newguyroofer Report post Posted June 13, 2014 How long would a SH mix last with Gain Ultra in it? I want to create a large batch to test out on my own roof and my cousins roof, but my cousin isn't ready for a month and a half. If I mixed this today would it stay stable for 1.5 months? I've had other SH mixes with surfactents such as laundry detergent and they decay within a week or so, creating gases, white chunks floating on top and sinking to the bottom. Also when left in 5 gallon jugs they expand quite a bit (also turning clear). Thanks for helping a new guy trying to learn some things!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
newguyroofer Report post Posted June 13, 2014 Also, how long would a mix with Ammonyx LO last in the shop already mixed with SH? I'm starting out and it's much easier to mix this stuff up in bulk ahead of time. Just don't wanna waste an entire batch :/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
garyw Report post Posted June 13, 2014 Laundry detergents are not compatible with SH and kill the mix rather quickly. a lot of things need to be considered in the answer. Color of storage container, temp of storage location, totally sealed container, strength of SH when bought, etc. If it weakens you can always add more SH to boost it back up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
newguyroofer Report post Posted June 13, 2014 Laundry detergents are not compatible with SH and kill the mix rather quickly. a lot of things need to be considered in the answer. Color of storage container, temp of storage location, totally sealed container, strength of SH when bought, etc. If it weakens you can always add more SH to boost it back up. They are stored in 5 gallon jugs that are sealed until we take them out to the job site. I've had jugs ballon up with laundry detergent and SH mix, and they also produce a white chunky substance on the top of the mix after a couple weeks. I realized quickly how dumb of an idea it was to use detergent once I realized you can't find any detergents with common bleach already in them, DOH! I'm just worried about that white crap happening from the use of ammonyx LO or gain Also how do you pronounce Ammonyx LO? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 Report post Posted June 13, 2014 The roof cleaning mix should always be mixed, with the idea of using it very soon. Even water mixed in the SH will weaken it, because the water dilutes the sodium hydroxide that stabilizes the SH. Always add any soap/surfactant the day you plan to use your mix. This is always the best strategy. Ammonyx is pronounced Ah Mon IX 1 Roof Cleaning Jacksonville FL 904-304-0810 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
newguyroofer Report post Posted June 13, 2014 The roof cleaning mix should always be mixed, with the idea of using it very soon. Even water mixed in the SH will weaken it, because the water dilutes the sodium hydroxide that stabilizes the SH. Always add any soap/surfactant the day you plan to use your mix. This is always the best strategy. Ammonyx is pronounced Ah Mon IX Could adding sodium hydroxide to the mix extend the shelf life? I have a small amount of experince with basic chemestry, but nothing like you have, sir! I do know the dangers of sodium hydroxide though ! Sorry if I'm asking too many questions, just trying to learn Also compared to Gain Ultra, how much of a concentration of Ammonyx LO is in Hang Tite? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 Report post Posted June 13, 2014 Could adding sodium hydroxide to the mix extend the shelf life? I have a small amount of experince with basic chemestry, but nothing like you have, sir! I do know the dangers of sodium hydroxide though ! Sorry if I'm asking too many questions, just trying to learn Also compared to Gain Ultra, how much of a concentration of Ammonyx LO is in Hang Tite? Hang Tite does have a higher percentage of Ammonyx LO then what is in Gain, and it costs more too. Yes, a little added extra S Hydroxide will extend shelf life of of the SH a little, but not what you are asking for. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spray Force Report post Posted June 15, 2014 Chris you are the Father of roof cleaning, Happy a Fathers Day 1 Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 Report post Posted June 15, 2014 Chris you are the Father of roof cleaning, Happy a Fathers Day Thanks Dennis ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Advantage Roof Cleaning Report post Posted June 16, 2014 I try to keep everything as fresh as possible and mix just a little more than what I need for the day. If I do have any unused mix sitting for a week or so I simply boost it by adding a little more SH to it. 1 Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 Report post Posted June 17, 2014 I try to keep everything as fresh as possible and mix just a little more than what I need for the day. If I do have any unused mix sitting for a week or so I simply boost it by adding a little more SH to it. A great Plan, but if the mix is very very old and weak, sometimes it is best to shit can it, and start fresh. The Chlorine evaporates/weakens, the salt does not. Adding say 30 gallons of fresh SH, to a 60 gallon mix of old roof cleaning chemical, will clean roofs, but it will also kill plants faster then you will believe. 