I've notice that everyone seems to have varying lengths on their roof cleaning warranities? Some offer 2 years, others 3 or even 5 years.
Has anybody actually studied to see how long it takes for the alga to actually noticeablely return? I know every area would be different (ex. South vs. Midwest) but it would be interesting to hear the results.
Also, on the long warranities, are you prorating the last years of it or anything?
Your feedback is appreciated.
Mike Indiana Roof Cleaning LLC
__________________
Danny and Mike Spiczenski
Indiana Roof Cleaning Safe Roof Cleaning Non Pressure Roof Cleaning Indianapolis Black Streak Removal
I think it might be safe to say that the warranty for the northern guys is a gamble at this point, In Mi. we are just now seeing it spread out over the last 3-4 years. I would go middle of the road, but if you used AC's chems he promotes a 5 year warranty if you use those, but in Mi, that could mean a 7-8 year warranty being that he designed it ( I do believe) around the climate in FL. It is not fast growing that is for sure and in my subdivision in Parrish, FL. the houses are newer and started building in 2002. So from what I am seeing it has taken 8 yrs to toast the roof, but starts at about 4 yrs then makes an appearance by 5-6 yrs. Do a ride around new and old areas and get the stats for your region. based on age of the roofs you should get an idea of the growth rate for your region. Hope this helps Kim R
I think it might be safe to say that the warranty for the northern guys is a gamble at this point, In Mi. we are just now seeing it spread out over the last 3-4 years. I would go middle of the road, but if you used AC's chems he promotes a 5 year warranty if you use those, but in Mi, that could mean a 7-8 year warranty being that he designed it ( I do believe) around the climate in FL. It is not fast growing that is for sure and in my subdivision in Parrish, FL. the houses are newer and started building in 2002. So from what I am seeing it has taken 8 yrs to toast the roof, but starts at about 4 yrs then makes an appearance by 5-6 yrs. Do a ride around new and old areas and get the stats for your region. based on age of the roofs you should get an idea of the growth rate for your region. Hope this helps Kim R
Good feedback.
Kim and I, my better half, just had this discussion last night about target marketing. What we are seeing, in Iowa, about ten eight (8) to(10) years average before the roofs in any subdivision will need cleaning. Of course, with weather climates changing all the time this could vary. Also, those with alot of trees and shade are sooner. We still have to do more research though.
I have had customers ask me how long the cleaning will last. Truthfully I have danced around their question, because I don't know all the factors needed for our climate to quote a fair time line for any warranty.
I need to starting offering some form of warranty and welcome all feedback from those of you that have been doing so based on your location.
This is a great subject matter for this forum and one the customers want.
What about how close the house's are together, if there are alot of tree's, are the other house's roofs infested etc? Aren't these factors when determining a proper warranty?
It is time then for each contractor to collect some info within there region. Weather is a part of the mitigating circumstance as the growth rate is relativity slow, I have an article somewhere on the growth rate. hmm , will have to find it. Anyways, it can be very simple to get some numbers to understand the factors before giving a warranty. Some guys do not give warranty's at all. As it has an unpredictable nature, but to offer one is something that may benefit you and the client. But you will need to know the variables to custom tailor this to your area. Kim R
It is time then for each contractor to collect some info within there region. Weather is a part of the mitigating circumstance as the growth rate is relativity slow, I have an article somewhere on the growth rate. hmm , will have to find it. Anyways, it can be very simple to get some numbers to understand the factors before giving a warranty. Some guys do not give warranty's at all. As it has an unpredictable nature, but to offer one is something that may benefit you and the client. But you will need to know the variables to custom tailor this to your area. Kim R
I've noticed that roof in areas where the wind is greater seem to have less growth. I believe this is because the moisture dries up quicker than the less windy areas.
Thank You for your responses and I appreciate your thoughts.
To clarify my question alittle the warranty that I'm talking about is on a roof that we have just cleaned. On new roofs it does take anywhere between 6 to 10 years depending upon nearby trees, water sources, and I think also the type of shingle that is purchased.
Questions & observations?
Will algae growth return to a cleaned roof faster than a new one?
Also it seems like maple & pine trees promote algae growth. Is it possibly due to the pollen that they emit?
I think a warranty is very important to the customer. It shows professionalism on our part that we are selling a first class product & service. It also provides a trust factor when your trying to secure a job. I also think that if you are offering a 5 year warranty that the last few years should be prorated.
Mike Indiana Roof Cleaning LLC
__________________
Danny and Mike Spiczenski
Indiana Roof Cleaning Safe Roof Cleaning Non Pressure Roof Cleaning Indianapolis Black Streak Removal
Thank You for your responses and I appreciate your thoughts.
