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Hi All. This is my first post. I am researching the roof cleaning business, and I was hoping you guys could answer a few questions for me as well as offer me some advice and encouragement.

Rather than bug everyone with a bunch of green questions right now, I’d first like to tell you my plan, my understanding of the basic concept of cleaning a roof and get some feedback from all you pros out there.

I live in an area that has just started to see a lot of dirty roofs over the last 10 to 15 years. There are little to no service providers here in my area. I am planning to start up in the spring of 2010, and operate as a part-time business.

My marketing plan will include a web-site, mail adverts, and word of mouth through friends and acquaintances to start. I have about 5 friends that are willing to let me clean their roofs first before I just jump in doing a paying job.

I have a few tools, but plan on purchasing more of what I need in the coming months. I know most of you guys probably use mounted pressure washers with tanks and higher end equipment, but take a look at my thoughts here and just let me know if this will work or not. Keep in mind that I want to keep my budget as small as possible, but I also want to make sure I have the basic tools and equipment to provide service as thoroughly and as safely as possible.

To apply the cleaner I plan on using a hose-end sprayer and applying it from the roof-edge. I figure I’ll need, at minimum, an electric pump to move detergent as far as possible for the average home. As for the cleaner to use, I’ve seen several on the web, but I’m not too sure of what’s best. I have a small potable pressure washer, (Honda 5.5 hp). I plan to use this with a telescopic wand and possibly a (pitch-witch) device to apply low pressure and rinse the roof off.

I have a ton of other questions related to specific topics, but for now, if I could just hear from some of you on whatever you’d like to add, advice or other knowledge that would be helpful and encouraging, that would most welcomed. I’m just trying to get a basic feel for this business and what to expect. Think of me as someone you know telling you they want to get into this business.What would you say?

Thanks