2 Bergman Roof Cleaning and Roof Cleaning Jacksonville FL 904-304-0810 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Advantage Roof Cleaning Report post Posted June 17, 2014 A great Plan, but if the mix is very very old and weak, sometimes it is best to shit can it, and start fresh. The Chlorine evaporates/weakens, the salt does not. Adding say 30 gallons of fresh SH, to a 60 gallon mix of old roof cleaning chemical, will clean roofs, but it will also kill plants faster then you will believe. Agreed. I'm talking only one to two weeks old. 1 Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 Report post Posted June 17, 2014 Agreed. I'm talking only one to two weeks old. That's perfectly fine, even up to 3 weeks can sometimes be OK to refresh with new SH. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oliver Twist Pressure Cleaning Report post Posted June 18, 2014 Wow you must not many roofs t o clean if u have chem lying around for weeks at a time. A weekend is a long time for me. 1 Jim Ordway reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 Report post Posted June 18, 2014 Wow you must not many roofs t o clean if u have chem lying around for weeks at a time. A weekend is a long time for me. Our SH is gone in days sometimes, all 600 gallons of it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Advantage Roof Cleaning Report post Posted June 18, 2014 In Illinois it's weather dependent and you might have some SH sitting around during the beginning and ending periods of the cleaning season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
newguyroofer Report post Posted June 18, 2014 Thanks for all the great advice guys! I went ahead and setup 8 sample containers to run a 3 month test on checking weekly PH/Available levels. I'm always curious, and love testing things out! I'll post the results here I won't say what chemicals I'm adding to the test mixes just yet, but each one has a stabilizing agent and different amounts/types of surfactant in it. Should be a fun test 2 Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 and 3LM Roof Cleaning reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 Report post Posted June 18, 2014 Thanks for all the great advice guys! I went ahead and setup 8 sample containers to run a 3 month test on checking weekly PH/Available levels. I'm always curious, and love testing things out! I'll post the results here I won't say what chemicals I'm adding to the test mixes just yet, but each one has a stabilizing agent and different amounts/types of surfactant in it. Should be a fun test Good Job! No one has done this before, and it will be very useful information for all roof cleaners. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spray Force Report post Posted June 18, 2014 Great love to have that information as well great job thinks 1 Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Advantage Roof Cleaning Report post Posted June 19, 2014 Thanks for all the great advice guys! I went ahead and setup 8 sample containers to run a 3 month test on checking weekly PH/Available levels. I'm always curious, and love testing things out! I'll post the results here I won't say what chemicals I'm adding to the test mixes just yet, but each one has a stabilizing agent and different amounts/types of surfactant in it. Should be a fun test NewGuyRoofer, you're sounding like Chris Tucker now...LOL. What will you use to measure the PH? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian A Report post Posted December 4, 2014 I read above that you shouldn't mix laundry detergent with SH, but I read in my other places that it's the standard mix. I know the SH kills the enzymes, but I just want to make sure this is what you mean. I use Biozet http://www.biozet.com.au/laundry_powder.php with SH and baking soda to boost the SH. The Biozet has surfactants already in it, it also clings well. I know you guys always talk about gain, should I try to find an Aussie alternative to that instead? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
garyw Report post Posted December 5, 2014 Gain is chlorine compatable an will not harm the mix. It is dishwashing liquid, not laundry soap. Look at dish liquids and see if ny say its OK to mix with bleach.if Gain is not available over there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777 Report post Posted December 5, 2014 I read above that you shouldn't mix laundry detergent with SH, but I read in my other places that it's the standard mix. I know the SH kills the enzymes, but I just want to make sure this is what you mean. I use Biozet http://www.biozet.com.au/laundry_powder.php with SH and baking soda to boost the SH. The Biozet has surfactants already in it, it also clings well. I know you guys always talk about gain, should I try to find an Aussie alternative to that instead? Thanks Please do not overthink this roof cleaning stuff. Plenty of roofs are cleaned with ONLY water and sodium hypochlorite, and no soap of any kind at all! 1 Roof Cleaning Jacksonville FL 904-304-0810 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian A Report post Posted December 5, 2014 Thanks, I haven't cleaned any roofs so far, but pressure washed plenty of e.g brick paving in my time. I use straight 12.5% SH mixed with baking soda and laundry powder and DOWNSTREAM it. Honestly the results are often painfully slow and require a lot of pressure. I spray over the same pavers up to 5 times and let it soak for 20 mins, but many spots are stubborn and some leave mold spot stains that I just can't remove. So I spray straight algaecide on and leave it for a few weeks to lift. This is why I want a 12volt soft washing kit. For roofs, soft washing and to apply chems to paving and driveways where I just can't seem to get the strength. My Pressure washer uses a venturi injector and is 4GPM. By the time it downstreams I think the SH is about 0.2%! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
garyw Report post Posted December 5, 2014 I thought I gave you an ebay ru. link to buy a 12v pump? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
