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"6
Essential Supplies You'll Need To Pressure Clean a Roof"
Pressure washing roofs
presents a world of virtually ENDLESS financial opportunity...
...Especially if you are
the type that can SEE a need and then ACT to create a solution.
Home and business owners
alike, at some point in their building's life, will need their roof cleaned. Not
only for the reason of maintaining roof material integrity i.e.. (asphalt or
cedar shingles) but, also for aesthetics (pleasing to the eyes).
To take advantage of
this business opportunity you'll first need to know the 6 essential supplies
to pressure wash a variety of organic contaminants like algae, mold and fungi
off shingles - (These are extremely destructive materials most commonly found
in the form of Moss and Lichen).
1) Pressure Washer
A typical pressure washer
found at your local equipment rental might feature the following gas powered
"contractor grade" features:
- Water pressure of 2700
- 4000 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch)
- Water flow of 3-4 GPM
(Gallons Per Minute)
- 50 feet of standard
pressure washer hose *I'd recommend 100 feet* for typical residential work
- 50 - 200 feet of garden
hose to connect power washer to buildings exterior water supply
- Standard Sprayer with
nozzle tips featuring a variety of degrees in which water is dispersed i.e..
(Pin point to 25 degrees).
More info on pressure
washer features and how to select the right model for the job:
http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/catalog/howtoselect.php
2)
Chemicals
Common chemicals used to
clean wood and asphalt shingles are Sodium Hydroxide or Bleach.
Other, more environment
friendly chemicals, are now on the market. The suppliers claim these chemicals
will clean a roof without any pressure washing needed; just spray-on and wait.
These new spray-on solutions also claim to be less destructive the the roofing
material and surrounding building landscaping. Unfortunately you may have to
wait several months to see the effects. And, a second or third application might
be necessary to get the results you desire.
Here's a couple of
company's that offer a 'gradual stain removal method'.
http://www.roofbeclean.com
http://www.roofreviver.com
http://www.sprayandforget.com
http://www.roofmedic.com
Delco has a sodium
hydroxide blend for cleaning roofs. You can read more about it by scrolling the
following web page:
http://www.dcs1.com/msds
Cleaning with sodium
hydroxide or bleach can damage plants surrounding a roof. It's a good
idea to either cover the plants with a protective plastic sheeting or spray with
water for dilution.
This is one reason...
...FALL is a great time to
pressure wash roofs - plants are at the end of their growing season.
3) Fall Arrest Equipment
- 5/8 inch nylon rope
(100 feet minimum)
- Harness, either a full
body or waist harness
- 3 foot lanyard with
fall arrest
- Carabiners.
SAFETY is a HUGE CONCERN
when working on a roof, especially one with a steep grade. Fall arrest equipment
combined with proper equipment use is an absolute must.
4) Garden Sprayer
Garden type sprayers are
used to apply chemicals to roof areas effect by stains caused by organic plant
materials.
Moss and lichen love
asphalt. And if left long enough, will eat through asphalt shingles. Not
to mention, these plant materials hold excess water on roofs like a SPONGE. For
this reason, using a garden sprayer, (hand held or backpack) is a typical means
of applying a chemical that will kill these unwanted plants.
You may be able to bypass
the garden sprayer if your pressure washer has a 'chemical injector'
built-in. If so, check with the manufacture's instructions to see what chemicals
are safe for the washer and how much pressure to use when applying chemicals
through the washers sprayer nozzle.
5) Protective Clothing and Safety Items
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Rubber boots
- Rubber gloves
- Ear protection
- Safety googles
- Particle respirator
Each of these items are a
NO-BRAINER but, especially important is the ear protection, safety googles
and particle respirator.
When you spray chemicals
through a garden type wand, it creates a aerosol mist that can cause serious
health problems when breathed!! Wearing a particle respirator during this
phase of your roof cleaning project is a must.
Also, high frequencies
from pressure washing can damage hearing as well as splash back of ceramic bits,
(the COLORIZED surface particles on asphalt shingles), can break off and damage
vision.
It's better to be safe
than sorry...
...HAZARD is one of the
reasons you get paid the BIG BUCKS in this line of work! I'd suggest a
minimum of $70 per hour plus $100 a day for the rent of your power washer.
6) Roof
Access Equipment
Extension ladder of the
appropriate working length for the job. Or you can bypass much of the fall
arrest equipment and ladders by pressure washing a roof via a man-lift where
access permits.
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To actually "See a Video" on how to prepare a job site
for safety, apply chemicals and pressure wash a roof --- Click here...
http://www.freewindowcleaningtips.com/roof-pressure-washing.htm
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Roof pressure washing can
be a rewarding add-on service to your window cleaning business. It can
'Eliminate Business Downtime' by creating income during fowl weather.
Infact, it's the
perfect business to do in the RAIN!
Here's
a quick version of your list of Essential Supplies
1. Pressure washer
(Complete with necessary hoses, sprayer and nozzle tips)
2. Chemicals
3. Garden sprayer (Hand
held or back pack type)
4. Fall arrest equipment
- 100 feet of nylon rope
- Harness (Full body or
waist type)
- Lanyard with fall
arrest
- Carabiner
5. Protective clothing and
safety equipment
- Rubber gloves, boots,
jacket and pants
- Safety goggles
- Ear protection
- Particle respirator
6. Ladder or man-lift
And Of Course, let's not
forget to bring alone a...
...5 Gallon gas container!
One
More Note on Safety
Man-lifts can create
"Safer, Faster Access" for many different types of exterior building
maintenance. To learn more about how man-lifts can improve safety in you
business, Click here>
http://www.freewindowcleaningtips.com/aerial-platforms.htm
Disclaimer: Roof pressure washing is dangerous, and the use of
techniques within this document may not be held liable against in the case of
personal bodily or property damage. In other words... Use At Your Own Risk.
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