Gum Removal?

[JDB]

I am curious as to the best way to remove gum from concrete.

If you pressure wash it off you still have a shadow where the oils from the gum remain. I looked into a steamer to steam it off and it will take the entire stain and gum off but now you are looking at additional cost and time.

My thought here is that you can offer your customers an additional service by cleaning the flatwork entirely.......gum and all.

 

[Russ Spence]

to be totally honest all my flatework includes cleaning gum ...... not gum shadows they are extra ....however ,try oxallic acid to help with the shadows

 

[Russ Spence]

and are you also using hot or cold water ....... it is really hard to clean gum without it


what tip are you using to remove gum as well

 

[JDB]

Has anyone ever asked you to remove the shadows?

My thought is if you can offer this service at an additional price would it be woth it?

I looked into this and the going rate is .65 - .75 a sf and even higher for really bad areas.

 

[Russ Spence]

Yes i have,thats what i was talking about when i said oxallic acid - its a good idea if you can find someone willing to pay the price

 

[jon chapman]

ive never tried Oxalic on the shadows. How strong? Spot treat or cover whole area?

 

[Russ Spence]

its more of a trial and error but i would cover the entire area

 

[JDB]

Russ, are you putting this on to remove the gum and shadows or just the shadows and what is the dwell time on this?

 

[Russ Spence]

Just The Shadows And Dwell Time Will Depend On The Heat,avg Time 10 To 15 Min

 

[Pure-Pressure]

Here is a company that you can purchase a special machine to use, and a special chemical to remove the gum. The machine is like 3800 bucks, but it looks like it works. Could be good income for winter months.

http://www.gumbusters.com/home.html

 

[PowerWash Pros]

We just crank the heat up to around 275 and the gum & shadows just disapear! I have never really had any problems yet.
I never thought of oxalic, but hey it works on everything else!

 

[Russ Spence]

i will stick with the oldi but goodie i am used to

 

[PowerWash Pros]

If it aint broke, dont fix it.....

 

[Russ Spence]

thats my thoughts exactly

 

[PowerWash Pros]

You have thoughts?

 

[Russ Spence]

i wont comment ,but i did add to your reputation points