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TOPIC: Basic Roof Cleaning Proceedures 101 (For the NEW Roof Cleaner)
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This help me a LOT. This roof cleaning 101 needs to be an entire section on the forum
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Basic Roof Cleaning Proceedures 101 (For the NEW Roof Cleaner)
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Hi, This David of Roof Clean USA

I have been meaning to write this for the NEWBIE Roof Cleaner so they have a starting point and a BASIC understanding of HOW TO CLEAN a ROOF SAFELY, with NON-PRESSURE roof cleaning procedures.

This rundown of how to properly clean a shingle or tile roof is assuming you already have a NON-PRESSURE chemical roof cleaning agent DELIVERY METHOD built and ready to do your first roof cleaning job. I have intentionally left out many additional SMALL details so as not to further confuse this subject or the reader.

For further information on this subject, you may bookmark this thread and save it to your FAVORITES so I can update you on new procedures and methods and processes as they may become available.

Copyright Protected by Roof Clean USA tm written by David Westerman June 17th, 2009. No part of this work may be copied or distributed or published without the express permission and/or written consent of its Author. For information Purposes ONLY

How to CLEAN A ROOF 101

First of ALL,

The more LOVE you give a roof, the more the Groundsman has to water down the surrounding vegetation.

Precision application is the key. You CAN clean and treat a roof with VERY little runoff if you learn the technique and proper procedures and have THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT.

That comes with experience which will come with time actually performing the work at hand.

Always try to cool the roof, reducing surfaces temperatures as has previously been mentioned and use Heavy duty tarps when dealing with sensitive plant and landscape material or KOI PONDS or ANY water feature around the property close enough to even remotely receive any over spray or runoff.

Always thoroughly water (SOAK) the plants before, during and after both cleaning and treatment phases.

To reduce runoff and lessen the amount of cleaning agent used, when applying your roof mix from a ladder with a gutter standoff.

As an EXAMPLE, on a ranch style 3/2 home, first, always position your ladder safely and start in the middle of the roof, when possible.

Then, begin your spray at the roof top and and spray your right side first and then turn to your left and spray that area as well leaving approx. 1/4 of the LOWER roof section unsprayed.

After spraying the roof on both your right and left sides from the middle roof position, move your ladder to the left and spray the last 1/4 of the lower roof to the drip edge or gutter and meter your flow with your ball valve or poly gun and using a 1530 nozzle so you can precisely control your flow output.

Be SURE not to over saturate the last part of the LOWER roof surface to the point of run off.

When you have finished apply the treatment to the right side lower roof, then, repeat the steps for the left side the same as the right.

Always train your groundsman to LEAD and you follow his SOAKING pattern.

Always start with the NORTH side FIRST, as this is the side that is NORMALLY the worst and has the most staining, discoloration, etc.

You want to apply the roof mix to the MOST heavily soiled side of the structure first.
allowing the cleaning agent time to work so you can go over it later and touch up the most severe areas and remove any remaining offending stains.

Then, once you have started your cleaning with the most heavily Stained (NORTH) side, repeat the steps above to clean and treat the rest of the roof structure.

At the end of the job, if you bagged gutters, drain to 5 gallon buckets and do not try to drag them or carry them across lawns, as you are an accident waiting for an opportunity to happen.

Remove all tarps to a concrete driveway or other area and rinse, after disposing of runoff in a sanitary sewer drain roadside (if this is an acceptable practice in your area-check with your local EPA office to find out BEST PRACTICES and METHODS for disposal) or containing the runoff using diverting dams in addition to 5 gallon buckets WITH LIDS that securely attach. If needed and required by law you may have to dispose off site.

We do ALL need to comply with all appilicable laws in our local areas whenever possible.

I too, also recommend checking your local EPA and wastewater laws in EACH of your LOCAL work areas so you can be in compliance and avoid fines or problems.

Next REPEAT the Watering procedure around the home one more time to saturate the plants especially tall plants that may have been misted or shot with roof mix accidentally.

