Hey guys, newbie here. After months and months of reading your post, researching, and watching a ton of videos I finally got to the point where I decided to experiment.
First off let me say that you are all very knowledgeable and have provided me with the bulk of the information I have received.
My sprayer:
Spray rig: I found a 55 gal Northstar pest control skid sprayer that had been used as water tote for several years. It was in pristine condition and I got a good deal on it. The sprayer has a 55 gal chemical tank on it with a 5.5 hp Honda motor, 150 ft of 3/8-inch hose with hand reel. The pump is an acid rated Comet MC-18 pump with a max flow of 8 gpm. There was an old Teejet spray gun on the end so I went with that
Chemicals:
I went with a 2:1 ration of water to SH. I am not sure where you guys get SH in bulk but I ended up buying 9 bottles of 8.25% at a local big box retailer for $26. It was a hassle dealing with 9 bottles and created a lot of trash. It was cheap though. The surfactant I purchased from Sun Brite supply which I found had absolutely no masking agent (I will probably go with fresh wash next time due to the odor). I mixed up 25.5 gallons of the above listed chemicals and began with my roof.
Application:
I made sure to thoroughly wash down all plants at ground level before and after the application. The pump was strong enough to get the mix all the way to the crest without having to get on the roof.I basically stood on a ladder and shot the mix onto the crest and gently worked my way down mostly letting the mix flow down naturally, with special attention to a few areas when necessary. I let the mix dwell for 15 minutes and rinsed the entire roof with the garden hose. I inspected the shingles and there was no damage. It has been about a week now and all the plants around the landscape are thriving, I do have gutters so that helped.
Opinions/suggestions:
I would really like to turn this into a small business, if any of you guys have any tips are suggestions they would be welcome. I was thinking about spending the money on a soft wash rig but what I have seemed to work just fine. I am not sure if I need a bigger hose (1/2 in) as it seems that is what most of you use. I intend to get the proper insurance insurance if I move forward
Since you did not fill out your information I don't know what to call you...so I shall call you Racer X { I'm not that old, most of you should know racer X } Sounds like your doing fine...photos look good. I have some theroys on your mix and pump. Since this is your first post I will ask you have you decided to become a premium member?
Sorry guys my name is Brady...302 is an army unit that I was with for a while. I am located in central texas. Heavent really thought about premium membership I figured I would do it after my first paying job.
Good luck Brady. Take note of our signatures in each post. Go into your profile and set yourself up so everyone knows who you are. You'll be much more likely to get responses from other members. When Texas finally breaks from the union, I will move there.
Sorry guys my name is Brady...302 is an army unit that I was with for a while. I am located in central texas. Heavent really thought about premium membership I figured I would do it after my first paying job.
Welcome Brady!
Like ED was trying to tell you, fill out your signature fields in your profile.