SC on commercial metal roof?
- Thread starter Rance
- Start date
AC Lockyer
New member
No very dangerous. Metal roofs can be slippery and a surface cleaner SC can change your center of balance and put you at risk.
AC
AC
Doug Rucker
Roundtable Host 2009
No. And I wouldn't even think about it.
Christopher
Moderator
Besides that, if there is a coating or paint, the surface cleaner might remove the paint or coating and I am sure it would cost a lot to have a roofing company replace damaged panels and it could get worse, if the colors don't match, they might have to replace the whole roof because in time colors start to fade and the owner would want the whole roof to match like it did before the damage.
A lot of metal roofs have ridges that might not allow surface cleaners to clean properly, the 2" to 4" ridges seem to be about every 16" to 3' apart from what I have seen here locally.
A lot of metal roofs have ridges that might not allow surface cleaners to clean properly, the 2" to 4" ridges seem to be about every 16" to 3' apart from what I have seen here locally.
Rance
Active member
The head guy for the Parks Dept. was present during testing of different soap applications to the roof including brushing which left brush streaks. He didn't like the streaks. After consultations about this situation it was decided it was oxidized so I purchased an oxidation removal chem that didn't work either. The parks guy said if I could figure out a way to clean it without the streaks he would be happy. So I took the handles off my 20" SC, attached a 50' section of hose with a ball valve and attached a rope and cleaned a 10' section. He liked the results of the SC test. So that is what I'm doing. One side at a time. SC on one side of the apex and me on the other side (dry side). I have a video of the SC in action but don't know how to attach it. Here is a picture.
Call me crazy but during this process I'm working from a dry roof not a wet roof. And I forgot to mention this roof is 20 yrs old and has never been cleaned.
Call me crazy but during this process I'm working from a dry roof not a wet roof. And I forgot to mention this roof is 20 yrs old and has never been cleaned.
"Red"
Graphic Designer
I'd be very careful with using a 'floater', in fact I wouldn't use one at all. The 'ridges' on the panels are getting dangerously close to the the bar and nozzles (pushing up through the skirt).
Maybe a SC with wheels or something like this would be better suited for consistency and protecting the nozzles (spraybar).
Maybe a SC with wheels or something like this would be better suited for consistency and protecting the nozzles (spraybar).
Rance
Active member
I'd be very careful with using a 'floater', in fact I wouldn't use one at all. The 'ridges' on the panels are getting dangerously close to the the bar and nozzles (pushing up through the skirt).
Maybe a SC with wheels or something like this would be better suited for consistency and protecting the nozzles (spraybar).
I thought about that too so I did some measuring and have about 1/4 inch clearance however some screws are loose and are sticking up a little higher. I have grazed a few but not doing damage that I can see. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do (with in the boundaries of being SAFE)!!!
Clear Shine
New member
Sorry, IMHO there are so many other easier ways to make money than this way. I would have to make several thousand dollars in order to go through all that trouble.
Rance
Active member
This job is not easy but it's not that hard either. Parks Dept. here has a lot of property and they have a BIG budget. Much more than several thousand. BIG PICTURE thinking. Not going to make a big profit off of "easier". Hard work pays off. That's just IMHO.
Larry Millette
Member
We have cleaned a bunch of metal roofs but none that were that old and oxidized. Looks to me like they need to repaint it even after hour done. Not your fault. The roof has just lost its curb appeal.
Clear Shine
New member
I can see that a little easier then if it leads to more work and more money. I was just referring to this one job being the only job. I've done the same thing with property managers and had to do some harder stuff to keep them happy. It's all about the big picture
Guy Blackmon
Roundtable Host 2009
Good job Rance, roof looks great. You didn't actually clean it but in reality "Restored" it to a like new condition saving the customer thousands compared to replacement. Oxidation removal is in a different class (higher) than simply cleaning. You (anyone) will never learn unless you actually "Do" the job.... And you did a fine job!
I think you've found a niche in your market, which means you can control pricing to a point.
I think you've found a niche in your market, which means you can control pricing to a point.
Rapid HotClean
New member
Rance, that's totally awesome! It looks so good.
AC Lockyer
New member
Yes after seeing the video I think you came up with a creative solution to the problem. Innovation is not always pretty the first time around. Make sure you are tied off and using fall protection gear. Restore away!
AC
Doug Rucker
Roundtable Host 2009
Rance, you figured out a way to get it clean. And that's great. But at the same time we have to realize that are certain things we all will try and do on our own that we should never recommend anyone else doing. I would never suggest to anyone trying what you did, BUT, would I try it myself to get the job done....I don't know. I'd have to be in the situation/on the job you are on to make that decision.
Good Job and JUST BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.
Good Job and JUST BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.
Love it Rance
I'd be very careful with using a 'floater', in fact I wouldn't use one at all. The 'ridges' on the panels are getting dangerously close to the the bar and nozzles (pushing up through the skirt).
Maybe a SC with wheels or something like this would be better suited for consistency and protecting the nozzles (spraybar).
Seems like red hit the idea, call Ace cleaning for the pitch witch