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Roof Cleaning Virginia 540-949-6277 · Roof Cleaning Institute of America Premium Member/MODERATOR

New Member

garyw · Nov 5, 2010

Classicrider wrote:

I signed up two days ago and have spent a lot of time trying to figure my way around the forums. I actually was looking for something like "new members post here" and yes, I did use the search for many things and found answers to a lot.

I just got my product yesterday and will be doing my roof in the next few days depending on wind and temp. Then will do a friends roof next week. This should be a relatively easy (or parallel) move from remodeling (that has all but died). Now, to do some searching for answers about cleaning in colder temps.

Brett

Welcome Brett;
You have started out right by introducing yourself and not asking questions like most new people. This is much appreciated.

Your plan of action should be as follow;
Read all the posts until your eyes bleed biggrin

Re-read all the posts again biggrin

Keep notes on any questions you may have
Use the search function to see if your question has been asked before and answered. I bet you it has!
Then proceed to ask questions and everyone will be glad to help.

Become a "paid member" and enjoy the additional benefits. See the 2 different posts on the forum on how to join.

You state you just received your product. Mind sharing what product you are speaking of?

Welcome to RCIA and wishing you much success in your new business
Gary

Bruce Weber · Nov 5, 2010

garyw wrote:

Classicrider wrote:

I signed up two days ago and have spent a lot of time trying to figure my way around the forums. I actually was looking for something like "new members post here" and yes, I did use the search for many things and found answers to a lot.

I just got my product yesterday and will be doing my roof in the next few days depending on wind and temp. Then will do a friends roof next week. This should be a relatively easy (or parallel) move from remodeling (that has all but died). Now, to do some searching for answers about cleaning in colder temps.

Brett

Welcome Brett;
You have started out right by introducing yourself and not asking questions like most new people. This is much appreciated.

Your plan of action should be as follow;
Read all the posts until your eyes bleed
Re-read all the posts again
Keep notes on any questions you may have
Use the search function to see if your question has been asked before and answered. I bet you it has!
Then proceed to ask questions and everyone will be glad to help.

Become a "paid member" and enjoy the additional benefits. See the 2 different posts on the forum on how to join.

You state you just received your product. Mind sharing what product you are speaking of?

Welcome to RCIA and wishing you much success in your new business
Gary

Gary,

Brett has a good idea about "newbees" or possible new members link on the main page of RCIA website. We can put all the info and rules in one place for them. That way, you don't have to keep posting the same note again and again.

Roof Cleaning Virginia 540-949-6277 · Roof Cleaning Institute of America Premium Member/MODERATOR

garyw wrote:

Classicrider wrote:

I signed up two days ago and have spent a lot of time trying to figure my way around the forums. I actually was looking for something like "new members post here" and yes, I did use the search for many things and found answers to a lot.

I just got my product yesterday and will be doing my roof in the next few days depending on wind and temp. Then will do a friends roof next week. This should be a relatively easy (or parallel) move from remodeling (that has all but died). Now, to do some searching for answers about cleaning in colder temps.

Brett

Welcome Brett;
You have started out right by introducing yourself and not asking questions like most new people. This is much appreciated.

Your plan of action should be as follow;
Read all the posts until your eyes bleed
Re-read all the posts again
Keep notes on any questions you may have
Use the search function to see if your question has been asked before and answered. I bet you it has!
Then proceed to ask questions and everyone will be glad to help.

Become a "paid member" and enjoy the additional benefits. See the 2 different posts on the forum on how to join.

You state you just received your product. Mind sharing what product you are speaking of?

Welcome to RCIA and wishing you much success in your new business
Gary

Since I have just about everything needed except tanks, pumps and chemicals, I decided to go at this (at least a start up) with products from www.cleanertoday.com, this will make it easier to start on a shoestring budget as I learn and am able to set up my 5 x 10 trailer for roof cleaning when the spring arrives. Reading about cold weather cleaning here I will be able to make it through the winter unless we get the two - 2' snows like we did last year. Also, since a good bit of my work will most likely come from remodeling customers in a very eco conscious town, no bleach will make the start up process less problematic.

Paid member will come soon, when some slow pays come through.

Thanks Gary!

garyw · Nov 5, 2010

The first roof I ever clleaned I used that exact product. IT DOES NOT WORK!! I cleaned a 1200 sq.ft. house and used all the product I had bought for 4000 sq. ft., took over 5 hours and the roof still looked like Chit. And that was during warm weather. You are in for a MAJOR disappointment and a unhappy customer. Trust Me! It does not work.
Gary

Off The Top Roof Cleaning · Guest

Welcome Gary! I am also a new member as well. I have tried the Cleaner Today product and I cant say I was happy with it. It does clean, but it will take a lot of rinsing. I cant say I was thrilled about it, but it was my first trial. My next attempt will be with Apple Cider! Good luck and post your results.

