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).
A typical pressure washer found at your local equipment rental might feature the following gas powered "contractor grade" features:
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'.
Delco has a sodium hydroxide blend for cleaning roofs. You can read more about it by scrolling the following web page:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To actually "See a Video" on how to prepare a job site for safety, apply chemicals and pressure wash a roof.
Roof pressure washing can be a rewarding add-on service to your window cleaning business. It can 'Eliminate Business Downtime' by creating income during foul weather.
Infact, it's the perfect business to do in the RAIN!
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
5. Protective clothing and safety equipment
6. Ladder or man-lift
And Of Course, let's not forget to bring along a...
...5 Gallon gas container!
Man-lifts can create "Safer, Faster Access" for many different types of exterior building maintenance.
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