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Post Info TOPIC: Newbie questions get newbie answers.... I'm gonna ask anyway.


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Newbie questions get newbie answers.... I'm gonna ask anyway.
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I have been searching, reading, searching, reading and searching some more. I feel like I have learned a lot the last few weeks, and I understand the non-pressure roof wash method. However, since I will not be rinsing...Why can't I use my pressure washer to apply chemical? I would be downstreaming and during application of chemical it would be applying at 5 gpm with no more than 70-80 psi.  If there is no rinsing needed, why would this not work?

Thanks in advance for the advice....

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Because the down streamer would cut the chemical strength significantly and it wouldn't make an impact. You need to apply directly with a chemical pump or you'll just be wasting your time.

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It can be done, but is not optimum.  In fact, somewhere on the forum there is reference to a roof cleaner down streaming SH using an x-jet for roofs.

BUT, here's the caveat, based on the limited reading I did on the subject:  You must use a LOW gpm PW machine.  This has something to do with ensuring the proper dilution is achieved. (A high GMP machine will  have far too much water.)

Poke around in the forum and you'll find those posts.

Please keep in mind though, the pros here at RCIA that I've learned from, all recommend dedicated roof cleaning pumps/rigs.  That's the right way.  If you're just starting out and are on a budget, there's a good post on that as well.  And Gutterdog can tell you about a VERY cost effective approach.  That man manages his ROI  smile

Welcome to the forum.


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DId I read some where that the chem will also couse the pressure washer to fail?

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jetstream wrote:

DId I read some where that the chem will also couse the pressure washer to fail?




I'm not in the PW business, so a pro that is can correct me if needed:  protecting the pump is why it would be down streamed vs upstreamed.  Chemical pick up/draw would be after the pump, and at low pressure.   Can't stress enough though that a dedicated roof cleaning rig/pump system is really the way to go.  It'll pay for itself quickly.



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I have 2 5800s I was just asking couse this guy wants to know why he cant use a power washer. I wonderd the same thing my self at on time I did not want to pressure wash the roof just wanted to get the chem up on the roof since I already had a power washer and it can pull from the tank. It was just a question I would not use one to clean a roof.

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you could, but its just not worth he time and aggravation and customer unhappiness.  you'd be MUCH better off starting out with a simple Delvan type setup, at minimum, then moving into a bigger, better rig as your business grows!

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Yeah, but what if you use the SH at full strength and let the PW do the diluting??

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That is exactly what,is being referenced. Still tooooo much water and not enough chemical.

Gary



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dont buck the system just go with it.

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I say just try it!..Then you'll see first hand without needing any further explanation,..the peices will just fall into place for you.

Jeff

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Raystown Roof Cleaning Central PA 1-800-236-0322 wrote:

I say just try it!..Then you'll see first hand without needing any further explanation,..the peices will just fall into place for you.

Jeff


 Sometimes that's the only way to learn.

 



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opie451 wrote:

Yeah, but what if you use the SH at full strength and let the PW do the diluting??


 Ok, the maximun thoeretical injection ratio of a venturi type downstream injector is about 25 percent, maximum.

This is before losses, and in the real world, you are not likely to draw more the 10 to 15 percent chemicals.

Even if u use pure sh, it still will not work. Buy a roof cleaning pump if you want to clean roofs.



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Gary has the best answer, all that water will overshoot the roof and get on the landscaping and all the excessive water will run off the roof with the chem. Plus dwell time with cling agent is what allows the chemicals to work deep into the GM and moss/lichen. I experimented w/just SH and H2O and little effect, added detergent and the slow runoff that stayed on the roof and didn't end up in the gutter worked immediatly.



-- Edited by Maverick Contracting on Monday 15th of August 2011 07:38:10 PM

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Shortly after asking this question, I went and bought a 5850 and have not looked back since. I would say, I have saved enough in gas money from not pulling my trailer around to pay for 15-20 more 5850's. I have everything set up in the back of my van and only pull my pw/trailer around when I have concrete to clean. Glad I just did it the right way the first time!

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goodpostCICS wrote:

Shortly after asking this question, I went and bought a 5850 and have not looked back since. I would say, I have saved enough in gas money from not pulling my trailer around to pay for 15-20 more 5850's. I have everything set up in the back of my van and only pull my pw/trailer around when I have concrete to clean. Glad I just did it the right way the first time!


 goodpost



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Only fitting...The start of this thread was my first post almost one year ago, this is my 100th post. Thanks to the RCIA and all the people who help out to make this site possible. Also, a big thanks to David Hill with Elite Roof Cleaners for letting me help out for a day and all the phone calls! I am calling to start the process of becoming a certified roof cleaner right NOW!

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It is fun to look back over a year and see how far we have come. Hope the biz gives you great opportunities!

AC

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Hey Mike,..Something for you to think about,....I see you only take the machine when there's concrete to clean. I personally go fully preprared for anything everytime I pull out. Having the washer on hand allows you to pick up extra cash by doing sidewalks patios,...or as I often do,... small cocncrete jobs as a freebie for the customer,..really pays off down the road. Although I don't know the weight of your rigged trailer I would think the extra gas that you're spending by pulling a trailer is probably minimal,....especially considering the opportunitites it opens when on the job. It also lets the customer see your further capabilities with the equipment.

Just a thought though,
Jeff

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What Jeff said about the concrete washing is a good idea because they will get dirty again worth cleaning within 6 months to a year and when a customer knows how well it looks clean they will call you back and prob not price shop you. Around here we do some customers bi-annually and pick up some small additional work on enough of them to fill in slow days that then sometimes turn into full blow projects

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