Permalink · Guest

Classicrider wrote:

garyw wrote:

Classicrider wrote:

I signed up two days ago and have spent a lot of time trying to figure my way around the forums. I actually was looking for something like "new members post here" and yes, I did use the search for many things and found answers to a lot.

I just got my product yesterday and will be doing my roof in the next few days depending on wind and temp. Then will do a friends roof next week. This should be a relatively easy (or parallel) move from remodeling (that has all but died). Now, to do some searching for answers about cleaning in colder temps.

Brett

Welcome Brett;
You have started out right by introducing yourself and not asking questions like most new people. This is much appreciated.

Your plan of action should be as follow;
Read all the posts until your eyes bleed
Re-read all the posts again
Keep notes on any questions you may have
Use the search function to see if your question has been asked before and answered. I bet you it has!
Then proceed to ask questions and everyone will be glad to help.

Become a "paid member" and enjoy the additional benefits. See the 2 different posts on the forum on how to join.

You state you just received your product. Mind sharing what product you are speaking of?

Welcome to RCIA and wishing you much success in your new business
Gary

Since I have just about everything needed except tanks, pumps and chemicals, I decided to go at this (at least a start up) with products from www.cleanertoday.com, this will make it easier to start on a shoestring budget as I learn and am able to set up my 5 x 10 trailer for roof cleaning when the spring arrives. Reading about cold weather cleaning here I will be able to make it through the winter unless we get the two - 2' snows like we did last year. Also, since a good bit of my work will most likely come from remodeling customers in a very eco conscious town, no bleach will make the start up process less problematic.

Paid member will come soon, when some slow pays come through.

Thanks Gary!

brett,
Don't take this the wrong way. I have used the cleanertoday products and can personally tell you they are junk in a bottle. The active ingrediant is sodium hydroxide which is a degreaser and not the correct chemical to use on an asphalt roof. Sodium Hypochlrorite is the only thing right now that is effective and does the job.

Now the sh will break down to a salt content and with proper rinsing techniques there is no harm to the enviroment or landscape of the homeowner.

As you are just starting out in this business you will want to make a name for yourself by the work that you do, and using the cleanertoday product you will have one very dissapionted customer with a bad referal. Trust me when i say use the techniques and process taught here and you will be in great shape.

Roof Cleaning Virginia 540-949-6277 · Roof Cleaning Institute of America Premium Member/MODERATOR

Roof Washer New Jersey (609) 929-5812 wrote:

Classicrider wrote:

garyw wrote:

Classicrider wrote:

I signed up two days ago and have spent a lot of time trying to figure my way around the forums. I actually was looking for something like "new members post here" and yes, I did use the search for many things and found answers to a lot.

I just got my product yesterday and will be doing my roof in the next few days depending on wind and temp. Then will do a friends roof next week. This should be a relatively easy (or parallel) move from remodeling (that has all but died). Now, to do some searching for answers about cleaning in colder temps.

Brett

Welcome Brett;
You have started out right by introducing yourself and not asking questions like most new people. This is much appreciated.

Your plan of action should be as follow;
Read all the posts until your eyes bleed
Re-read all the posts again
Keep notes on any questions you may have
Use the search function to see if your question has been asked before and answered. I bet you it has!
Then proceed to ask questions and everyone will be glad to help.

Become a "paid member" and enjoy the additional benefits. See the 2 different posts on the forum on how to join.

You state you just received your product. Mind sharing what product you are speaking of?

Welcome to RCIA and wishing you much success in your new business
Gary

Since I have just about everything needed except tanks, pumps and chemicals, I decided to go at this (at least a start up) with products from www.cleanertoday.com, this will make it easier to start on a shoestring budget as I learn and am able to set up my 5 x 10 trailer for roof cleaning when the spring arrives. Reading about cold weather cleaning here I will be able to make it through the winter unless we get the two - 2' snows like we did last year. Also, since a good bit of my work will most likely come from remodeling customers in a very eco conscious town, no bleach will make the start up process less problematic.

Paid member will come soon, when some slow pays come through.

Thanks Gary!

brett,
Don't take this the wrong way. I have used the cleanertoday products and can personally tell you they are junk in a bottle. The active ingrediant is sodium hydroxide which is a degreaser and not the correct chemical to use on an asphalt roof. Sodium Hypochlrorite is the only thing right now that is effective and does the job.

Now the sh will break down to a salt content and with proper rinsing techniques there is no harm to the enviroment or landscape of the homeowner.

As you are just starting out in this business you will want to make a name for yourself by the work that you do, and using the cleanertoday product you will have one very dissapionted customer with a bad referal. Trust me when i say use the techniques and process taught here and you will be in great shape.

Thanks for the great information! If it's just a degreaser, I could make my own with stuff in the garage! I figured I'd learn something here once I responed to the question about what I am using.

