The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

Roof Cleaning New Jersey · Sep 3, 2011

Help me and have fun at the same time

Roof Cleaning Memphis TN (901) 826-8370 · Guest

Roof Cleaning New Jersey wrote:
Guys I'm not sure if I should be ashamed to post this. I recieved an email from someone that I've already spent alot of talk time about an estimate. I sat at my computer and tried to reply. Each time I've spent a considerable amount of time in my reply. After re-reading each time I either thought Overkill, or just plain no good. I should know how to reply but for some reason I'm just stuck.
Good morning,
Thank you for the estimate.
Is it possible to send me additional information about the specifics of your work, i.e., confirmation that you use a non-bleach of roof "shampoo", insurance information, etc.
Also, is it possible for you to provide me with references?
Thanks, again!

Alert, alert, danger Will Robbins!!

Non Bleach? My response is. I thought you said you wanted your roof cleaned.

ROOF SHAMPOO requires scrubbing. Like I don't know>>>>>> A Pressure washer.

What she wants is a Roof Shave with a nice silky cream.

RUN AWAY.

I would suspect she's already talked to a roof killer er I mean a company who applies "a mild solution with a gentle rinse"

In other words something that won't clean with a pressure washer after.

sweetwaterfish · Guest

Ed:

I personally think you may be "overthinking" it, this may be just the type of educated consumer we all want. Maybe the "non=pressure approach" has hit home with this buyer!

I know you've got a ton of references, and a great portfolio of your work. I would however recommend meeting with this person and showing them hardcopies of the info rather than emailing them copies of everything, just incase they are shoppers from another company trying to find out all your secrets.

Even id she is just full of BS, your portfolio and personality should win her over!!!

Meet with her and CLOSE her!!!!!! you know YOU DO EVERYTHING THE PROPER WAY!!!!!!!
Knock 'em dead!!

Ray

P.S. Sent you an email with my checklist I use!

Sep 3, 2011

Roof Cleaning New Jersey wrote:
Guys I'm not sure if I should be ashamed to post this. I recieved an email from someone that I've already spent alot of talk time about an estimate. I sat at my computer and tried to reply. Each time I've spent a considerable amount of time in my reply. After re-reading each time I either thought Overkill, or just plain no good. I should know how to reply but for some reason I'm just stuck.
Good morning,
Thank you for the estimate.
Is it possible to send me additional information about the specifics of your work, i.e., confirmation that you use a non-bleach of roof "shampoo", insurance information, etc.
Also, is it possible for you to provide me with references?
Thanks, again!

This looks like a sure thing to me!

This person already has gone beyond the normal first thought "I need my roof pressure washed"

Personally, I always do it the DRAGNET way, "Just the facts Maam"

Tell her "In fact, the Roof Shampoo method is just a sales pitch and too rough on roofs, even though "shampooo" sounds gentle, it is a form of pressure washing."

"I do not want to be responsible for invalidating a roof warranty, so I clean roofs by the roofing manufacturer own specifications."

Send her all of this and I bet you get the job!

From GAF Roofing Manufacturers about black algae removal:

http://www.gaf.com/Documents/Algae_Staining_on_Shingled_Roof_Surfaces_-_Steep_Slope_Techn-43-808-v3.pdf

Below is a partial "cut and paste" excerpt from GAF on how to clean a roof:

"If a new roof is not an option, GAF recommends cleaning the roof with a special mixture. That mixture is:
4 gallons of water, 1 gallon of bleach and 1 cup of TSP"

"What NOT To Do! Do not power wash the shingles to clean the shingles. Some roof cleaning companies offer this service.
However, it is not recommended."

From ARMA roofing manufacturers Association-how to clean roofing.

http://www.asphaltroofing.org/pdf/tb_217.pdf

Below is a partial excerpt cut and pasted below from ARMA:

Algae discolorations to remove from roofing surfaces, applying a solution of
chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate, and water. Solutions for these ingredients depend on the amount of discoloration. Solutions range to one cup TSP and 2.5 gallons each of bleach and water.

{Note that they are suggesting up to 50% chlorine! 2 1/2 water & 2 1/2 Chlorine}
First, gently disperse this solution on the roofing surface. Avoid scrubbing the surface, as this friction may loosen and remove granules.
Caution!
High pressure washing systems for algae removal should not be used.

Owens Corning Roofing manufacturers says the same thing:

"USE CHLORINE and TSP" "DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER"

Corning info in link below.
Click Link, Go to "Do I need a New Roof" Then to "Algae growth" and read what the manufacturer says on the right side of the page.

http://webapps.easy2.com/cm2/flash/generic_index.asp?page_id=36077811

-- Edited by Bergman Roof Cleaning Port Charlotte FL 941-698-1959 on Saturday 3rd of September 2011 08:00:10 PM

sweetwaterfish · Guest

I live for sales like this, whether I get them or not. Obviously she is semi educated, so now it is just selling her "you". Even on the off chance you don't get the sale you can always go back to her and ask " why did you choose XYZ over me" in a courteous manner. Either way it will be a win-win for you! Plus, it such a good feeling when you win out over your competition!

Some of the best advice I ever got was this: the two sweetest sounds in the world are the snap of crisp 100 dollar bills and the sound of your competition hitting the floor!!!

Guest

Very sound words of wisdom from both Ray and Chuck, IMO. This one is YOURS Ed. Seize it and make it just that - yours.

I like to come in right behind the 'franchise guys'. We should compare notes on the topic/strategy some day.

Let us know how this one works out?

//edited for typos as usual//

-- Edited by Roof Cleaning Northern Virginia (571) 250 9650 on Saturday 3rd of September 2011 08:52:29 PM

opie451 · Sep 3, 2011

I 've had clients like this for painting. I actually like telling the facts and impressing them with coatings knowledge and the like. Give her what she wants, but I agree bring it to her and close the deal!! Maybe bring your helper and do the job as soon as she signs on the dotted line.

Sep 4, 2011

You got some great advice on this one Ed, remember you konw what is the proper way to clean a roof, you know what you are talking about and you know what you are doing! Tell it like it is Ed you can't win every person over!

JHWorth · Guest

Don't even bother, that is a lawsuit waiting to happen, you cannot educated the nieve. If they want this green crap, let em have it. They will be pizzed at them and not you and you win and save your azz in the long run. You know what you are doing and are good at it so just do your thing and keep rolling on.

The green companies dark secrets will be on CNN one day on how dangerous they are for roofs and on Rip Off report. Heck I may just get the fire started myself and you guys can add the fuel once I put it on Rip Off Report.

Any objections on why I shouldn't let me know by Tuesday when I add it to Rip Off Report.

I will title it "Mean Greener Roof Killing Cleaner" why you should not use these too good to be true poducts. Not Proven to work and is a mix of cheap soaps and high roof destroying pressure.

Roof Cleaning New Jersey · Sep 4, 2011

For a minute I felt like walking away. But I like to eat sushi and it's not cheap. I don't know why I got stumped on this one. I guess I've been on an easy streak the past few weeks. I wrote her a response. Its ok but I'm not thrilled with it. I've contacted clients from last year and lined them up as referals and every one of them is thrilled with the work and no problems with being available for a phone call from this potential client. I sold an $1100.00 roof and house wash last week. I did her neighbors roof last year. Two weeks after that her other neighbor had her roof cleaned by another roof cleaner at a cheaper price. My roof is still clean. The other neighbor has stains appearing already. I am so confident that our method is superior. Thanks for all of the responses. I've done alot of roofs since last year and have probably logged hundreds of hours on the phone talking to customers about our procedure. I just needed a little push. Thanks again.

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"