This is PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE for you salvation and to keep you from buying landscape materials later which are EXPENSIVE.

After wetting the entire area on last time, begin to roll up your hoses remembering to capture ANY roof mixture in guns or ball valves so it will not be spilled on the grass or plants and cause damage later.

That covers the basics of cleaning and treating a roof properly with no pressure.

There are many more variables and by no means is this an exhaustive complete rundown of EVERY procedure or technique but this will give the newbie just starting out an idea of what to do and what not to do and what to expect, overall.

If any veterans want to add to this subject please do so as long as the information is valid and helpful for the newbies.

I did not touch on safety, MSDS sheets, spill containment, complete roll up or roll out techniques, how to walk a roof, usingfall arrest equipment, ladder positioning, OSHA, carrying license and insurance, or many other areas I would like to expand upon so by all means chime in and lets peroperly educate the roof cleaning community. Thanks for your time and interest in this exciting field of work.

I hope this helps.

Have a PROFITABLE Day!

Your Friend and fellow Roof Cleaning Brother,

David
Roof Clean USA


-- Edited by Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 on Wednesday 17th of June 2009 04:21:34 PM

-- Edited by Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 on Tuesday 7th of July 2009 01:10:50 AM

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David

As a newby this type of concentrated information is very helpful. In reading over this site I have already gathered a general idea of the way to do it but your post is more precise (example: start in the middle and leave 1/4 bottom of roof) and is very helpful. Thanks. Also if someone would write up a diagram showing how to rig up a roof cleaning unit from tank to nozzle indicating fittings, guages, hose size etc that would be very helpful also, and would probably cut down on repeating posts and annoying phone calls for you guys. I realize everyone is probably different but still it would help a newby. Thanks David.

Steve Johnson
Bossier City, LA

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Steve,
Under the thread of roof cleaning rig for newbies explains alot as far as nozzles, tanks, trailers, and the is a thread also just dedicated to tanks and how to plumb them.

titan stainless steel hose reel and kuritec or goodyear hose is the way to go. the bigger the hose the more flow( 3/4").

Air operated double diaphram is the way to go and will give you the most life.

Read the section that dave from Roof Clean USA wrote about the All-flo-kv-038 pump. I personally use this pump and is nothing short of amazing. I must give credit to dave as he is the one that informed me of the pump and its specs.and performance.

I would recommend this over a 12 volt setup if you can afford it. It cost more upfront but the longevity will pay for itself.

hope this helps.



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Diamond Roof Cleaning

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Thanks, this is helpful.

I don't mean to hijack your thread but I couldn't see where to start my own thread. So I'm gonna ask my question here.

Can someone guide me to link for a "newb roof cleaner" equipment setup. I have experience designing trailer mounted pressure cleaning systems. However, my pumps, etc can't handle these chemicals. So...I needed a small simple system to start out with. Something that I might pull out once a month if I have need.

Thanks,
Adam

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Adam under Roof cleaning pumps youll find a thread call bare minimum roof cleaning rigs. or use the search button atop the page.

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Diamond Roof Cleaning

320 e collings dr

Williamstown NJ 08094

Mike Derose-Owner

609-929-5812



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miked,

Thanks, I have decided to go with a KV-038 pump.  Figured I would try to start out with a good setup from the start and try and minimize problems.  This may be a stupid question but I looked at tanks yesterday at Tractor Supply and the ones I looked at had drains on the side bottom.  Can you buy a tank that has no bulkhead?

Steve

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Nice post Dave!

I remember spending about 6 hours on my first roof cleaning job just trying to find a routine and coordinate with my ground guy. Most of the things you mentioned seemed very elementary, but when you are in the heat of the moment on that first job and the customer is watching, you tend to forget logic. I rehearsed that first job for a week straight! I knew every move I was going to make when I got on that job site. All that went out the window when my rehearsal didn't go the way I expected in real life.

