I apologize in advance if I offend anyone but I am a new guy so please forgive me. I keep reading about apple cider and the other chemical mixtures on here. From all my research I was led to believe that bleach was a big no-no. I have read about products that are completely bio-degradable and will not harm plants or animals. Why would I want to make my own chemicals and have the liability of killing someones plants or pets? Please help
Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is bio-degradable. It is made from salt water and a process called electrolysis.
It won't harm plants or animals as long as you either bag the ends of the downspouts and dispose of them away from landscaping or dilute it way down by hiring a ground man to rinse the plants and landscaping thoroughly before, during, and after applying chemical.
Fish are an exception, and are very sensitive to bleach. Make sure you cover Koi ponds with tarps if you feel there is a chance overspray will come near them.
Companies that bash bleach are simply trying to make money off you. They always charge more, than if you made your own Apple Cider.
Also chemicals that do not clean as well as bleach, will not remove the black streaks from the roof and require pressure or heavy rinsing, which can be damaging or shorten the life of the shingles, and will not give the customers roof as long lasting of a job.
Bleach if mixed properly will remove all streaks with no pressure or heavy rinsing.
Sodium hypochlorite hands down is the best. The RCIA certified masters have tried them all, nothing comes close to it.
Sodium hypochlorite is the #1 mold/mildew/algae preventative.
-- Edited by Roof Cleaning Pro Greensboro NC (336)362 7659 on Monday 16th of March 2009 01:33:46 PM
Hey Mike, thanks for the reply. I am here to learn and you explained that very well. Now I feel even dumber than my question.
Welcome to the RCIA Forum my new friend! There are NO "dumb questions", many are roof cleaning teachers here, and want to help you. Ask away. The ONLY "dumb questions" are the ones you DIDN'T ask to keep you from making a stupid mistake
The term bio-degradable is mis understood to begin with. It's nothing but a selling term to make customers think everything will be ok. Think of it this way,... the discoloration on a roof is caused by a living algae or fungus,.... the great bio-degradable products that won't kill grass or plants probably won't kill the disease neither. I've always liked the products with the skull and crossbones. The products labeled "GREEN" are for home owners.
Raystown Roof Cleaning Central PA 1-800-236-0322 wrote:
The term bio-degradable is mis understood to begin with. It's nothing but a selling term to make customers think everything will be ok. Think of it this way,... the discoloration on a roof is caused by a living algae or fungus,.... the great bio-degradable products that won't kill grass or plants probably won't kill the disease neither. I've always liked the products with the skull and crossbones. The products labeled "GREEN" are for home owners.
Jeff
Tell customers THIS "If it "wont kill plants" HTF can it kill the Plant growing on your ROOF ?"
Tucker, I'm in tears right now!!!!! Seriously though, to the OP, opponents of bleach solutions usually have a vested interest in YOU not using bleach. That is, a high pressure cleaning method, or some BS product that is far less effective than what us professional roof cleaners use everyday. Bleach has never been a problem and won't be as long as it is used properly.
Thanks Mike and Chris for being so kind and helpful. I was starting to think this site wasn't for me. I have been in the roofing supply industry for a long time and recently stumbled across roof cleaning. Most people reroof their house because of the streaks and staining and not because of roof failure. I just want to be able to offer them another option and save them money. This is an awesome untapped market in north alabama. Most people don't even know that their roof can be cleaned.Thanks for your patience and all advice is appreciated.
Well Kevin glad you got a good laugh. I am grateful for the real professionals on this site that do offer help.I'd bet that when ever you started out that question wasn't that funny though. Anyway thank you to all of the REAL professionals that do offer help.
Well Kevin glad you got a good laugh. I am grateful for the real professionals on this site that do offer help.I'd bet that when ever you started out that question wasn't that funny though. Anyway thank you to all of the REAL professionals that do offer help.
Kevin is laughing WITH you because we have ALL asked that question. We are ALL here to help each other. Yes, there IS a HUGE, untapped market in YOUR area for roof cleaning services. I personally know SEVERAL roof cleaners making 50 grand, EASY. Some make even MORE
NO one here at RCIA has anything to sell you. Just good, free advice based on years of mistakes we made, finding the best way to clean roofs. Of course, that roof cleaning advice is always evolving, as new and better ways to clean roofs come to our attention.
Hey Mike, thanks for the reply. I am here to learn and you explained that very well. Now I feel even dumber than my question.
Chris, from Apple Wrote:
Welcome to the RCIA Forum my new friend! There are NO "dumb questions", many are roof cleaning teachers here, and want to help you. Ask away. The ONLY "dumb questions" are the ones you DIDN'T ask to keep you from making a stupid mistake smile
Welcome Clean Roof! You are in good company. Everyone here has something to teach on how to do or NOT to do things.
I cannot really add anything here as its all been said and said well and covered completely by the best in the business.
Mike and Chris and Kevin are smart, capable roof cleaners that combined have many things to share with you.
Listen to their wisdom and do yourself a and them a favor and go easy on the pro's, we are still learning everyday too.
Suggestion,
Get on this board and read old threads/posts from all the regulars and you will expand your mind about this NON PRESSURE roof cleaning concept.
Thanks David, I am learning a lot here. All replies are very appreciated.
Dude, you have the BEST roof cleaning teachers in the USA at your fingertips! The Man who goes by the name Orlando FL Roof Cleaning, AC Lockyer invented the Mallard Roof Cleaning System! He OWNED the largest roof cleaning company ever know, with 44 roof cleaning trucks!
We are Tampa's number one roof cleaning company, and many here are TOPS in their Local Markets.
IF you want to learn, we will take you by the hand, and teach you !
SUCH a dea, we SHOULD "charge" thousands for what you can learn at RCIA free
Clean Roof, whoa! I just got in and saw your post. I was in tears at what tucker said, as in "HTF". I wasn't poking fun at you bro, that's not my style. Sorry if that discouraged you or came off that way. Definitely not my intention.
Well Kevin glad you got a good laugh. I am grateful for the real professionals on this site that do offer help.I'd bet that when ever you started out that question wasn't that funny though. Anyway thank you to all of the REAL professionals that do offer help.
See above post ^^^^^^^. I should have clarified. And yes, when I first started, I thought I needed a water broom and a roof surface cleaner.
What are the ratios of bleach and water when mixing. I know that this is a rookie question but my partner and I are just starting out and need to make sure we are mixing the chemical correctly. Thanks. Kristina
Hi, Kristina,....I clean shingles 100% of the time,..I don't do any tile roofs so I can only comment on the shingles.
Typically anywhere from: 30% sodium hypochlorite to 70% water: or 40% SH to 60% H20 Adding surfactants such as Dawn will give better results with a lighter mix. It allows the mix to stay in place longer and also keeps the mix wet longer.
Sodium hypochlorite being used 12.5%.
I think they go up to 50% on tiles.
Do a search on here for applesauce. The info on the different mixes is on here somewhere. If you can give us a run down on your experience it will allow for more appropriate answers.