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Markus · Guest

This Very Small Project Took 3 Attempts Due To Low Grade SH

Washed-up · guest

was it 6%

Markus · Guest

Washed-up wrote:

was it 6%

No. I purchase 12.5%. It hasn't been an issue in the past, but this time, I obviously purchased some garbage. Fortunately, I was able to strengthen the mix before my next big job down the road.

Louisville KY Roof Cleaning 502-386-5961 · Guest

That was a severely stained roof to say the least. The results came out very good though. Great job! Those are some good before/after photos that I would definitely use to promote your service.

Arkansas Roof Cleaning (501) 681 3355 · Premium Member Roof Cleaning Institute Of America

As you know
Summer heat sure can run it down quick
wherever it's stored...
Industrial launders slowest season is the summer
and historicly use 25-35% less bleach...
Your distributor should help U out on this one...

Markus · Guest

Chris Kaeppel wrote:

As you know
Summer heat sure can run it down quick
wherever it's stored...
Industrial launders slowest season is the summer
and historicly use 25-35% less bleach...
Your distributor should help U out on this one...

Hey Chris. You are right. I went to my distributor and expained my concerns. At first they denied any problems. But then I showed them data on SH breakdown over time. I also explained how the RCIA roof cleaners throughout the country use SH in their mix (on average 15 gallons per 25-30 gallons of water) and have good success. I had to use a 50% mix to get the same results. At that point they decided to refund 50% of my bill.

Aug 20, 2010

I am more concerned on the price you charged. I think it should have been at least $225. You have alot of over head....Ins. truck and Equipment. If that job took you an hour what's your profit $100.? With gas and travel time you were better off spraying the entire garage for $225- $240 at least.Break downs,ins,gas,equipment and materials you can't make it like that. I have been shown some of my competetors estimates at some jobs and I laugh to think they would do a job for that amount, they are living for today, and obviously not concerned about the customer or the future of that roof. Customers have to realize the old saying " you get what you pay for " I give time to the job, the best materials to Guarantee satisfaction and long lasting work manship.....not a watered down solution a " quick fix " to their problem that will return sooner then any cleaning I preform. I am able to hold my head up before as well as long after any cleaning we preform. What I am trying to say is don't sell your self short, Up here on Long Island a car mech. gets $100 an hour without parts, for that money you expect to be up and running and trouble free....and if not we bring it back. So the same goes for roof cleaning,get it done right the first time by the right company! So $150? Maybe I am wrong but " you get what you pay for "

Roof Cleaning Katy Texas (281) 392-2304 · Aug 20, 2010

You are right Patrick! The price is too low... Do not sell yourself short or you will go out of business.

In regard to the heat breaking down SH you are correct. It has been over 107 deg here in Houston TX for the last 2 weeks straight. I only carry the SH that I plan to use that day on my trailer because the heat inside the tank turns it back to salt water by that afternoon. It really looks rank and has lost its smell and slipperness feel.

Markus · Guest

Roof Cleaning Long Island N.Y 516-763-4108 wrote:

I am more concerned on the price you charged. I think it should have been at least $225. You have alot of over head....Ins. truck and Equipment. If that job took you an hour what's your profit $100.? With gas and travel time you were better off spraying the entire garage for $225- $240 at least.Break downs,ins,gas,equipment and materials you can't make it like that. I have been shown some of my competetors estimates at some jobs and I laugh to think they would do a job for that amount, they are living for today, and obviously not concerned about the customer or the future of that roof. Customers have to realize the old saying " you get what you pay for " I give time to the job, the best materials to Guarantee satisfaction and long lasting work manship.....not a watered down solution a " quick fix " to their problem that will return sooner then any cleaning I preform. I am able to hold my head up before as well as long after any cleaning we preform. What I am trying to say is don't sell your self short, Up here on Long Island a car mech. gets $100 an hour without parts, for that money you expect to be up and running and trouble free....and if not we bring it back. So the same goes for roof cleaning,get it done right the first time by the right company! So $150? Maybe I am wrong but " you get what you pay for "

Normally, I would agree that $225 would be a fair price, but it was a good neighbor. Aside from the issue of low grade SH (which resulted in extra time, I would only have been there for less than 45 minutes total (including some BS time with my neighbor while waiting for the mix to work). No ladders, no fancy landscaping, a very small roof. You are absolutely right when you talk about expenses, but this was an exception to the rule.... You win some, you lose some... but in the end as long as I'm normally winning, I accept a bad day like this one.... I make decent money and have no problems paying my bills. My rates are very competitive (not the cheapest, not the most expensive). I'm not out to get rich when helping a good neighbor or a friend.

Cardinal Roof Cleaning Jackson TN · Guest

Markus wrote:

Normally, I would agree that $225 would be a fair price, but it was a good neighbor. Aside from the issue of low grade SH (which resulted in extra time, I would only have been there for less than 45 minutes total (including some BS time with my neighbor while waiting for the mix to work). No ladders, no fancy landscaping, a very small roof. You are absolutely right when you talk about expenses, but this was an exception to the rule.... You win some, you lose some... but in the end as long as I'm normally winning, I accept a bad day like this one.... I make decent money and have no problems paying my bills. My rates are very competitive (not the cheapest, not the most expensive). I'm not out to get rich when helping a good neighbor or a friend.