This information should be very useful for the new roof cleaner. I did a lot of trial and error before I learned most of what you posted. In fact, I think I refine something every time I go on a roof cleaning job. I don't know if that will ever stop?

Brian

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First off great choice of the pump you will not be disapionted.


Secondly,If you get a tank - tractor supply sell a 100 gallon with no drains. Thats what you want to look for. I and others use a top feed to prevent disasters like the seals on the bottom blowing out and having "love all over your trailer or rig.

SHC is not to freindly with plastic seals.



Also try Tank- depot and tell them exactly what you want. The only thing is that shipping on these tanks is murder. If you can buy locally try to go that route.

Also try Snyder tanks- Use google to find the tanks.

Hope this helps.

-- Edited by miked on Wednesday 17th of June 2009 02:54:28 PM

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Diamond Roof Cleaning

320 e collings dr

Williamstown NJ 08094

Mike Derose-Owner

609-929-5812



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Thanks miked,

Very helpful info. I'll go back to Tractor Supply, maybe I missed one or maybe they can order me one. I'll try not to ask too many more stupid questions. :)

Steve Johnson
Bossier City, LA

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Good Afternoon All,


PLEASE do me a FAVOR. From now on. When you all make new posts or comment in existing posts and threads.

I am trying a new method of tracking post count and relevance so can you all please take the time to VOTE and the top.

Also , Please rate the primary post thread by clicking the STARS on the far right ide of the beginning thread.

These will help to rate the topic and its value to the board membership.

Thanks in advance to everyone that participates.

Have a Profitable Day!

David

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I am not sure how to bookmark this page or save it into my favorites.  Should this be done through my toolbar or is there away to save it within the RCIA site?

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Good Question NEW member cmachine,

There is no way for a board member to save a individual page withibn the RCIA site but, if you make a favorites flder in your browser and save all your favorite RCIA gages to theat folder and then put a UNIQUE description in each of the topics you save, you should be able to reference anything you want on the forum.

Welcome to the RCIA and have a Profitable Day!

DAVE



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Hello Steve, 
I'm not sure about bulkheads on tanks however I found that National Tank Outlet had a great selection and some of the best prices.  The ship sameday.  www.nationaltankoutlet.com 
phone# 1-888-NTO-TANK
Lew,
Roofguard Shingle Cleaning

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Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 wrote:

Remove all tarps to a concrete driveway or other area and rinse, after disposing of runoff in a sanitary sewer drain roadside or containing the runoff in additional 5 gallon bucket WITH LIDS that securely attach.



This was an excellent post David.  I think it will help a lot of people.  I hate to bring this up but, you overlooked the EPA's Clean Water Act.disbelief  Nothing is to be poured down a sanitary sewer drain.  If a local enforcement officer sees you do it you will be fined very heavily.  In Houston Texas a 15 year old kid had just completed washing windows and poured his pail of soapy water down a sanitary sewer drain.  A police officer saw him him and wrote him a ticket that cost him almost $5000.  Ouch.no  That was his first offense and last I bet.  If it did not drive him out of business.  I have heard of even higher fines for first offense.   The fines can also be rectroactive to the customer also...  Beware!  For more info check out http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/cwa.cfm?program_id=6  I would edit the above post.  This Act is not enforced in all areas but in mine and many others it is heavily enforced and I would hate to see anyone get caught.

 



-- Edited by Roof Cleaning Katy Texas (281) 392-2304 on Monday 6th of July 2009 12:29:25 AM

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I will edit the post.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. We do ALL need to comply with all appilicable laws in our local areas.

I too, recommend checking your local EPA and wastewater laws in EACH of your LOCAL work areas so you can be in compliance and avoid fines or problems.

DAVE


Roof Cleaning Katy Texas (281) 392-2304 wrote:


Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 wrote:

Remove all tarps to a concrete driveway or other area and rinse, after disposing of runoff in a sanitary sewer drain roadside or containing the runoff in additional 5 gallon bucket WITH LIDS that securely attach.



