Roof Cleaning Temps

J

John S.

New member
Quick question for you guys. Can you push cleaning temps a bit when you are roof washing? I usually don't clean houses when temps drop below 50 but roofs tend to see a lot more sunshine. I was just curious what everyone else does. Thanks.
 
Roof cleaning can be done in cooler temps,..but, ..personally though, I'd say 40 is the cutoff point. 40 sunny and dry would work.
Roof cleaning is unique in the sense that it does not take long to do the a job. So a few hours in the afternoon is all you need. But there is still a point of not doing it due to temps. Also, remember the dwell time will be longer, but not a big deal,...can also boost your mix some.

Jeff
 
The biggest issue with cooler temps is the time in between working,..meaning,..if the best part of the day is 40 degrees,..then it was most likely freezing the night before,..there is more work in prepping for work than the work itself,...freezing temps and winterizing after each use. Not really a big deal I guess,..but there is a time to call it a year.

I agree with Steven though,..if you can use the money,..(And who can't),...then you can make it work.

Jeff
 
Hey guys ! Thanks for the responses. I am down in the southeast corner of VA. We don't really get too many days that are below 40 during the day. I guess I just don't want to wait until spring to jump into roof washing. Thanks again.
 
The good thing about the cooler temperatures, the plants and flowers are dormant,..not near as hard to take care of as when it's 80+ degrees. Still want to get into the habit of soaking everything though,..the cooler temps do give a little more room for error though.

Jeff
 
I find it interesting that this 40f cutoff myth continues to be perpetuated. Cold weather has nothing to do with the process other than the following:

Dwell time is significantly increased.
Hoses are very stiff
"Creature comfort" is diminished.

We have literally melted frost off of roofs with mix before. They turned out great as they always do. We pick and choose our days carefully of course, and an extra 2-3K in income per week is nice in the dead of winter.
 
I aint saying it cant be done, I am saying I don't want to be on a roof when its 30 degrees out. I don't want to work outside at all when its winter time
 
Hey Ted,..I don't think anyone said it couldn't be done in cold temps,..Waiting for the best part of the day, winterizing, stiff hoses, stiff cold breezes, longer dwell times, etc,..aren't myths. We simply recognize the things yourself pointed out as hindrances,..and for me not worth it at some point.

No one said the mix quits working,..as it was actually mentioned about dwell times by a couple of us.

Sure,..you can work in those temps if you like,..just not for me and I'm sure not many others as well.

I guess I look at it from a worth while standpoint,..not a "It CAN be done" viewpoint.

When I stated doable at 40 and Sunny,..I guess I mean it in a way that generally suits the average contractor.


Jeff
 
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junker1 said:
I aint saying it cant be done, I am saying I don't want to be on a roof when its 30 degrees out. I don't want to work outside at all when its winter time
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You're right Steven,...Although I do like being outside in the Winter,..I sure don't want to be struggling with the washing business. "Springs a-comin' "

Jeff
 
It's nothing personal gents. John asked if you can push it a bit regarding temps. You sure can.

I don't like to work in the cold either, but when we can generate some serious revenue on the better days of winter, we often do it. And we've never had to tap in to our winter expense funds as a result. That gets converted to additional savings :)

Hey John - give me a ring some time and lets talk shop.
 
At 42 degrees f. Bleach goes dormant. Just like hotter temps influence its shelf life making it burn off. You can clean below 42 degrees but yes it takes longer and needs more dwell time. Salt in SH melts away ice and snow so if the roof is safe to walk or you can clean it from the gound or ladder that is best. The SH will clear the roof of light ice. The 42 degree barrier will continue to slow you. The roof will heat up as the sun comes out and that will help. Making your mix with hot water from the water heater or a hot water washer will help tremendously. You can also add catylist to your mix to make the bleach still oxidize below 42 degrees. Our Green Wash does have a catylist in it that helps with that. Our Green Wash helps you use less bleach at any temp anyhow. Call me if you need any further help with this. Even in the northeast you can keep cleaning well into December. As Ted said above the biggest barriers are more stiff hose and comfort than dormant bleach.

AC
 
American-ProTech said:
It's nothing personal gents. John asked if you can push it a bit regarding temps. You sure can.

I don't like to work in the cold either, but when we can generate some serious revenue on the better days of winter, we often do it. And we've never had to tap in to our winter expense funds as a result. That gets converted to additional savings :)

Hey John - give me a ring some time and lets talk shop.
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Hey Ted,.wasn't taken personally,..was just clearing up what you thought to be us saying the mix wouldn't work.
We were responding to a guy on a forum who asked about roof cleaning temps,..and when we answer we give the answer that would most likely be the general consensus. Sure there are always exceptions to everything we do,..but answering a new guys question is better if given what the "norm" is. At least that's how I feel about it.

Jeff
 
American-ProTech said:
We pick and choose our days Steven. Any time you want to compare balance sheets, revenue or net worth, drop me a line.

Doug - you've got the right idea (you always do!) :)
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Slow down gunpowder I said "nothing personal"
Anyways, I don't work in the winter.
You know why? Because I don't want to.

Steven Mendez
207 347 1334
Www.westernmainepressurewashing.com
 
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