Hello,
I’m diving right in. 52 retired State of Delaware, USAFR, retried
Buying a 7x14 enclosed this week
8 GPM machine, not decided on hose reels ( man they are high)
WW 19 classic 4 surface cleaner
Question I have is, I think I want a 1/2 or 3/8 air diaphragm pump I have a near new wheel barrel compressor already for a roof system. Am I wasting my time?
Any who, I’m in Delaware, lurking for some time. I’m ready to roll.
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Hey, nice to meet another USAF guy. I was only in for 4 years but definitely a good stint.
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Well go on with your bad self then! Sounds like you’re off to a good start. As another newb I would recommend getting some house washes and other jobs under your belt before you take on any roofs. Learn how your equipment operates and get comfortable with your processes and then take the leap into roofs. They are incredibly dangerous after all. That’s just my $0.02. Also, you may end up regretting the enclosed in the long run. They’re great for secure storage and make a great billboard but they are undoubtedly harder to work out of and do offer some other minor negatives such as rust problems and ease of maneuverability when in tight spaces. YMMV. I am very much a “buy once, cry once” type of guy but don’t be afraid to start out with a cheaper set of reels to get you going. Even the best reels won’t last a lifetime with the abuse they take so it is fine to upgrade after you’ve made some money. Besides, the old reels can be re-purposed or even serve as a boneyard for spare parts in a pinch.
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Nice 
I always knew I hated buying a cheaper version that won’t last near as long just to save a buck but I never knew how to describe that feeling. I heard that from a guy I subscribe to on YouTube and it made so much sense. Never forgot it.
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Make that 3 of us then…retired from USAF in '08.
Welcome. Sounds like you’re about ready. I’m going to disagree with just about everything @DisplacedTexan (sorry William) said. Get with Pressure Washer Products in Fl. They sell more AODD pumps than anyone. Talk with @florida_condo_cleani who has several about best size. Probably with just one you’ll want at least 1/2".
Roof cleaning is the single most profitable item in this business. I started roof cleaning and the only pressure washer I had was a HD special for about a year, which I never used. It’s still my favorite thing to do.
I would start with the best reels you can get. Titan or Hannay. Most of us in the South where we use a lot of bleach seem to prefer Titan aluminum /stainless. They will last you many years with little maintenance Hand cranked ones will run you about $350 each. Chump change in the scope of things compared to the rest of your equipment. PWP also typically has the best prices on those too, probably because they don’t have incoming freight cost, since they’re located close to factory.
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No need to be sorry @Racer! Opinions differ all the time. I just couldn’t imagine putting someone on a roof and having them operate equipment that they’re unfamiliar with much less have them spraying 3-4% SH on things before they know how it will react will different materials. I stand by the starter reels for sure. I have a Cox reel for my supply hose but my high pressure reel is a cheap General Pump from Amazon and it has worked great so far. I’ll save up for Hannay or Titans but these sure beat a bucket and hand coiling!
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Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have done a lot of research and approach things methodically.
I’m not sure if you are asking if roof cleaning is a waste of time or not but it absolutely is not. As @Racer said it is great profit and I personally find it to be satisfying. The biggest issue with roof cleaning is plant and property protection. The rest is fairly straightforward.
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Were you using a pump sprayer then? Always appreciate your posts Racer.
No, I started with a dual 12V roof pump system. My plan was just to do mainly roofs and then over the years got hooked into the other stuff. I spent over a year researching the industry before I made a decision. I think that most people make a big mistake running out and buying pressure washers and all the related equipment when in reality for $3000 or less can have a nice roof cleaning system including trailer that will generate far more income and profit.
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Yeah the enclosed is a must, don’t have space inside. I’ll try to stay ahead of the rust. Thanks for the heads up.
Steve I’m just not sure my rigid wheelbarrow compressor will be enough to drive a 1/2 pump
I believe I’ve read a 5.5hp is perfect for a 1/2"?
I’ll do some more reading, Air compressor has maybe 8 hrs on it love to get more use from it.
There’s some great post here. Sometimes it’s a bit of work digging them up. 
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Awesome opportunity for this newb, or Not, friend of mine works for this New 120 million dollar hospital in Delaware, opened last month. Guy they used at the old hospital For flat work backed out can’t do it, because work has to be done at night or weekends he would have to pay his guys OT. To booked up. They need all 3 entrances done once a quarter looks like a bit. I’m going to measure the sq footage this week.
Here in turn is the problem as you can tell, I don’t have all my EQUIPMENT yet it’s all a week or so out. Friend says no rush just give me an estimate when you can. I have a shot at this but, I’m a little nervous.
In the pic construction is not complete but you can see Its massive.
Don’t have insurance yet, still shopping. Thoughts? besides I’m a nut for even considering it. Hate to let flat work like this slide.
Got this job lined up. Next month. has painted aluminum expansion joints, it’s my neighbor they are getting tired of renting a machine asked me to knock it out.
Just the pool area. Flat work.
I believe from what I’ve seen posted, .25 per sq/ft is an average price to charge for basic cleaning which new construction flatwork would most likely be except possibly around dumpsters, etc.
Insurance should be easy peasy. Call your auto or homeowners insurance company. A company like Geico or State Farm isn’t going to insure you until you have 2-3 years of business BUT they will be able to refer you to a broker who will shop rates and coverage for you. For a sole owner LLC that doesn’t do any work above 4 stories, you’ll probably spend $1000-$1500 a year for a $1 million dollar policy.
I have attached part of one of my old contracts for you to use. Take it and tell your broker or potential insurance provider that this is the insurance coverage you need. It will cover all of your commercial and residential jobs. You will need to request COI’s (certificate of insurance) for every job you do. You just send an email to you agent/broker saying “I need a COI with ABC LLC, XYZ company as an additional insured and XYZ company as the certificate holder.” The contract will explicitly state who needs to be listed as what.