This was an excellent post David.  I think it will help a lot of people.  I hate to bring this up but, you overlooked the EPA's Clean Water Act.disbelief  Nothing is to be poured down a sanitary sewer drain.  If a local enforcement officer sees you do it you will be fined very heavily.  In Houston Texas a 15 year old kid had just completed washing windows and poured his pail of soapy water down a sanitary sewer drain.  A police officer saw him him and wrote him a ticket that cost him almost $5000.  Ouch.no  That was his first offense and last I bet.  If it did not drive him out of business.  I have heard of even higher fines for first offense.   The fines can also be rectroactive to the customer also...  Beware!  For more info check out http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/cwa.cfm?program_id=6  I would edit the above post.  This Act is not enforced in all areas but in mine and many others it is heavily enforced and I would hate to see anyone get caught.

 



-- Edited by Roof Cleaning Katy Texas (281) 392-2304 on Monday 6th of July 2009 12:29:25 AM


 



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First of all, incredible post David!  Thank you!

Secondly, in regards to the disposal of used LOVE (is that a song?), I looked into this in depth today.  It lead me to the Ohio EPA, which is NOT where I wanted to go, for fear of their answers.  They suggested I contact a sanitary company in my area.  I didn't want to go there either, for fear of the price.  I found that they would take a 55 gallons of used mix for $25 and dispose of it properly.  They will also come to my location and extract the waste from my container.  They offered this at about $240 for 600 gallons, which would go a long way.  My point is, don't be afraid to do the right thing for the environment.  My brother didn't have a problem with dumping it on his 50 acre farm but I didn't feel real good about it.  Gotta go hug a tree now. Later!

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We should ALL learn from this. Sometimes it's a LOT cheaper to "FIND  than to get FINED",
find being the info that we need


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The Roof Cleaners of Chester County Pennsylvania 610-842-2104 wrote:

Nice post Dave!

I remember spending about 6 hours on my first roof cleaning job just trying to find a routine and coordinate with my ground guy. Most of the things you mentioned seemed very elementary, but when you are in the heat of the moment on that first job and the customer is watching, you tend to forget logic. I rehearsed that first job for a week straight! I knew every move I was going to make when I got on that job site. All that went out the window when my rehearsal didn't go the way I expected in real life.

This information should be very useful for the new roof cleaner. I did a lot of trial and error before I learned most of what you posted. In fact, I think I refine something every time I go on a roof cleaning job. I don't know if that will ever stop?

Brian




I totally hear that Bri. I'm such a perfectionist and I always freak out at my ground guy. We are learning tricks daily.



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You can take the used chemical back to your place and leave it outside and let it evaporate and then the remaining salt is non-hazardous and you can dispose it in the trash.

Most places call the sanitary sewer the system that takes the stuff from the sinks, toilets, etc... from houses and sends it to the wastewater department of the city.

The stormwater drain is what they are mostly concerned with as these drains to bodies of water.

Some cities have combined systems and that is where you have to be especially careful.

Call your wastewater department and talk to them, chances are you might be able to send it down the sanitary sewer at your house if it does go to the city wastewater department or whatever the name is where they deal with the stuff from the sinks and toilets.

More than likely it will be ok since it will be like a lot of houses or a laundromat on wash day with that much SH going down the drain.

Sounds like the kid dumped the stuff down the stormwater drain, not the sanitary sewer.

Most houses have cleanouts where the plumber runs the snake to clean out the drain pipes, that is where you can dispose of the used roof cleaning chemicals if you get the ok with the wastewater department in your city. If you don't know where it is at your place, it might take some time finding it. Usually there will be 2 caps, either 3" or 4" where you can unscrew them to run the snakes into the plumbing system, buildings have them also.

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RE: Basic Roof Cleaning Procedures 101 (For the NEW Roof Cleaner)
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Very good post. Are there any training videos forums ?

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