I’ve been doing a lot of reading on here and watching a lot of videos on youtube. I’m just left with a few questions. I’ve tried to find answers to each of these in the archives and I’m sure they’re there but I’m just missing them. I was thinking as posting these as individual threads but I don’t want to flood the forum with stupid questions, so I’m just going to list my questions below and any answers would be helpful.
Do you guys remove debris from the roof before you start? for example pine needles/leafs. If you are you using a leaf blower or a broom?
2)When you clean the gutters out (I’m assuming for a roof clean, you would get the bulk debris out of the gutter so the run off flows better) are you guys cleaning them out by hand, simply flushing them, or blowing the debris out?
I noticed in most of the videos that the guys were starting the roof clean by spraying the cleaner along the bottom of the roof, then the edge and then working their way towards the top of the roof. Are most people doing this because it’s more efficient/works better or what is the thought process behind that?
Where a first level roof meets the second level wall, obviously the wall will need to be watered before and rinsed after to remove over spray, but does the rinse affect how effective the chemicals clean where the rinse water crosses the roof to the gutter? (does that make sense what I’m asking?)
If a roof had the fiberglass strands exposed at the edges of the shingles from previous damage or is near the end of it’s life can it still be cleaned without harming the roof? or is it best to stay clear of roofs in that condition?
How often is everyone recommending to have roofs cleaned? (I know this is area dependent, I’m in the North West, but a general recommendation is what I’m looking for) I’m thinking every other year to every 3rd year but I’m not sure if a proper cleaning should last longer or not?
I’m wondering if anyone is replacing the rubber around plumbing vents while they are on the roof? I know this requires a contractors license, but I’ve heard of other companies upselling this ad on and I was just wondering if anyone is doing it and if its a profitable ad on.
So with number 5, I’ve had two people so far ask about it hoping to get another year or two out of the roof. But in those instances the moss probably isn’t the limiting factor on the roof? And from your comment I take it that I should probably tell those customers that their money will be better spent on a new roof and leave it at that? or if they are sure they want it cleaned anyways can I just have them sign a waver saying that they understand the roof is n poor condition and I’m not liable for any future damage or leaking to the roof?
You will learn to walk (or run) away from certain jobs…like these.
Really doesn’t matter if you get a waiver or not…screw the pooch and the customer will tell everyone…you screwed the pooch…and never say a word about any waiver…your reputation is worth what?
I would rather do work for people that are looking to get 8-10 more years out of their roof, than people that are trying to get 1-2 years out of a failing roof…so yes, put the money in a new roof.
So for second applications, is the deciding factor of to do a second application or not dependent on the moss turning white and the mold starting to run off? Is it very clear that it’ll need a second application? I’m not planning on rinsing the roofs just applying and letting nature do the rest.
I’m not going to make a second post, so Thanks for the tip on when to run. I feel like I’ve got a fairly good grip on most of this, I’m just lacking the confidence that comes with getting out there and getting it done a few times. I’m biting at the bit just wanting to get my equipment and get out there. I’ve been telling every customer whose windows I’ve cleaned since august that I was going to ad this in the spring, so i have a list of people that want it done, and so I’m super excited and nervous and terrified and excited. Thanks again for answering my questions it means a lot to me to get this feed back to what are probably pretty stupid questions.
On #7 above you are a roof cleaner and not a handyman or roofer but there are lots of people that are. You can provide an additional service for your customer by developing a relationship with one of two of these people as subcontractors and then using them to do the repair work for you. You simply have " your guy" look at and give you a bid, add the repairs in as an extra service on your customer bid, marking up what the subcontractor charges you by 15% or so and everyone is happy. The sub gets more work so they give you a good price, the customer gets their problem fixed with no effort on their part and you look like a true professional and make a little extra money. The downside is when you act like a general contractor there will be the occasional time when the repair the sub did is an issue and you may to spend some time getting it taken care of.
The only stupid question is the one you didn’t ask! As the roof dries you will see if you need to hit it again. The moss will be white and the black stains will be gone. If you still see some algae hit it again.
It would be a good idea to reach out to a fellow roof cleaner in or near your area and ask if you could ride along with them to see first hand what the proper way is. Or go to one the many industry events and classes offered through PWRA or UAMCC.
Better to hit it again if not sure than not and have inferior results. The cost of a little extra solution is worth it to protect your business and your reputation.
