I have a opportunity to wash 24 of these awnings. 4' x 4' x 10'. LOTS of bird poop on top, but these represent the worst of them. The building is 455' linear feet in circumference. The worst of the spiders' webs are around the lights, 4 per building (6 buildings). The soffets have webs everywhere, but again, the worst of it is at the lights.
I have not had a significant project like this to use Terra Wash to remove spiders' webs. I plan to spray directly with Terra Wash & use extension poles/brushes to help remove them. Would you add Terra Wash to 1%? If so, how much Terra Wash? If not, what mix would you use of Terra Wash to treat?
Awnings: I know that I need a color-fastness test. Where to begin? 1% 2%? What do you recommend for the bird poop? Is agitation likely to be necessary? or would that be harmful to the fabric?
Thanks for any input.
Steve Mazzuca said
Jun 18, 2015
I personally have not tried TW on soffits with webs but we dealt with this problem on covered boat docks at my marina for many years. We tried everything! Ultimately the best immediate and long term result was achieved by aggressive brushing (6" long bristled kitchen type broom) with long poles first. We learned that you have to eliminate the webs first and as thoroughly as possible. Next we pressure washed for the dust and dirt and lastly we sprayed a product called Bifen I/T (all other products failed) to kill the spiders and prevent them from returning. You can order online but its nasty stuff and they wont ship to some states (CA being one of them). Note- if you don't get rid of the web system first- the spiders will return in a few days.
Vic Irish said
Jun 18, 2015
I am not expert at removing cobwebs with softwashing, but I saw it done at a Softwashapalooza, and I am convinced that the best way to clean cobwebs is dry, with an Ettore Superbrush at the end of a pole. The Superbrush covers three times the area as the cobwebbing balls do. I didn't like how long it takes to wash down a cobweb. Easier to snag them on the dry brush.
My 2 cents.
vic
Chad Eneix said
Jun 19, 2015
I have had good luck removing spider webs with 1%-2% and extra Green Wash, that was before Terra Wash was available. That usually was on lake homes, so it would slide down the siding easier than that brick. Maybe and initial dry brushing, then SoftWashing.
If those awnings are fabric, and not vinyl or coated, and that is lichen, be prepared to hand scrub every one with a brush held in your hand, not on a pole. The roots of the lichen grow in to the fabric, and are very hard to remove. I just did an awning project of similar size. Half day to SoftWash the building and awnings, and 3/4 day to scrub off the lichen. I used 2%. The lichen need to be wet to come off.
Matt Lancaster said
Jun 22, 2015
Jeffrey if I am correct you are in the Maryland area and our spiders and bird scat do not have the super sonic powers of those found elsewhere in y the USA. A 1 to 2 %SH solution should work well , I'd keep a soft bristle brush handy for the mud bugs in the corners and rinse cautiously you do not want to saturate whatever is behind the soffit it will drip and make new stains .
I have a opportunity to wash 24 of these awnings. 4' x 4' x 10'. LOTS of bird poop on top, but these represent the worst of them. The building is 455' linear feet in circumference. The worst of the spiders' webs are around the lights, 4 per building (6 buildings). The soffets have webs everywhere, but again, the worst of it is at the lights.
I have not had a significant project like this to use Terra Wash to remove spiders' webs. I plan to spray directly with Terra Wash & use extension poles/brushes to help remove them. Would you add Terra Wash to 1%? If so, how much Terra Wash? If not, what mix would you use of Terra Wash to treat?
Awnings: I know that I need a color-fastness test. Where to begin? 1% 2%? What do you recommend for the bird poop? Is agitation likely to be necessary? or would that be harmful to the fabric?
Thanks for any input.
I am not expert at removing cobwebs with softwashing, but I saw it done at a Softwashapalooza, and I am convinced that the best way to clean cobwebs is dry, with an Ettore Superbrush at the end of a pole. The Superbrush covers three times the area as the cobwebbing balls do. I didn't like how long it takes to wash down a cobweb. Easier to snag them on the dry brush.
My 2 cents.
vic
If those awnings are fabric, and not vinyl or coated, and that is lichen, be prepared to hand scrub every one with a brush held in your hand, not on a pole. The roots of the lichen grow in to the fabric, and are very hard to remove. I just did an awning project of similar size. Half day to SoftWash the building and awnings, and 3/4 day to scrub off the lichen. I used 2%. The lichen need to be wet to come off.