What amI doing Wrong? Please Help!

john neilson

john neilson

Roundtable Host 2009
I cleaned my Third roof so far and the results so far have been very good, however I am doing it the old fashioned way. I take a 5 Gallon container of SH 12% , and a hefty squirt of gain, downstream with a 2:1, And apply with my wand and chemical nozzle. I use a 3.5 gpm gas PW. I tried to rinse with a hose : did nothing,
Ball valve : nothing
A white tip was my only success, I adjusted the pressure to where I could put my hand in front of it without getting injured. I make sure The granules are not coming off prior to continuing But it seems my problem is in The solution. Can some one please help? :unsure:
 
I do hope you are kidding. With all the information available about how to clean roofs. Here is a tip that might help you.
You do not for any reason clean a roof with a pressure washer, That is your problem.
 
to my knowledge no one actually uses their pressure washer to apply the chemicals. I don't know of any chemical injector that will apply the chemicals strong enough I would doubt you are actually applying the chems 2 to 1. But you should test it to make sure that is the ratio that you are getting. You need to get a dedicated chemical 12 volt pump or air diaphragm pump to apply the right mixture of chemicals. You should not use your white tip. Do some reading here and on RCIA. I don't think you will find anyone who is apply the chemicals the way you are trying to do it.

Good luck you'll get figure it out.
 
Glad to have you here John.

Yes keep reading here and also on the RCIA.

Two problems I see as were stated above are to apply the cleaner with a separate 12v sprayer. Applying the cleaners by downstreaming is probably the biggest problem why it isn't working. It is just not hitting the roof strong enough.

Problem #2 never use a pressure washer on a roof!!

If the cleaners are working properly it will clean the roof without the help of a washer.

Keep asking and learning!!
 
As was mentioned you are almost certainly not downstreaming 2 to 1. With a 3.5 gpm machine that would make your draw rate 1.75 gpm, which would mean you would empty the 5 gallon bucket in less than 3 minutes. Is that how long it takes you? I have heard of injectors boasting draw rates of 4 to 1 (20%), or even 2 to 1 (33%), but even then I always seem to test them at around 6 to 1 (16%ish). An xjet has the capability to approach 2 or 3 to 1 but applies the chems at WAY to much pressure for a roof cleaning, you will almost certainly have overspray that is out of control.
 
JBurd said:
As was mentioned you are almost certainly not downstreaming 2 to 1. With a 3.5 gpm machine that would make your draw rate 1.75 gpm, which would mean you would empty the 5 gallon bucket in less than 3 minutes. Is that how long it takes you? I have heard of injectors boasting draw rates of 4 to 1 (20%), or even 2 to 1 (33%), but even then I always seem to test them at around 6 to 1 (16%ish). An xjet has the capability to approach 2 or 3 to 1 but applies the chems at WAY to much pressure for a roof cleaning, you will almost certainly have overspray that is out of control.
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After about 15 minutes my bucket was down about 1 gallon or less.
 
greg/sd said:
Jon I am down the road from you a little ways would you like to ride along on the next roof clean It will shorten your learning curve. Give me a call if you are interested.
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Jon, take Greg up on his offer - nothing to lose everything to gain! You will make more money and learn what you need to know.

I went out with Greg when I started 5 years ago and learned a bunch - we have worked on a few projects together since, resulting in more $$$$ in each of our pockets!

Good luck!
 
Steven Button said:
Jon, take Greg up on his offer - nothing to lose everything to gain! You will make more money and learn what you need to know.

I went out with Greg when I started 5 years ago and learned a bunch - we have worked on a few projects together since, resulting in more $$$$ in each of our pockets!

Good luck!
Click to expand...

If I was close I'd ride along too! I can't tell you how much I've learned and saved by spending time with Doug and Adrian!
 
John, the 2.1 stamped on the injector is the internal orifice size, not the appliction ratio, also stamped there is the gallons per minute so you can size up your machine size to this injector.

I have not heard of anyone that could apply roof cleaning mix with a regular downstream injector and hit the roof with a mix strong enough to clean. Most of those injectors are from 10:1 to 30:1 ratio (water to chemical ratio), the mix needs to be a lot stronger to kill what is on the roof.

Most of the guys use 12 volt or air diaphragm pumps to apply the roof mix as they can apply it as strong as they mix it, no diluting, no downstreaming so it hits the surface strong enough to kill the roof fungus, downstreaming with a regular injector will not be strong enough to clean the roof.
 
John,
The mix is not hitting the roof strong enough. To understand what these guys are saying mix in a pump sprayer and do small test areas. When you realize how much time it takes to use a pump sprayer you will then see the need for a bigger setup to get the mix on the roof faster. The 12v pumps are a good starting point and will do well for a long time. You have come to the right place for help and are getting good advice. The down stream injector may be good for house washing, but not for roofs due to the fact roofs require more chemical output than the injector can supply. Be careful not to get chemicals on plant and rinse before and after just to be safe. Good Luck.
 
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