Page 16 - amm3

DEAR MAINTENANCE MEN
Dear Maintenance Men:
What is an economical method of cleaning concrete driveways and sidewalks? The concrete has oil stains, chewing gum and organic matter stains.
- John
Dear John:
There are a few things you can do to help clean up the concrete. Oil stains can be spot treated with cat or absorbent litter. Spread the cat litter over the oil stains and grind the litter into the stains with your shoes. Leave it for 24 hours and sweep up after. Chewing gum can be removed by chilling the gum with ice or CO2 spray and using a putting knife to lift and scrape the gum off of the concrete. Use detergent and a stiff brush to remove the gum stain. Organic matter stains can be removed with power washer spray. If you have a large area of concrete to clean, use a power washer. Set the power washer to 3000 PSI and use the wide spray head. Be careful not to gouge the concrete with the spray; keep the hand wand moving. Softer material like brick will need less PSI or more distance between the spray head and the bricks.
Dear Maintenance Men:
I have given my residents information on how to prepare a personal emergency preparedness kit for their families. My question is for you is: does my Apartment or commercial building need an emergency preparedness kit? And if so, what should be in it?
- Diana
Dear Diana:
A quick list of what should be in your family disaster preparedness kit: Flashlight with batteries, canned goods, a Gallon of water per person, a knife, Meds and blankets at minimum.
Now this works ok for a family, but may not be appropriate for an apartment building. The residents may very well shelter in place during a disaster and be fine. What may be in danger is your property! Start with a bit of preventive disaster maintenance.
1: Locate the main water shut-off valve and any minor shut-off valves. Make sure the valves are in working order. If they are gate valves, it might be time to upgrade them to ball valves. Old gate valves are notorious for breaking valve stems at the moment
Please turn to page 18
By Jerry L'Ecuyer & Frank Alvarez
Stay Out of The Gutter
Full Rain
Gutter Services
Same Day Service Available Free Estimates
License #1078966, Bonded & Insured
888-488-7789
info@StayOutOfTheGutter.com
One Call Does Everything • Free Estimates • Guaranteed Work hi-tech
16 NOVEMBER 2021 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM3