.
Since our standard cleaning process involves using Sodium Hypochlorite, this should NEVER be mixed with ANY acid. The reaction of the two releases toxic fumes, so we will be painstakingly rinsing the areas between washes if you request rust stain removal. We will also be wearing appropriate organic vapor Personal Protective Equipment.
Muriatic Cid
Fall-out is most evident on the upper portion of siding, near the soffits, where upward air-flow is restricted.
Highway or Exhaust Fall-Out
Highway or Exhaust Fall-Out
Fall-out is seen on homes within a few hundred feet of a busy road or highway. This is a combination of inorganic materials caused by car exhausts. Fall-out removal is not included in a standard house wash; it is a slow process of removing a thin layer of failed paint from your siding.
Fall-out is very difficult to remove. While it can be removed, the process of cleaning fall-out (which affects older, oxidized siding much more than newer siding) is very labor-intensive. Older, aluminum siding seems to ‘hold onto’ the fall-out more than vinyl, because aluminum siding is actually painted (whereas vinyl is a colored plastic). As the aluminum siding’s paint layer oxidizes and creates the chalky layer discussed above, it mixes with the fall-out chemicals over the years to create a very stubborn stain! Muriatic acid is the remedy for Fall-out. Muriatic acid is also known as Hydrochloric acid, and the concentrations needed to remove fallout are quite corrosive and difficult to work with. This will remove a thin layer of paint during the process. Depending on the age of the siding and condition of the paint, you may see bare metal in some areas. Very often, re-painting is a much more practical solution!
Our team can safely perform Fall-out removal, but due to it's toxic risks, we will require a specific waiver for the added service.
How we stay safe when we need special chemicals
How we stay safe when we need special chemicals
When applying particularly hazardous or concentrated chemicals, we will employ nitrile/rubber gloves, protective coveralls, and a NIOSH/MSHA approved air-purifying respirator equipped with chlorine cartridges for high vapor levels. This will be our standard during any non-standard acid washing, or when climate conditions deem it necessary, such as during standard roof cleanings on hot days that may vaporize the NaClO quickly.
Acknowledgment of Risks and Releases of Liability
Power washing uses high pressure and caustic chemicals to clean difficult stains off of exterior surfaces. Utilizing this pressure allows the best clean possible; however, operating at such high pressure can also cause damage. Pure Solutions LLC technicians are well trained in utilizing their equipment and take the utmost precautions in making sure the company does not cause harm to your investment. Although high pressure is not used on residential siding, damage can still occur due to poor maintenance, neglect to the property, and/or low grade building materials. Homeowners should consult with their homebuilder to ensure that their home’s materials are able to be pressure washed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure that their property has been maintained in accordance with its manufacturer’s recommendations and any defects or areas of concern are repaired prior to washing to ensure a watertight surface. The Homeowner assumes all of these risks and takes responsibility for any damage that occurs due to the above explanations.
The Client also agrees to release Pure Solutions LLC (henceforth referred to as the Company) of any or all liability for injuries sustained due to equipment placement to include injuries from tripping/falling, striking equipment, falling debris or equipment.
Client Responsibility On The Day of Service:
1. Please have a water spigot activated and accessible.
2. Please have all windows and doors shut tightly.
3. Please have all pets inside during appointment and two hours after the technicians leave the home.
4. Clear the work areas of all items and remove all flags, doormats, vehicles, or sensitive materials at least 10 feet from the areas being washed.
It is vital to the preservation of the Client’s property that they notify the Company of any surfaces that cannot be cleaned with high alkaline or acidic detergents (see exclusions below).
Exclusions:
• There is a $50.00 cancellation fee if notice is not given within 24 hours of service, or if the Company arrives and cannot wash due to steps 1-3 not being completed in a timely manner.
• There is a $50.00 processing fee for any returned checks.
• The Company is not responsible for water intrusion. While every effort is made to prevent this from happening, bad seals around windows and doors and cracks in concrete foundations can make this unavoidable.
• The Company is not responsible for the rare “fogging” effect that happens to multi pane windows with bad seals.
• This agreement to provide services is in no way a guarantee that stains will be removed completely. The Company does strive for 100% customer satisfaction and will work with homeowners when this does not occur.
• Notify the Company if there are any surfaces on or near the home that cannot have any form of detergent on them. If the company is not notified of this, The Company is not responsible for any ill effects to any surfaces regarding this matter.
Corrections of Damages
Pure Solutions LLC shall only be obligated under this contract for structural damages which are a direct result of operator error, gross negligence, or willful misconduct. Damages must be discovered and reported within three (3) calendar days of said completion. Upon receipt of written notice, the Company shall be allowed thirty (30) calendar days from date of receipt for the purpose of inspecting the premises. Pure Solutions LLC shall have sole option of repairing or contracting repair work to correct any structural damages that are a direct result of the Company.
Payment Terms
Payment is due when work is completed unless alternate arrangements have been made and initialed on the service agreement. Should the Client utilize a credit card for payment, a 3% processing fee will be assessed.
Collection of Outstanding Debt
Pure Solutions LLC reserves the right to attach a mechanic’s lien against a homeowner’s property for non-payment. At 30 days past due, a formal notice of intent to file this lien will be sent via registered mail. Interest rate of 2% per month begins accruing after day 31 of non payment. The Company also reserves the right to enter into civil claims court to collect outstanding debt. All legal fees incurred will be added to the remaining unpaid balance. This contract is binding.
Agreement to Terms
By accepting an estimate, the Client agrees that all the specifications and conditions are satisfactory and hereby accepted. You authorize Pure Solutions LLC to do the work as specified on the proposal/estimate form. You release Pure Solutions LLC from property damage unless damage is caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct. Pure Solutions LLC is not responsible for damage to loose siding, windows, paint or wood trim. Any damages due to the above are the responsibility of the owner.
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