How To Avoid Four Power Washing Scams

 

Scam #1:

Misleading Claims Like:  “Specializing in Hot Water Washing”. You may read this in ads or hear this from contractors. Whether a contractor uses hot water or cold water in a residential application, the end result is the same. Hot water does, however, speed up the cleaning process in commercial and industrial uses, but what does it mean to the homeowner?

The truth is hot water has no benefit and shouldn’t be used in residential services. It can warp vinyl siding, damage wood and asphalt shingles, and can be detrimental to surrounding landscape and plants. Crafty claims like this are nothing more than a desperate attempt of trickery to gain your business and trust.
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Scam #2:

“The Infamous $99 Housewash”:  To some degree, all of us are attracted to low prices because we want to work within a budget, especially with our economy. However, contractors offering unbelievably low prices are cutting corners somewhere and insurance and the proper chemicals are the first things to go. They are hoping you are basing your buying decision on price alone and if they are the cheapest, they will get the job.

Once they get the job they have to take shortcuts in order to make a profit. Professional power washing is not as cheap as some unethical power washers would like you to believe. Make sure you are paying for the level of quality you expect. Beware of these so-called “Splash and Dash” contractors.
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Scam #3:

Outdated Beliefs:  “Just Blast the Deck and Use an Expensive Sealer.” Many people believe that using an expensive sealer will make all the difference. The fact is: the number one reason a sealer fails, no matter how much it cost, is because the wood is not prepared properly. Wood goes through many stages while being cleaned. When using the proper cleaner the wood turns very dark, as the pH level goes up. A neutralizing process is necessary to lower the wood to a more acidic level, so the sealer will adhere properly.

With the wood prepared properly, it can then be sealed with a contractor grade sealer. If an old sealer is present, the deck will need stripped so the new sealer can adhere to the wood properly. This stripping process is only done properly using a stripping agent and LOW PRESSURE, NOT high water pressure or hot water.

Obviously, each contractor will be biased toward his own method. You should look to what wood professionals say. There are wood restoration classes that contractors can take to become certified, check to see if the contractor you are considering is certified. We are proud to say that we are Wolman Certified Contractors.
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Scam #4:

Requiring A Deposit Before Work Starts:  We’ve all heard the dreaded stories about unscrupulous contractors taking money for a job, then vanishing…never to be seen again. The bottom line is, if a contractor doesn’t have sufficient working capital to cover necessary expenses, it’s a risky situation for the customer.

At St. Louis Pro Wash, you don’t pay a dime until the project is completed to your discerning standards. We guarantee your absolute satisfaction and we pride ourselves in standing behind our work, now and in the future.