New Guy on the block. Have a question about equipment and chems.

Pro-Wash GA

New member
I've been reading these threads for the last week or so about cleaning roofs. I've been pressure washing now for 7 years and would like to add roof cleaning to my services. What start up equipment do you recommend for the ocassional roof cleaner and will the 70% SH and 30% water along with the Ultra Gain dishwashing soap as a surfunctant work for shingle roof cleaning? Here where I'm located that's pretty much all we have as far as roofs go. Also what size tank do I need, I was looking a 125 gallon tank at tractor supply that they sell for $379. Didn't know if you all know where I can get one cheaper. I know this has been beat to death on here but I just want to make sure that I have the most current information. I appreciate any advice you guys can give.
 
I've been reading these threads for the last week or so about cleaning roofs. I've been pressure washing now for 7 years and would like to add roof cleaning to my services. What start up equipment do you recommend for the ocassional roof cleaner and will the 70% SH and 30% water along with the Ultra Gain dishwashing soap as a surfunctant work for shingle roof cleaning? Here where I'm located that's pretty much all we have as far as roofs go. Also what size tank do I need, I was looking a 125 gallon tank at tractor supply that they sell for $379. Didn't know if you all know where I can get one cheaper. I know this has been beat to death on here but I just want to make sure that I have the most current information. I appreciate any advice you guys can give.

70% is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too strong....try closer to 30-35% SH......This is assuming your SH is 12.5%.....keep reading every thing you need is there
 
Until you get started good cut the top out of a 55 er and use it mix everything onsite an go with a less is more approach and you will be fine.
 
Here's a good general idea for a start up kit; however, you may want to use something along the lines of 8gpm versus the 4gpm size indicated here ... I think you can also find the drum some place like at Lowe's for less but if you want to find some good idea this link should help.

Guys? What y'all think ... Am i giving good/bad advise?

http://www.wash-safe.com/wash_safe_en/cleaning-equipment/water-transfer-pumps/chemical-tank-pump-kit

Around here there's all sorts of those barrels on Craigslist at about $15-$20 and they're like new.
 
Once the roof is sprayed...what does it look like if its not rinsed? Does the roof look clean or does it have streaks in it that fade with a heavy rain?
 
Once the roof is sprayed...what does it look like if its not rinsed? Does the roof look clean or does it have streaks in it that fade with a heavy rain?


You need a Signature Please , has to have contact info included. THanks
 
I order 10-15 barrels a week of SH if you want to drive over you can have a new blue plastic drum.
 
with the 12.5 depending on how hot out it is/ amount of mold/ and how quickly your chem is shooting out id go for a 3 to 1 mix 3 parts water one part bleach. If its not cleaning go down in half increments adding more sh.
 
also not sure on what type of setup you use but if its a garden hose setup make sure to always take off that tip every single time or they will get stuck on there Really quick.
 
Once the roof is sprayed...what does it look like if its not rinsed? Does the roof look clean or does it have streaks in it that fade with a heavy rain?
With the right mix which might take some practice all the black streak algea will be gone, the moss will turn white and will come off with a couple rain falls
 
I would always make sure the roof was clean before i left.Those light yellow stains go away alot of the time after a rain however you dont want to chance it.
 
I just wanted to add that if there is lichen it can take months to come off.

How do I know if there is lichen? What does it look like? 90% of the homes around here are shingles and mostly they have black streaks and some have green algae as well. I need to what type of set up is good for starting out. I've been looking at the Fatboy but putting out 7gpm is a lot of product and would likely have a lot of run off. I really appreciate all of the replies, you guys are awesome!
 
I use a FATBOY and have very little run off. I would also suggest for you to contact Doug Rucker and sign up for his school. Doug has been Cleaning for 30+ yrs and will remove a huge portion of the learning curve. Or you could do what I did and use the search button to find all the info you need.
 
Well I spoke with Bob at Pressure Tek and went with the 5800 kit with the Kuritec hose and pump in the box upgrade. All I need now is a tank. He said this one should reach up to 25 ft. Hope it goes well, we'll see.
 
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