BIG tile roof tomorrow...Immediate advice appreciated

[dragula]

Good Morning all,

I just posted my intro in the New Members section, check it out!!!

First off, I have done constant researching here since I found the site yesterday, and I don't want to annoy by asking these questions, but they are somewhat situation specific.

I have recently been hired by a large local cleaning company after owning my own Painting/Pressure Cleaning business for 5 years. In my time, I usually subbed out my roofs, due to the lack of adequate knowledge/equipment.

I will be doing 3-4 roofs/week, basically all 3000+ sq.ft tile roofs. The roof I must do tomorrow is an 8/12 barrel tile. My boss is big on non-chemical cleaning, but if presented with the proper info, he could change his tune.

I must do this roof by myself, and planned on using a surface cleaner.

The more I read here, the more I like the idea of low-pressure chemical cleaning, especially with regards to safety. I, like most others, do not feel comfortable on such a steep roof by myself.

I am putting together ideas today that will hopefully make my life easier and continued (as in I DONT WANT TO DIE!!!). I must do a grade-a job, as this is a million $+ home.

I could use chems tomorrow, but do not have the proper tanks and pumps. I have a 4500psi steam unit with a 500gal water tank on a trailer. 350ft of hose, all the extensions, and a surface cleaner. I was thinking of builiding a frame to adapt to my surface cleaner to modify it along the lines of the Mosmatic roof cleaner.

I am on my way to buy non-slip shoes from Wal-Mart, and the Fire Dept (I'm a volunteer) to get a safety harness and some rope.


What would YOU do in my situation? I need to guarantee quality, but mostly my safety.


My thought so far. A mix of Ajax, SH, ISO, and TSP, sprayed on through a siphon bottle (ala Windex Window Cleaner-Green Bottle), followed by a light rinse from the ground or roof with the wand. The roof was done 2 years ago, and pressure washed 4 times in total. I'm sure it is porous as hell from all these cleanings.

What about plant and grass protection? How do you personally set-up when working by yourself (if you ever have to; I know it is not recommended).



I know the answers are on the board somewhere, but do to the time frame involved, I hope you don't mind my asking. I am located in the Bradenton/Sarasota area, and my # is 941-626-4715. If you would be so kind, a call would be greatly appreciated.


In the future, I hope to engage in more intelligent discourse with all, and try to innovate to advance our niche.

I have some great connections in the industry, which can result in $$$ savings for anyone interested.

Good day, good health, and God-bless,

Matt Shaw

 

[David O'Connell Jr]

IF you work for someone that doesn't want to clean the roofs the correct way, then I have to ask, Why are you working for this company?
Your main concern is safety. Why does your boss have you by yourself?


Quit.

 

[dragula]

IF you work for someone that doesn't want to clean the roofs the correct way, then I have to ask, Why are you working for this company?
Your main concern is safety. Why does your boss have you by yourself?


Quit.

It is not that he wants to clean roofs the correct way. I believe he does not KNOW the correct way, but has asked for my help in developing new methods This is a learning experience for all parties involved.

The company is multi-faceted; ie they do everything from window cleaning, remodeling, construction clean-up, concrete, electrical, painting, errand service. From grocery shopping for elderly clients to landscaping to building entire homes. The company has about 12 employees, and roof cleaning is a relatively new venture for him. Previous to me, he employed your average middle age, uneducated laborer to do the pressure cleaning.

Once you get to know me, you will see my drive and determination for expelling incubated thought, challenging standardized dogma, and uninhibited innovation.

My boss is a great business man, but as a single individual you can only do so much. Just like all the great businessmen, politicians, and innovators of our time, it is about more than self. The people who which you surround yourself are you greatest assets.

I tired to state I realize the implications of doing this work alone, but "Adapt and Overcome" is the motto that generates my drive.


“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."


However, I thank you for your time.

 

[ckingclean]

Since you have drive, ambition and intelligence, do you really want to work for someone else? I would recommend going back out on your own. Work as little or as much as you want, hire a helper if you want, use the proper chems and procedures, etc.

You already have most of the equipment. I don't do roofs, but from what I've learned on this board, the equipment needed is not a huge investment.

If you don't feel safe working alone, DON'T DO IT!

 

[BrooksPW]

Tile roof and surface cleaner and being alone.. thats an accident wating to happen. even using just a pressure washing with the wand is a bit hairy.. All you need is a 12volt pump, a tank... battery and hose and you could be doing it the right way. do some more research you seem like you have an idea... get a ground person to deal with your runoff from the roof and he'll be able to call 911 if you fall off.

 

[dragula]

I actually sold off my equipment to pay for school, the equipment I speak of is his. I initially did this because I had 6 classes scheduled for this semester, and was not planning to work at all.

Due to an administration error at the school, I was only able to take 3 classes, two in the evening and one online. It is much easier right now to already have the work lined up, the insurances paid, and still get a paycheck if something goes wrong. The money isn't the best, but it is over 1k per week, which ain't bad for a 23y/o student. I get a new truck, a free phone, petty cash etc.

I could work for myself again, but work in this economy is not guaranteed. Even if the washing falls off, I can still make money working the other aspects of his business.


Any thoughts on either M1 roof wash or an Apple Recipe through a siphon feed bottle?

 

[ckingclean]

I actually sold off my equipment to pay for school, the equipment I speak of is his. I initially did this because I had 6 classes scheduled for this semester, and was not planning to work at all.

Due to an administration error at the school, I was only able to take 3 classes, two in the evening and one online. It is much easier right now to already have the work lined up, the insurances paid, and still get a paycheck if something goes wrong. The money isn't the best, but it is over 1k per week, which ain't bad for a 23y/o student. I get a new truck, a free phone, petty cash etc.

I could work for myself again, but work in this economy is not guaranteed. Even if the washing falls off, I can still make money working the other aspects of his business.


Any thoughts on either M1 roof wash or an Apple Recipe through a siphon feed bottle?

In this case, maybe work with the boss in educating him to do it right. Tell him by investing a small amount in proper roof cleaning equipment and hiring a ground helper, he will increase productivity and get better results.

 

[dragula]

In this case, maybe work with the boss in educating him to do it right. Tell him by investing a small amount in proper roof cleaning equipment and hiring a ground helper, he will increase productivity and get better results.

My thoughts exactly. The first step will be educating both him and myself.

That provokes another question. Would some of you be willing to write statements with your views/practices/procedures for him to overview?

 

[ckingclean]

My thoughts exactly. The first step will be educating both him and myself.

That provokes another question. Would some of you be willing to write statements with your views/practices/procedures for him to overview?

I doubt he has time to read anything like that. Go get some bleach, find a dirty roof, spray a small area and see the difference. I think the demonstration and the knowledge you have learned will be enough to convince him.

Tell him you have the list of supplies and equipment and know where to get it. Ask for a check!