Just wanted to introduce ourselves, pretty sure this is the best section to do it in. My name is Quinn I am CO owner of Eco-Pro Exterior Cleaning. We're brand new start up company out off Merrimack, NH, looking to get into the business by offering roof cleaning, hose washing, gutter and window cleaning. With 10 plus years of comical and residential roofing experience I do realize there definitely money in the roof cleaning industry.
With a name like Eco-Pro we obviously wanted to push "green" pitch to the cleaning methods we use as much as we can. Originally we wanted to go with a powdered O2 based cleaner, but they all recommended pressure washing with low pressure but with much research I think this method will be a lot more cost effective and time saving.
We would greatly appreciate all tips and advice in getting started in this industry. Currently we are gathering equipment and pricing out insurance carriers so any suggestions on either of theses would be great. Leaning towards PressureTeks 5800 5/8's poly kit.
Also any advice on pricing and cleaning solutions. Obviously the greener the better but I know its hard to stay green with a SH based solution. But at least we can call it Bio-degradable.
Welcome to RCIA, your ROI on RCIA will ten fold, Regarding the green, think about the Benjamin's, that is what will keep you in business, I'm a LEED educated in new construction, there is very little green that works to be found in what we do. I have spent thousand's of dollars researching green friendly chemical's, they don't exist. They are for selling, not for using, but that is OK, if your the one selling.
Thanks everyone. What are you guys running for pumps? About to pull the trigger on a delavan 5800 pump for pressuretek to get going. Any input on this product? I know a lot of you guys are running an air pump, which iam sure We'll want to upgrade to in the future. Plus I definitely will want to have a back up.
Welcome to RCIA, your ROI on RCIA will ten fold, Regarding the green, think about the Benjamin's, that is what will keep you in business, I'm a LEED educated in new construction, there is very little green that works to be found in what we do. I have spent thousand's of dollars researching green friendly chemical's, they don't exist. They are for selling, not for using, but that is OK, if your the one selling.
I agree with MJ. The only way "Green" products work is in sales pitches, not on roofs.
Inevitably, in each case, it is not a "green chemical cleaning job" We do chemical cleaning. Those who spray "green" stuff on roofs, finish cleaning by firing up their pressure washing machines. Ya, they have a story "We have it turned way down" "We only use it to rinse"
But the fact is, they accomplish cleaning with the pressure washer. They could spray baby shampoo on most roofs-or just water, and blast it clean "Looking" with a pressure washer.
I say "Looking" because the living algae spores are still on every inch of roofing and now, all over much of the house and all nearby "everything else" including the neighbors house!
If you want to push "green, Eco-Friendly"
Explain to customers how by not using pressure on roofs, no damage is done and that means, in the long run, less tar, asphalt, nails and flashing etc in the landfills.
I do some "Eco-Friendly Green" online advertising, but I explain that it is based on keeping roofing out of landfills and that the "green" hype products don't work.
Welcome to the forum. Like everyone says "use the search button". There will always be two sides of the pump question, electric or gas. I'm a gas guy so I'm not one to say if the Delavan is the way to go. Chuck is absolutely right, we all use chemicals to clean the roofs but in a safe way that they won't harm the shingles and the if we use the proper techniques and precautions they won't cause damage to the home, plants, etc... Keep reading, network with the members and attends some seminars or round tables if you can.
I started with a 12v pump, upgraded to a air All-flow pump, 13hp elec start compressor, for about $1400 total, I now use the 5800 as a transfer pump, the 1100 extra money got us, better distance, about 30ft with a zero nozzle, less exposure to failure, and longer lifespan. All-flow is a chemical pump and it works great, no matter what you get, plan on a rinse out. The fat-boy, for the money is a good pick. Bob is a wealth of knowledge, and a good guy to deal with.