softwash systems How To Softwash And Build A Softwash System Of Your Own!

[JetBlueRacer]

Good afternoon members... !!!

Questions... I am a licensed general contractor in NC / SC and I have recently obtained my Florida State GC license... by the way... The Florida State license was the hardest 3 exams of my life... PERIOD... !!!

I now live in Morrisville, NC which is next to Raleigh, NC... I want to start a roof cleaning / soft wash business...

Currently I own a 2011 Dodge Ram R/T model with a leer camper top... I would like to utilize this vehicle first and start smart verus investing in a new vehicle and placing myself into the red zone to deep...

I have seen bedslides which are placed inside the beds for pickup's which slide out... meaning... the equipment will all slide out... my truck would be the perfect candidate for appearance as well... mint condition and always detailed... very professional set up...

Budget is not of any issues, but, I want a smart and reliable system that I can use with my Dodge Ram... I have 2 options... either utilize the rear of my truck with a 12V system because of space issues or purchase either an open or enclosed trailer for an air powered system...

Also... depending on how I target my business I would like to keep it as profitable as possible for the least amount of work... I have read and seen competitor's charging $ 125 for exterior soft wash which to me personally is a joke for a business owner... if the roof cleaning business can be my only target... this I would prefer because it seems to have the most profit potential, plus, the equipment needed seems minimal...

Any advice or idea's for my set up and operations which I would like to run... ???

Quick note: This business would be an addition to my home building career ( residential home builder ) which I would be physically doing all of the labor, selling the jobs, paper work, etc...

I have seen many 12V systems and I have seen their price points as well... if the systems should only run from what I am reading... $ 600 - 1000 why would I want to pay $ 5 - 8K if I could build one myself... Am I missing something with this price points... ???

I believe Pressure Teks Bandit would fit great in the rear of my Dodge on the slide out system... Simply trying to see if I should go that route or go for the trailer air compressor versions... ???

I like the simplicity for NOT having to pull a trailer as even though it would be lite... it would still be behind my truck... now... if it was an enclosed trailer... moving billboard for advertisements which is a plus plus... !!!

I can also wrap my Dodge for advertising as well...

Sorry for the long post... simply trying to do it right the first time and once it is done... it is done and the work can be begin... I am also a very hand's on mechanic so if I know how to build the system meaning which parts here or there... the build would not be hard for me to complete... !!!

I also either plan on attending softwashsystems.com for training or if you guys personally feel that I can learn everything here from current members that would be great as well... I like the certifications that softwash offers as anything to everything that helps the customers feel more secure... the higher they will pay and the more I will earn... plus... the jobs will be done correctly and smart and this is the most important part for success and a huge fan customer base...

Thanks guys... !!!

[garyw]

Check this out. Very nice unit and well priced.     

[Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777]

You don't NEED a 9hp compressor. You can use a non-gas, plug in, HF 2hp with an 8gal tank if you had to. It all depends on how much flow you want. If your using 1/2" hose and small misting tips you wont need a lot of air to run the all flow. But if you want the maximum flow from your pump and you are using big tips then you will need a bigger machine to produce enough air to keep up with your spraying flow. Down here in FL, full flow and big tips on a tile roof with no gutters will get you into trouble and waste a ton of chemical. But if you have a shingle roof with gutters then that's a different story... Let it flow and move fast.

Amen to that ! We have softwash roof cleaning trucks, one with the 499.00 HF air compressor, and one with the 1000.00 big HF air compressor, and the same pumps.

The big air compressor  will spray circles around the small one, but we seldom, if ever, need all that flow when we are softwashing roofs.

BUT, when we did a huge Red Roof Inn, we brought out the BIG Softwash System, with the big air compressor, put a large GPM Nozzle on our 5/8 hose, then proceeded to kick ass, and take names! 

 

Our big Softwashing System will spray a roof so fast, you almost have to run when you spray, to avoid run off!

[WashKings]

Hi all from the very deep south....
Joined last night after finding this specific thread in a Google search. 
Looking to build my own rig on a tight budget for my extra trailer to test this as an additional revenue stream. 
I already have a business installing solar screens and that has opened a few doors and inquiries into lateral services. 

So here I be....
JJ

 

[Spray Force]

welcome aboard I think you'll find a lot of help and great information here

[Roof Cleaning Jacksonville FL 904-304-0810]

I'd listen close to what Chris has to say, especially about the system you buy or build. I have a 12v system, and I'm wanting to ditch it as soon as possible! I spent more on it than if I would have built a very nice air setup like you will learn about here. It's not bad, but it's not great either. Dig in and read, there is a lot to learn. I still pick up new stuff here all the time.

[Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777]

Hi all from the very deep south....

Joined last night after finding this specific thread in a Google search. 

Looking to build my own rig on a tight budget for my extra trailer to test this as an additional revenue stream. 