To clarify my question alittle the warranty that I'm talking about is on a roof that we have just cleaned. On new roofs it does take anywhere between 6 to 10 years depending upon nearby trees, water sources, and I think also the type of shingle that is purchased.
Questions & observations?
Will algae growth return to a cleaned roof faster than a new one?
This would depend on the shingle as far as a new roof, they have been adding copper in the granule mix, however roofers have been using a 3 tab shingle as ridge cap, and my belief is it does not have have the copper in the cheaper 3 tab. so what you will get is the ridge contaminated and eventually it moves beyond into the copper shingles. As far as the return of growth faster on a clean one, I would say if the application is done well you should have good results. But it is a very slow growing organism.
Also it seems like maple & pine trees promote algae growth. Is it possibly due to the pollen that they emit?
If the trees are providing shade, then that would be the key. The moisture from the morning dew or rains will take longer to dry up.
I think a warranty is very important to the customer. It shows professionalism on our part that we are selling a first class product & service. It also provides a trust factor when your trying to secure a job. I also think that if you are offering a 5 year warranty that the last few years should be prorated.
Good point and proration can be good, but can also leave a client with a hmm. What do you think of purchasing something with a prorated warranty? Cell phones are notorius for that.
Mike Indiana Roof Cleaning LLC
Just my 2 cents, Kim R
-- Edited by Presidential Pressure Washing on Saturday 1st of January 2011 09:56:20 PM
Mike- I noticed the five year thing also, but what I noticed was that most of the guys that had worked "5 years" into their logo seemed to be guys that had had AC come to their location and spend time with them. I also noticed AC's fathers company had "5 years" worked in to their logo as well. While I'll be the first to admit that I've never worked for NASA, I'm thinking these guys are all putting some sort of algacide in their mix that they aren't telling us about because while SH will leave a high ph level on the surface of the roof, I don't think it will last for five years. There was another thread about this as I was perparing to go to the NOVA roundtable, but I didn't pay much attention because I thought we would discuss it in NOVA. There is a guy (I think he's from FL and I can't remember his name right now) who offers his customers a maintenance contract & he hits them annually. I plan to follow suit because not only is this a recurring income stream, but it also gives you an opportunity to see your customers annually and upsell other services while keeping the competition from stealing them from you.
It was Gary from RoofBright in Fl. Sorry, I don't know how to post a link.
-- Edited by Roof Stain Removers on Sunday 2nd of January 2011 06:21:55 AM
-- Edited by Roof Stain Removers on Sunday 2nd of January 2011 06:22:56 AM
Without question, this is a great topic that comes up again and again.
In my area with two mountain ranges and many different elevations it could be an interesting thing to pull off as the humidity can be 10 - 15 % different and the temp. change 5 - 10 degrees in a one hour drive from east to west. I'm working on this one since I'm not sure if it will work for the person that has the home at the foot of a mountain, next to a stream completely shaded. Will the secret ingredient work for an environment so extreme? Good question Art?
I am working with a local suppler of SH (chemist) that is going to see what he can come up with but I keep leaning toward the maintenance contract for all the reasons mentioned. In their face. Residual income at the end of the season and the beginning of the next. Ideas?
Thank You for your responses and I appreciate your thoughts.
To clarify my question alittle the warranty that I'm talking about is on a roof that we have just cleaned. On new roofs it does take anywhere between 6 to 10 years depending upon nearby trees, water sources, and I think also the type of shingle that is purchased.
Questions & observations?
Will algae growth return to a cleaned roof faster than a new one?
This would depend on the shingle as far as a new roof, they have been adding copper in the granule mix, however roofers have been using a 3 tab shingle as ridge cap, and my belief is it does not have have the copper in the cheaper 3 tab. so what you will get is the ridge contaminated and eventually it moves beyond into the copper shingles. As far as the return of growth faster on a clean one, I would say if the application is done well you should have good results. But it is a very slow growing organism.
Also it seems like maple & pine trees promote algae growth. Is it possibly due to the pollen that they emit?
If the trees are providing shade, then that would be the key. The moisture from the morning dew or rains will take longer to dry up.
I think a warranty is very important to the customer. It shows professionalism on our part that we are selling a first class product & service. It also provides a trust factor when your trying to secure a job. I also think that if you are offering a 5 year warranty that the last few years should be prorated.
Good point and proration can be good, but can also leave a client with a hmm. What do you think of purchasing something with a prorated warranty? Cell phones are notorius for that.
Mike Indiana Roof Cleaning LLC
Just my 2 cents, Kim R
-- Edited by Presidential Pressure Washing on Saturday 1st of January 2011 09:56:20 PM
Kim, you make a good point about them using the three tab shingles as a way to cut costs since they can buy the shingles that will actually match and are made from the same material. I would add that not only are they using them for caps but also as a starter course. Though covered, I would think that would only help promote the growth that much sooner. Does anyone know if using a three tab will void the warranty?
