1 Down 92 to Go........

[Aplus]

These are probably the worst awnings I have ever seen. Every single awning has mold growing on it. The one in this photo is close to typical. They are stretched cloth.

Fortunately they are cleaning up real nice, but take a lot of work. Took 3 of us almost seven hours to clean 31 of them today.

All the outside faucets were disfunctional, so we had to get water from a hookup in the boiler room. It was the first time we had to use all 250 feet of garden hose in the trailer. Needless to say, the portable washers were dragged around a lot. Fortunately today was a really nice day, around 73 degrees, lower humidity, partly cloudy, just a great day to be outside.

Two more days and we'll be finished.......ugh.

[Aplus]

More, check these out........yech...

[Firedkm]

Tony,

What are you using to get them that clean? The picture of the clean one looks awesome.

[Beth n Rod]

Excellent as always!

[Aplus]

Well, the processes we developed to clean the awnings were the result of MUCH research, MANY phone calls, EXPENSIVE cleaners, and trial & error in the field.

I'm not going to specifically say here how to get awnings that clean, it is up to each person to do their homework as I did. All the information is available via the wonderful tool we call the world wide web.

Basically,

A product needs to be applied for the mold.

A product needs to be applied to clean the dirt, sap, droppings, etc.

A method needs to be employed to agitate and loosen the dirt, sap, droppings, etc.

A product needs to be applied to seal/waterproof the canvas.


Sorry for the vagueness, but this newly developed process is going to provide a lot of options and make me a lot of money. You didn't really think I was going to spill the info did you?

Good Luck.....and get busy doing your homework!

And BTW...the complex manager was blown away. He could not remember the awnings ever looking that good. Considering that they cost $400 each to replace, he didn't waste a second in signing me up to do annual cleanings.

[Firedkm]

Sure, why not?

I have too been looking for some "good stuff" searching the web. Your right about stuff costing alot and My worry is the trail and error. I dont have the awnings to practice on like I did for decks and house washes.

At least you got a annual cleaning out of the guy. Those awnings did look really good.

[Jon]

Super job Tony, and considering how badly they looked too.

[paul-uk]

. Cleaning Procedures Basically, cleaning is a five-step process: 1. Pre-inspection 2. Pre-soak 3. Scrub 4. Rinse 5. Apply a topical sealant 1. Pre-Inspection Before cleaning an awning it is important to inspect the awning frame and service location for potential problems. If any are identified they should be discussed with the customer and written on the work order before proceeding. Such things may include: Fabric degradation or failure Seam failure Lace failure Colorization failure Lighting outage Missing deflectors Rusted frames, or rust stains Birds nests Truck damage Loose frame at building connection Torn, missing, or deteriorated weatherproof caulking between top rail and building The safest approach is to have the customer sign a work order and liability waiver noting any such defects/problems before you begin the job.....

pre-inspection is v\important.....there are so many sites with different advice, that you would have research and go with what you feel is right.

dale shoot me a email.

tony another top job :-)

[Aplus]

Well said Paul!

Excellent.

[Aplus]

I'll post the after pics for all the dirtys later. I don't feel like walking to the truck now to get the camera.

I didn't really expect to be getting a job like this, it just presented itself. When I got there to do the estimate, I knew I had to do the research before offering any service.

I told the site manager that I needed a day or two before I could present him with a proposal.

I did my homework and found out exactly what had to be done to clean those awnings, and presented it to the site manager the next day.

He awarded me the job that day.

With the impetus of the first big awning cleaning opportunity, I learned everything I could in one night, and the next morning. Orders were placed for products I'd never heard of.

Armed with all the research, and some expensive chemicals, we jumped in feet first, hoping that other experiences and gut feelings make up for a lack of on-the-job experience.

Mission Accomplished.

Here's one of the guys hamming for the camera.

[One Tough Pressure]

Originally Posted by Aplus

I'm not going to specifically say here how to get awnings that clean, it is up to each person to do their homework as I did. All the information is available via the wonderful tool we call the world wide web.


Sorry for the vagueness, but this newly developed process is going to provide a lot of options and make me a lot of money. You didn't really think I was going to spill the info did you?

Now isn't that the purpose of all the boards out there? You do all the homework and the trial and error, then share your wisdom with all the folks who are to lazy to use the search function. You mean we actually have to do our own research and possibly fail before we figure it out? Now I am not sure that is fair, you are being greedy with field proven techniques. You meanie!!!

Just kidding, they look great!! So whats it gonna cost me to get your secret?

[jon chapman]

The first pictures make them look so much bigger. I love those results.
I did a lot of awning research, went out knocking on doors, did a couple with what I had available, that turned out great, then ordered the starter kit from one of the companies that specialize in awning chems. Started handing out professional flyers, showing the pics of my work, and.... havnt gotten one job since. I think I over knowledged myself. Too much research. Que sera!

[Jon]

Tony do I read you to say you have not done awnings before so the reason you told them it will take a day or so is to do a quick study to know what you are up against?

[Aplus]

Jon,
I had done a few awnings before, but nothing like what I was up against at that complex. I had never encountered that much mold. I knew bleach was out of the question due to the particular surroundings, so I had to find an alternative.

I was upfront with the manager in telling him those awnings were in severe condition, and I had concerns about employing methods I had used in the past. I told him that I needed to do some research specifically aimed at his situation. He was very appreciative of my honesty and told me two other companies had bid, and neither of them explained anything to him about how they were going to approach the job. In fact one company said they were going to apply Thompsons as a water proofer. The manager even knew Thompsons was not the correct product for canvas awnings. I went to HD yesterday and checked out the Thompsons closely, and no where did it say it is OK to use it on canvas or cloth. In fact the label said, wood, cement, brick, etc, hard surfaces.

When I created my proposal, I included some product information of the products I was going to use. It added credibility I think.

Some may say to never reveal your weaknesses to a customer, to always portray you are an expert in the service they are requesting. But I think in certain situations, you can use it to your advantage. Once the manager saw that I fully grasped what had to be done, and understood exactly how we were going to restore the awnings, he only saw me as a professional, not as inexperienced in awning cleaning.

Sit back and think about how you can employ different techniques in your sales presentation. The idea is to demonstrate that you are the right guy for the job, not the other outfits that didn't take the time to educate the customer.

[Jon]

Tony I don't see any weakness here, just being honest and to me that speaks loudly of a person.

That also had a lot to do with you landing this account.

I have been in those shoes on a couple jobs, even bid to low the first time and made it clear I did and would re-bid next time hoping they accept it.

If not I learned, if so I gained just like you gained a new account and I bet he gives your name to others.