TSP or not?

IS TSP really needed in the mix for cleaning roofs?


  • Total voters
    47
Scott, we have several improvements coming for regular Apple Sauce that I am field testing.
As you know, a roller pump basically operates on an almost Peristaltic principle.
Clearances between rollers and pump inner chamber are critical.
A piece of undissolved TSP or Borax or Simple Cherry can really mess things up.
The new sauce is TSP/Borax free, and uses a surfactant in it.
When we used roller pumps, I found the surfactant almost acted as a LUBRICANT for the rollers !
There have been mixed results with the new sauce.
Try it for yourself, see what you think ?
If I were still using a roller pump, I would want a surfactant in my mix as a lubricant.
 
What do you guys think of this:

Mix the TSP and Borax (separately, of course) in warm (hot to the touch, but well below boiling) water, maybe around 130 degrees. Then, pour the mix into another bucket that has a straining cloth (canvas or denim should do very well) over it so that any undissolved granules are caught and not allowed to go into the final mix. Now, you have the TSP that you want and the Borax that you want. Completely free of granules so it's safe to use in your Bandit. Just an idea.
 
Many farmers and pest control people use roller pumps everyday.
They use fertilizers and pesticides that are granular.
They simply use a strainer before the pump.
IMHO, anyone using a rolller pump should use a strainer, and it is not a bad idea for any pump.
 
I think it makes for a nicer job. I use the hot water trick in a 5'ver mixing the same day.
 
TSP does make for some "pretty roofs", here is a before/after of a cement tile roof we did.
On Cement Tile, TSP rules, Unquestionably.
Actually, If I can, I will post a shingle before/after, and a Cement Tile before/after.
Hey, it worked :)
The cement tile roof had 1 cup TSP per gallon :eek:
Gotta be careful with that strong TSP solution, keep away from windows and screens, and the ground man {ME} must be experienced.

I think the results speak for themselves ?

ALL our roof cleaning pictures are taken THAT day.
We don't have time to go back and shoot pictures.
That tile roof is a real "work of art" after it has had the benefit of months of rain.
 

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I said No , but it does make the mix better IMO, I use it and I like it , I did a demo for Big Ash and he saw what difference it makes, now can you clean a roof w/o it ....... yes , but it just seems to work better with it so why not just go ahead and use it ?
That will put you in ARMA compliance :)
I think they suggest it, for a reason.
 
tsp is a great surfactant, along with the borax it breaks surface tenson allowing the sh to work better, stick to the surface and lift the dirt. true you can clean with sh and water, but most will run down the roof or sidingand waste time and money.ajax grapefruit or orange dish liquid works well too as a surfactant.
 
Those of you use Ammonyx Lo or similar in your mix, are you using TSP as well? I am under the impression that the Ammonyx does not have any cleaning properties only foaming. My guess is yes?
 
Does TSP REALLY make a difference? I use it now with great results but I hear chatter from from sides. Any and all input would be great to finally put this to rest in my mind!! lol :eek:


Ok...Bump
 
Nice Photos Chris
Actually, having a FEW, similar priced competitors is actually GOOD for business.
The PROBLEM comes when supply exceeds demand, and price chopping occurs.
You beat my price, I beat yours, Billy Bob beats both of us.
No one wins except the customer.
Actually, the customer LOSES, because to get down to a low price, important things like a ground man are often left out.

I would like to see this TSP discussion get back on track ?
Sodium Hypochlorite, or bleach, is not a surfactant.
That is why it is a good idea to add a little TSP, or some kind of bleach compatabile surfactant to the mix.
It makes for a nicer job.
Can you clean roofs with just Sh and water, yes.
Same way you can slap some brake pads on w/o turning rotors/drums.
Sometimes, you can get away with it.
Is it the RIGHT way to do it ?
Depends on what quality work you want to produce.
I have actually done roofs with, and w/o TSP in the same subdivision, and came back later to compare them.
The roofs done with TSP added ALWAYS looked a little better.

Here are some before and afters of a tile and shingle roofs done with Apple Sauce.
It has TSP in it.
 
Nice Photos Chris
Thanks Ron!

Those of you use Ammonyx Lo or similar in your mix, are you using TSP as well? I am under the impression that the Ammonyx does not have any cleaning properties only foaming. My guess is yes?

This is incorrect, the Ammonyx is a powerful surfactant, all by itself! LOL, we use it in hand soap dispensers in the bathrooms, to wash our greasy hands with.
When using TSP with any added surfactant, the amount of TSP can be drastically reduced!

Again, nothing else is "needed" to clean a roof, besides SH and Water.
However, some added surfactant to the roof cleaning mix makes a nicer looking final product, and a little TSP added makes an even nicer looking final product, especially on a light colored roof.

TSP is also a potent concrete cleaner, and it makes a bare concrete tile roof come out extremely white looking, when added to a tile roof cleaning mix.
 
I have always used TSP in my roof cleaning mix, but there have been times when I run out while out on the road so I just up the SH to get by for the time being.
 
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