I already have a business installing solar screens and that has opened a few doors and inquiries into lateral services. 

So here I be....

JJ

 

JJ, all those customers from your screen business, can easily be turned into cleaning customers, once you either buy or build a softwash system.  

 

IF you are on a really tight budget, a 12 volt pump is the lowest cost way to get into softwashing. Northern Tool has some of the very best 12 volt pumps, so when you buy them, it is best to buy them for PERSONAL USE under your real name! Never ever use a business name to buy a Northern Tool 12 volt softwashing pump, because the warranty does not cover commercial use! 

 

When you buy the 12 volt pump you will need for your softwash system, always get  the optional extended warranty, and when the pump fails (and it will),  simply return it to the store (after you rinse all the bleach smell out of it) for immediate replacement, under warranty.

 

Never EVER say you ran bleach through the pump, and if asked, claim it was a water pump,. for your RV !

 

An air powered pump is your ultimate goal, and such a system will cost you around 1,000.00 for a new air compressor, and an air powered pump, that is specially designed to stand up to the softwash chemicals, and survive.

 

And, always remember, that the word Softwash is just another buzzword for good old fashioned non pressure roof and exterior cleaning. It is nothing "New", or "Revolutionary" as some who sell overly expensive, and pre built Softwash Systems would have you believe.

[Omar Rivera]

Buy your pump and hose and I'll email you a detailed drawing on how to hook everything up. It fairly simple and I will instruct you on all details. Send me you email in a PM.

[Omar Rivera]

Buy your pump and hose and I'll email you a detailed drawing on how to hook everything up. It fairly simple and I will instruct you on all details. Send me you email in a PM.

[Omar Rivera]

Hey Gary,

Would it be possible for me to get these drawings as well?. I want to get familiar with all the components necessary to put a softwash and pressure wash system together.

[garyw]

Probably Wed.. or Thurs.  Got a roof and house wash tomorrow.

[Brian A]

Soon I'll have a real picture of my rig with arrows pointing to parts. It will probably be the clearest way to show how to set one up. 

Hey has anyone used a 100psi 12v pump before? I saw one doing 5.5gpm but I'm not sure if the PSI is too high, or if I should just get the 60psi version.

I currently use a 50psi and would like a little more GO. Any implications etc?

Brian

[Richard Frisson]

Soon I'll have a real picture of my rig with arrows pointing to parts. It will probably be the clearest way to show how to set one up. 

Hey has anyone used a 100psi 12v pump before? I saw one doing 5.5gpm but I'm not sure if the PSI is too high, or if I should just get the 60psi version.

I currently use a 50psi and would like a little more GO. Any implications etc?

Brian

 

I use a 100 psi 5.5 gpm 12v pump, and i love it.  Crank the allen key at the bottom of the pump 1 or 2 turns (clockwise, it boosts the pressure), you will get amazing range.  I used to use air for spraying and use high flow pressure washers for rinsing, no more.  12v pumps and jet booster pumps now, it's much faster also.  Also completely cutting the extra gasoline cost everyday($20-$50) and extra mechanical parts, maintenance, etc.  I don't advise 60 psi unless all your roofs are all easy pz and walkable.   Out here, i need all the range i can get.  

[Brian A]

Solid answer Richard. Just what I was hoping to hear!

[Richard Frisson]

There should be a D.I.Y on this site for a soft wash system... I think when i get my air setup complete.. i am going to make a step by step instruction for a basic roof cleaning system 100 gallon with pictures parts, part numbers etc.  But it should be kept confidential to paid members of this forum.  let me know what you think. 

 

For anybody looking for a setup of instructions to make your own, i removed it a loonnnng time ago, because i could view all the photos through google.  Every photo had text on them with parts etc.  It was a very basic setup and i would make a much better one in the future.  I cannot post it on here due to the amount of reach it has past premium members, sorry guys.

[Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777]

For anybody looking for a setup of instructions to make your own, i removed it a loonnnng time ago, because i could view all the photos through google.  Every photo had text on them with parts etc.  It was a very basic setup and i would make a much better one in the future.  I cannot post it on here due to the amount of reach it has past premium members, sorry guys.

We live in the information age Rich, and IMHO, you have 2 choices with competitors, help them, or they will find out how to build a softwash system, and then hate you for not helping them. Keep your friends close, and your competitors closer, and besides, you can never clean all the roofs in the Fraser Valley anyhow.

 

We help EVERYONE, local competitors or not.

 

Of course I wish no bad stuff on anyone, but it is a fact that many new roof cleaning companies will not make it. Not a month goes by here in Tampa, when I get a call like this "Hello Chris, Bobby from Re New Roof Cleaners told me to call you, he cleaned my roof 4 years ago, and it needs cleaned again, and he is no longer in business".

