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CICS · Aug 27, 2010

Newbie questions get newbie answers.... I'm gonna ask anyway.

Roof Cleaning Kissimmee FL 407-452-4526 · Guest

Because the down streamer would cut the chemical strength significantly and it wouldn't make an impact. You need to apply directly with a chemical pump or you'll just be wasting your time.

Guest

It can be done, but is not optimum. In fact, somewhere on the forum there is reference to a roof cleaner down streaming SH using an x-jet for roofs.

BUT, here's the caveat, based on the limited reading I did on the subject: You must use a LOW gpm PW machine. This has something to do with ensuring the proper dilution is achieved. (A high GMP machine will have far too much water.)

Poke around in the forum and you'll find those posts.

Please keep in mind though, the pros here at RCIA that I've learned from, all recommend dedicated roof cleaning pumps/rigs. That's the right way. If you're just starting out and are on a budget, there's a good post on that as well. And Gutterdog can tell you about a VERY cost effective approach. That man manages his ROI smile

Welcome to the forum.

jetstream · Guest

DId I read some where that the chem will also couse the pressure washer to fail?

Guest

jetstream wrote:

DId I read some where that the chem will also couse the pressure washer to fail?

I'm not in the PW business, so a pro that is can correct me if needed: protecting the pump is why it would be down streamed vs upstreamed. Chemical pick up/draw would be after the pump, and at low pressure. Can't stress enough though that a dedicated roof cleaning rig/pump system is really the way to go. It'll pay for itself quickly.

jetstream · Guest

I have 2 5800s I was just asking couse this guy wants to know why he cant use a power washer. I wonderd the same thing my self at on time I did not want to pressure wash the roof just wanted to get the chem up on the roof since I already had a power washer and it can pull from the tank. It was just a question I would not use one to clean a roof.

sweetwaterfish · Guest

you could, but its just not worth he time and aggravation and customer unhappiness. you'd be MUCH better off starting out with a simple Delvan type setup, at minimum, then moving into a bigger, better rig as your business grows!

opie451 · Aug 15, 2011

Yeah, but what if you use the SH at full strength and let the PW do the diluting??

garyw · Aug 15, 2011

That is exactly what,is being referenced. Still tooooo much water and not enough chemical.

Gary

Guest

dont buck the system just go with it.

Guest

I say just try it!..Then you'll see first hand without needing any further explanation,..the peices will just fall into place for you.

Jeff

Doug R · Guest

Raystown Roof Cleaning Central PA 1-800-236-0322 wrote:
I say just try it!..Then you'll see first hand without needing any further explanation,..the peices will just fall into place for you.

Jeff

Sometimes that's the only way to learn.

RCIA Founder

opie451 wrote:
Yeah, but what if you use the SH at full strength and let the PW do the diluting??

Ok, the maximun thoeretical injection ratio of a venturi type downstream injector is about 25 percent, maximum.

This is before losses, and in the real world, you are not likely to draw more the 10 to 15 percent chemicals.

Even if u use pure sh, it still will not work. Buy a roof cleaning pump if you want to clean roofs.

Maverick Contracting · Premium Member Roof Cleaning Institute of America

Gary has the best answer, all that water will overshoot the roof and get on the landscaping and all the excessive water will run off the roof with the chem. Plus dwell time with cling agent is what allows the chemicals to work deep into the GM and moss/lichen. I experimented w/just SH and H2O and little effect, added detergent and the slow runoff that stayed on the roof and didn't end up in the gutter worked immediatly.

-- Edited by Maverick Contracting on Monday 15th of August 2011 07:38:10 PM

CICS · Aug 24, 2011

Shortly after asking this question, I went and bought a 5850 and have not looked back since. I would say, I have saved enough in gas money from not pulling my trailer around to pay for 15-20 more 5850's. I have everything set up in the back of my van and only pull my pw/trailer around when I have concrete to clean. Glad I just did it the right way the first time!

Roof Cleaning Missouri 417-230-8103 · Guest

CICS wrote:
Shortly after asking this question, I went and bought a 5850 and have not looked back since. I would say, I have saved enough in gas money from not pulling my trailer around to pay for 15-20 more 5850's. I have everything set up in the back of my van and only pull my pw/trailer around when I have concrete to clean. Glad I just did it the right way the first time!

CICS · Aug 24, 2011

Only fitting...The start of this thread was my first post almost one year ago, this is my 100th post. Thanks to the RCIA and all the people who help out to make this site possible. Also, a big thanks to David Hill with Elite Roof Cleaners for letting me help out for a day and all the phone calls! I am calling to start the process of becoming a certified roof cleaner right NOW!

ACLockyer · Guest

It is fun to look back over a year and see how far we have come. Hope the biz gives you great opportunities!

AC

Guest

Hey Mike,..Something for you to think about,....I see you only take the machine when there's concrete to clean. I personally go fully preprared for anything everytime I pull out. Having the washer on hand allows you to pick up extra cash by doing sidewalks patios,...or as I often do,... small cocncrete jobs as a freebie for the customer,..really pays off down the road. Although I don't know the weight of your rigged trailer I would think the extra gas that you're spending by pulling a trailer is probably minimal,....especially considering the opportunitites it opens when on the job. It also lets the customer see your further capabilities with the equipment.

Just a thought though,
Jeff

Maverick Contracting · Premium Member Roof Cleaning Institute of America

What Jeff said about the concrete washing is a good idea because they will get dirty again worth cleaning within 6 months to a year and when a customer knows how well it looks clean they will call you back and prob not price shop you. Around here we do some customers bi-annually and pick up some small additional work on enough of them to fill in slow days that then sometimes turn into full blow projects

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

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