GAF Weather Stopper Warranty:
(3) Blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) causes a pronounced discoloration of your StainGuard® labeled shingles during the first 10 years, if you purchased StainGuard® labeled shingles. Note: Preventing the pronounced algae-related discoloration of your shingles is achieved through formulations or through unique blends of granules.
(3) For Algae Discoloration (10 year coverage if you purchased shingles labeled with the StainGuard® logo). (a) If your shingles have been applied for less than one year, GAF-Elk’s contribution will be either the cost of cleaning your shingles or the cost to repair or recover your shingles, as described above, up to a maximum of the original installed cost of the affected shingles. (b) For the next nine years, GAF-Elk’s contribution will be based on the reasonable cost of replacement shingles, adjusted to reflect the amount of use you have received from your shingles.
Here's a good one for us that can help in selling:
GAF-Elk reserves the right to discontinue or modify its shingles, including the colors available, so any replacement shingles may not be an exact match for the shingles on your roof. Even if GAF-Elk does not modify a color, replacement shingles may not match your original shingles due to normal weathering, manufacturing variations, or other factors.
Knowing how all the legal stuff can be interpreted, notice they ALWAYS use the term, "StainGuard® labeled shingles". My guess would be that the cap used will not meet that warranty.
Mike- I noticed the five year thing also, but what I noticed was that most of the guys that had worked "5 years" into their logo seemed to be guys that had had AC come to their location and spend time with them. I also noticed AC's fathers company had "5 years" worked in to their logo as well. While I'll be the first to admit that I've never worked for NASA, I'm thinking these guys are all putting some sort of algacide in their mix that they aren't telling us about because while SH will leave a high ph level on the surface of the roof, I don't think it will last for five years. There was another thread about this as I was perparing to go to the NOVA roundtable, but I didn't pay much attention because I thought we would discuss it in NOVA. There is a guy (I think he's from FL and I can't remember his name right now) who offers his customers a maintenance contract & he hits them annually. I plan to follow suit because not only is this a recurring income stream, but it also gives you an opportunity to see your customers annually and upsell other services while keeping the competition from stealing them from you.
It was Gary from RoofBright in Fl. Sorry, I don't know how to post a link.
-- Edited by Roof Stain Removers on Sunday 2nd of January 2011 06:21:55 AM
-- Edited by Roof Stain Removers on Sunday 2nd of January 2011 06:22:56 AM
Art this is covered in the premium section. Scott from Confident mentioned AC's secret ingredient. I think he said it cost $2.00 per 100 gallons.
Mike- I noticed the five year thing also, but what I noticed was that most of the guys that had worked "5 years" into their logo seemed to be guys that had had AC come to their location and spend time with them. I also noticed AC's fathers company had "5 years" worked in to their logo as well. While I'll be the first to admit that I've never worked for NASA, I'm thinking these guys are all putting some sort of algacide in their mix that they aren't telling us about because while SH will leave a high ph level on the surface of the roof, I don't think it will last for five years. There was another thread about this as I was perparing to go to the NOVA roundtable, but I didn't pay much attention because I thought we would discuss it in NOVA. There is a guy (I think he's from FL and I can't remember his name right now) who offers his customers a maintenance contract & he hits them annually. I plan to follow suit because not only is this a recurring income stream, but it also gives you an opportunity to see your customers annually and upsell other services while keeping the competition from stealing them from you.
It was Gary from RoofBright in Fl. Sorry, I don't know how to post a link.
-- Edited by Roof Stain Removers on Sunday 2nd of January 2011 06:21:55 AM
-- Edited by Roof Stain Removers on Sunday 2nd of January 2011 06:22:56 AM
Art this is covered in the premium section. Scott from Confident mentioned AC's secret ingredient. I think he said it cost $2.00 per 100 gallons.
Tom I like your thinking. your on the right track!
Tom- you are absolutely right, and I had even read that. I guess my memory just isn't what it used to be. Clyde- I didn't understand what you said, but again NASA ain't exactly beatin' a path to my door.
Tom- you are absolutely right, and I had even read that. I guess my memory just isn't what it used to be. Clyde- I didn't understand what you said, but again NASA ain't exactly beatin' a path to my door.
LOL Art all I said to Tom is I like his thinking and he is on the right track, So not sure what you don't understand, and I'm confused about NASA?
It' real simple Clyde. NASA only hires smart people, so if they aren't looking to hire me, I must be in the much larger group of NOT smart people. That is probably why I didn't get what you said, but thanks for the clarification.