 

You see Rich, Re New Roof Cleaners went out of business, but he remembered the kind people here at Apple Roof Cleaning who once helped him build a softwash roof cleaning system

[Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777]

Soon I'll have a real picture of my rig with arrows pointing to parts. It will probably be the clearest way to show how to set one up. 

Hey has anyone used a 100psi 12v pump before? I saw one doing 5.5gpm but I'm not sure if the PSI is too high, or if I should just get the 60psi version.

I currently use a 50psi and would like a little more GO. Any implications etc?

Brian

The Delavan Fat Boy, and the new Northern Tool Northstar 12 volt pumps are ideal for the roof cleaning part of softwashing, because they are both 80 PSI.

 

Pressure makes a pump shoot, and flow maintains the stream, so you need both as much flow and pressure as u can get, for a softwash system.

[Richard Frisson]

We live in the information age Rich, and IMHO, you have 2 choices with competitors, help them, or they will find out how to build a softwash system, and then hate you for not helping them. Keep your friends close, and your competitors closer, and besides, you can never clean all the roofs in the Fraser Valley anyhow.

 

We help EVERYONE, local competitors or not.

 

Of course I wish no bad stuff on anyone, but it is a fact that many new roof cleaning companies will not make it. Not a month goes by here in Tampa, when I get a call like this "Hello Chris, Bobby from Re New Roof Cleaners told me to call you, he cleaned my roof 4 years ago, and it needs cleaned again, and he is no longer in business".

 

You see Rich, Re New Roof Cleaners went out of business, but he remembered the kind people here at Apple Roof Cleaning who once helped him build a softwash roof cleaning system

 

Then why is there a restricted section for paid members only lol.  May as well let any free viewer see

[Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777]

Then why is there a restricted section for paid members only lol.  May as well let any free viewer see

There are some things best left in the paid section of the forum

[Roof Cleaning Jacksonville FL 904-304-0810]

Hah, great advice on the 12v pumps Chris. I might use that to get by if one of mine fails on me. 

[Aquatek Facility Maintenance NY]

Chris, I don't see 80 PSI on the Northern pumps.  I do see 5.5 @60PSI.  Would that do for a 2 story roof shot from the roof line?  I am going to buy in the next few weeks and was hoping that I could build a 12v system that could be used for both roofs and house washing.  My funds had to be used for vehicle repair, so I an severly limited until I get a few cleaning jobs done. 

[Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777]

Chris, I don't see 80 PSI on the Northern pumps.  I do see 5.5 @60PSI.  Would that do for a 2 story roof shot from the roof line?  I am going to buy in the next few weeks and was hoping that I could build a 12v system that could be used for both roofs and house washing.  My funds had to be used for vehicle repair, so I an severly limited until I get a few cleaning jobs done.

Many 12 volt pumps for softwashing are capable of 80 psi, if you turn the pressure adjustment screw. However, they come set at 60 psi for longer pump life.

The needs of a softwash system for roof cleaning are quite different then one for spraying houses. The softwash roof pump needs to be high flow, with as much pressure as possible, like the largest 12 volt Northern Tool pump. You need a much pressure and flow as possible, when soft washing 2 story roofs from a 40 ft ladder. However, personally, I don't care for all that flow, when building a softwash system for washing houses.

This is why we urge people to use an air diaphragm pump, when building a system for softwashing. Unlike a 12 volt pump that will cycle on and off if and when you restrict flow, by using a smaller nozzle, an air pump could care less.

[halelili]

Hi Chris my name is Francisco I'm here in New Jersey and new to Softwash just wanted to ask you what bleach do you use for cleaning the roof I'm looking for a affordable way to clean with good results?

[Apple Roof Cleaning (813) 655-8777]

Hi Chris my name is Francisco I'm here in New Jersey and new to Softwash just wanted to ask you what bleach do you use for cleaning the roof I'm looking for a affordable way to clean with good results?

To softwash a roof, we all use sodium hypochlorite from 10.5 to 12.5% (it is all the same).

All softwash is is cleaning with out depending on pressure.

[Bryce Canfield]

Introduction and questions my friends….
Hi all,
Living in the southern US for now…
I have a small commercial and residential window cleaning biz.
Nothing huge but an Ok living thus far...

My OK living needs and have recently upgraded as I just remarried (04/2014) and our daughter was born within the last 15 days...

In the south it’s very obvious there is a needs for roof cleaning, I feel it’s a natural fit for my business and my current neighborhoods that I already find business in.

I will be going joining premium ASAP, I see the value of that similar to my winodow forum board memebership. I justy read Chris post so hopefully that phone call to new memberrs will be avaiable.

My budget right off the bat will be around $500 to get started...

I use my mini-van with a vehicle wrap on it but one day would love to upgrade rig and vehicle.  
Are these topics that are discussed in depth within the premium sections or how will that work.

Also is there is search function to the forum (maybe I’m blind from all the ham this weekend)

Bryce