I understand the "making a name" since 95% of my work for over 30 years has been word of mouth. That is really important to me. Time to study "Till my eyes bleed"

Permalink · Guest

Sodium hydroxide is not good for asphalt shingles and it's the main ingredient in those products the runoff is dark brown and will stain bad....First one I tried too.....waste of money.

-- Edited by bozzle on Friday 5th of November 2010 11:05:13 AM

garyw · Nov 5, 2010

The ONLY good thing about this product is the company will give you a complete refund because they know it don't work also/ biggrin

Permalink · Guest

classicride wrote
Thanks for the great information! If it's just a degreaser, I could make my own with stuff in the garage! I figured I'd learn something here once I responed to the question about what I am using.

I understand the "making a name" since 95% of my work for over 30 years has been word of mouth. That is really important to me. Time to study "Till my eyes bleed"

Look up apple sauce in the search feature. Than will get you started. If you have a 12 volt pump and some garden hose laying around that will help as well. You could just use 5 gallon buckects for now without a tank or run to tractor supply and get a 50 to 100 gallon tank. I prefer the 100 gallon tank. Find you local pool store for the sodium hypochlorite and some dawn dish soap. you can use a hose spraying nozzle for now to control the spray.

Hope this helps and if you want i am free for the next 2 hrs give me a call.

(609) 929-5812

garyw · Nov 5, 2010

See how nice everyone is and how much help you get when you start out the right way.
Congrats
Gary

Roof Cleaning Virginia 540-949-6277 · Roof Cleaning Institute of America Premium Member/MODERATOR

Roof Washer New Jersey (609) 929-5812 wrote:

classicride wrote
Thanks for the great information! If it's just a degreaser, I could make my own with stuff in the garage! I figured I'd learn something here once I responed to the question about what I am using.

I understand the "making a name" since 95% of my work for over 30 years has been word of mouth. That is really important to me. Time to study "Till my eyes bleed"

Look up apple sauce in the search feature. Than will get you started. If you have a 12 volt pump and some garden hose laying around that will help as well. You could just use 5 gallon buckects for now without a tank or run to tractor supply and get a 50 to 100 gallon tank. I prefer the 100 gallon tank. Find you local pool store for the sodium hypochlorite and some dawn dish soap. you can use a hose spraying nozzle for now to control the spray.

Hope this helps and if you want i am free for the next 2 hrs give me a call.
(609) 929-5812

Actually, this is the best help I have been able to find so far and I didn't have to look for it! My eyes are tired and almost bleeding as I try to figure out where and how to start. All citisism is well excpted! You guys know what you are doing and the fact that you are here, willing to help says everything.

I have a 55 gal drum, hundreds of feet of good hose and many different nozzels. I have read and read, got the mixex saved to word but wasn't sure as to where to start as far as locating small amounts of chemicals. Thanks for all your help!

Ugly Shingles LLC · Nov 5, 2010

I have a 55 gal drum, hundreds of feet of good hose and many different nozzels. I have read and read, got the mixex saved to word but wasn't sure as to where to start as far as locating small amounts of chemicals. Thanks for all your help!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brett... For smaller amounts you can find 1 gallon jugs at meijers or walmart or you local pool store.

Matthew · Guest

Cleanertoday also sells a non chlroine vesion of a roof cleaner without the sodium hydroxide.

It's sodium percabonate, sodium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate.
With a little research you can make this on your own.

It does work, sort of.
It doesn't work very fast, you will have to rinse, and it won't achieve a 100% kill ratio.
I have my own mix for this when I have a customer on a lake or pond that will not allow me to use any chlorine at all. I have to add an algaecide that's okay to use around fish to complete the mix.

It's really not worth it to me.
It's twice the work and very few are willing to pay extra.

Roof Cleaning Toledo Ohio (419) 265-3306 · Guest

Welcome Brett.

Roof Cleaning Virginia 540-949-6277 · Roof Cleaning Institute of America Premium Member/MODERATOR

Roof Cleaning Toledo Ohio (419) 265-3306 wrote:

Welcome Brett.

Thanks Doug!

Roof Cleaning Virginia 540-949-6277 · Roof Cleaning Institute of America Premium Member/MODERATOR

garyw wrote:

The ONLY good thing about this product is the company will give you a complete refund because they know it don't work also/

I sent an email yesterday to get an RMA from Cleaner Today. I woke this morning to see an email with an RMA number. They asked for a reason, I quoted what is on this post, "After recieving the order I did some research and found that the active ingredient is sodium hydroxide which is a degreaser and not the correct chemical to use on an asphalt roof. Sodium Hypochlorite is the only thing right now that is effective and does the job." I didn't want to tell them where that onfo came from.

sweetwaterfish · Guest

Brett:
When it comes to cleaning, you'll find that mainly the only difference the professionals roof cleaners here at the RCIA have is in the application method and strength of the mix. When it come to the actual mix, main active ingredient in that solution is always the same...SH.

Good luck and welcome!

Permalink · Guest

brett glad to see that you became a member it was good to talk to you the other day.

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"