Well said. That is a great work ethic. As long as we can offer a needed service and make a good living at it, and on top of that be able to help out friends and neighbors along the way, our business will continue to prosper.

Aug 21, 2010

I also agree, I did't know it was a neighbor/friend. I have weak spot for the elderly, I can't help that. You are right we won't get rich....just as long as you come out ahead. Enjoy the weekend.

Roof Cleaning Raleigh NC · Aug 21, 2010

Do you guys do both side of a roof? Most of the time only one side has the streaks.

Markus · Guest

hoovermaneuver wrote:

Do you guys do both side of a roof? Most of the time only one side has the streaks.

Always try to convince your client to have both sides done. That is the only way to properly clean a roof. By only cleaning one side, you are allowing the spores/algae to regrow and spread quicker. You may not see the algae on the other side of the roof, but it is there. By cleaning the entire roof, the roof will stay cleaner longer; and the customer will be happier.

Markus · Guest

Roof Cleaning Long Island N.Y 516-763-4108 wrote:

I also agree, I did't know it was a neighbor/friend. I have weak spot for the elderly, I can't help that. You are right we won't get rich....just as long as you come out ahead. Enjoy the weekend.

The goal is not to have alot of friends.... that way you make more money LOL..... You have a nice weekend also.....

Guest

Markus wrote:

hoovermaneuver wrote:

Do you guys do both side of a roof? Most of the time only one side has the streaks.

Always try to convince your client to have both sides done. That is the only way to properly clean a roof. By only cleaning one side, you are allowing the spores/algae to regrow and spread quicker. You may not see the algae on the other side of the roof, but it is there. By cleaning the entire roof, the roof will stay cleaner longer; and the customer will be happier.

Hi Markus,

I respect your thought process, yet believe there are a number of factors that determine if 'both sides' are truly required. Some of these factors may include the pitch of the roof, heavy tree canopy (or not), geographic location and perhaps most importantly, the density of the neighborhood. To treat both sides of a roof in my area is moot because the neighbor's house - often 10-15 yards away is covered in roof algae anyway.

And the potential risk to one's credibility to try and convince someone that both sides are really necessary isn't worth it to me. But that's just my take.

Plus with the going rate for just treating the 'ugly side' around here, I couldn't imagine the look on a potential client's face if I quoted the whole roof!

Keep in mind most of the newer construction here has a very steep pitch.

Markus · Guest

Roof Cleaning Northern Virginia (571) 250 9650 wrote:

Markus wrote:

hoovermaneuver wrote:

Do you guys do both side of a roof? Most of the time only one side has the streaks.

Always try to convince your client to have both sides done. That is the only way to properly clean a roof. By only cleaning one side, you are allowing the spores/algae to regrow and spread quicker. You may not see the algae on the other side of the roof, but it is there. By cleaning the entire roof, the roof will stay cleaner longer; and the customer will be happier.

Hi Markus,

I respect your thought process, yet believe there are a number of factors that determine if 'both sides' are truly required. Some of these factors may include the pitch of the roof, heavy tree canopy (or not), geographic location and perhaps most importantly, the density of the neighborhood. To treat both sides of a roof in my area is moot because the neighbor's house - often 10-15 yards away is covered in roof algae anyway.

And the potential risk to one's credibility to try and convince someone that both sides are really necessary isn't worth it to me. But that's just my take.

Plus with the going rate for just treating the 'ugly side' around here, I couldn't imagine the look on a potential client's face if I quoted the whole roof!

Keep in mind most of the newer construction here has a very steep pitch.

I see your point also. I'm not saying I will not clean part of a roof, especially in this economy. However, the goal should be to clean the entire roof because this is the correct way. There is plenty of information and testimony on this site to verify this. I don't get into bidding wars with my competition or my clients. There will always be clients that go with the cheapest bid (which may not result in the best quality job, often going to pressure washers). If I loose a bid, than so be it. I charge a fair price and make a fair profit. I believe that cleaning the entire roof is the correct way to do things and I do I do my best to educate my clients on why the entire roof should be cleaned without being pushy. Once algae begins growing on a shingle and those streaks are visible, you can bet it is on the entire roof. By cleaning the entire roof, you will minimize the chances of algae coming back sooner rather than later. I will not offer any warranty when I only clean 1/2 a roof. So in my opinion, yes it is truly required to clean the entire roof if you want to do it right. But, I also understand that if the client wants half a roof cleaned, then that is what I will do. I don't feel I am losing any credibility by educating potential clients on why cleaning the entire roof is recommended. My goal is to do quality work. I'm never pushy, just informative and to the point. In the end, If they like the price and choose to have only part of the roof cleaned, I smile, say OK and do the job. However, most of my clients so far have requested their entire roof be cleaned when they hear the facts and opt for the warranty we offer. As long as I leave that house knowing that I did good job and did my best to educate the client, then it is a good day at the office.

-- Edited by Markus on Sunday 22nd of August 2010 12:59:07 AM

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Dwayne Miller
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Lake Marion Citrus & Sumter Counties in Florida

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

Dwayne MillerFLORIDAWASH

Lake Marion Citrus & Sumter Counties in Florida

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

Dwayne Miller
FLORIDAWASH