I’m trying to sell enough roof cleaning jobs to be able to get a pump and set off my roof cleaning business. I keep running into the question “Won’t it bleach out the color of my shingles?” My answer is that the shingles are asphalt, coated with rocks (and other components, of course) and that asphalt and rocks don’t bleach. I still have not gotten to do a roof cleaning, as I’ve only just begun trying to sell the service, and I’ve only gotten to pitch it to three customers so far, so I can’t speak from experience.
I know that light colored shingles will lighten back up (as they should) but I had a customer with dark colored shingles today who was concerned that their shingles would become lighter. I told them that they would return to their original color. I have searched the forums and can’t really find a direct answer to this question.
I know that you guys who are doing well with roof cleaning would not be in business if each customer’s dark brown roof ended up light tan…I just need some confirmation about this.
Thank you!
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[MENTION=12088]Atlas1[/MENTION], lookup the ARMA bulletin on roof cleaning. Bleach is the method recommended by roofing manufacturers- and they wouldn’t be recommending it if it affected the shingles in such a way as your customers fear. When you find a link to it, would you be so kind as to share? Thanks
One thing about that ARMA report: The customers I’ve shown it to have all said, “well I could just spray some bleach up there myself”. I found a good answer to that objection in the forums. If not sprayed with the proper equipment, and if not sprayed evenly, the roof will have streaks and lighter and darker spots.
I had a customer yesterday (the one who prompted this thread) who brought up that objection. I explained it to her as mentioned above. Then her husband came home and he brought up the same objection, but this time SHE explained it as listed above…I guess that’s when you know you found a good explanation, right?
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That’s true but bleach is only a catalyst in your roof mix. You use a professional blend of products that allows you to work with a lower % of SH (bleach) in your solution to achieve the same result. It’s safer for you, it’s safer for them, it’s safer for the shingle and safer for the environment. And yes, they could climb up there and try cleaning it themselves just as they could go outside and paint their own house but they won’t achieve the same result a professional would. Professional mix, professional application, professional knowledge, professional equipment, it does make a difference. They’ll end up spending hours or even days on the roof breathing in fumes and possibly damage the roof or heaven forbid they slip and fall.
At this point, after you’ve laid out your reasons to hire a professional, if they’re argumentative it’s a good time to move onward. I’ve learned over the years that there is such a thing as a customer you don’t want.
All Clean Power Washing Solutions, LLC
813.528.2219
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Don’t sell a bleach wash. You as a professional company should be selling a proper roof cleaning using an professional application system and a specialized blend of detergents that is recommended by ARMA for roof cleaning contractors. Terminology should be key in your sales approach. Sodium Hypochlorite is only one part of the detergent solution I will be applying to ensure all the moss, mold, lichen and other contaminates are cleaned off your roof renewing the appearance of your home and extending the life of your investment.
