Got approached to do a series of condos near the water. The roof is a Jerard roof (Metal Coated) and has moderate GM. The problem is they want me to use roof reviver and I have never used it before. I have informed them that I can apply this for them, but I am in no way responsible for the results and that if they are not satisfied they would still need to pay my full price to re-clean. I have supplied them with the MSDS for Green Wash, SH and Water, but they are sold on this stuff. My question is what does anyone think of this product or is there a better way for me to sell them on our process?
Michael Derose said
May 31, 2014
Charge the same money and apply what they want. Just have it in your contract that you do not warranty the work .
Brandon Vaughn said
May 31, 2014
Offer to do a free sample on an inconspicuous part of the roof. Side by side. This will show them (and you) what to expect as far as results go with using either product.
Huey Miller said
May 31, 2014
Not sure but I think it is sodium hydroxide based.
Mario Ciottariello said
May 31, 2014
I like mikes advice . Charge the same and no warranty .
Ed Thompson said
Jun 1, 2014
Good thread. I wouldn't touch it. If it doesn't work they can claim you applied it improperly. If they are so bent on this product that means they are convinced it will work. Your reputation is at stake and you may have to fight for your $$$. Hold your ground soldier.
Chad Eneix said
Jun 1, 2014
I would start by pointing out the directions for application of the product clearly state it needs to be rinsed off with 400-600 psi. That is pressure washing. I would also point out the tool used to rinse in the picture that they call a "low pressure rinse tool" is actually known as a pressure washer water broom, and it is hooked up to a pressure washer.
I would probably in the most polite way possible let this one go if you can't convince them to do it with actual SoftWashing. Just say you stand behind your products, and that you have invested time, money, and education in providing the best, most proven, safest roof cleaning system available, which has been used for 20 years to clen over 75,000 homes.
As a last ditch when you think you are probably going to lose them, ask if you can come after they use this other product and write "EW" in your product. Then when the rest of the roof gets dirty again in a couple years and your clean "EW" is visible, it will remind them to call you back. This is AC's trick, and defiantly kind of ****y. I have only used it once as a very last measure.
Note that not mentioning pressure washing and then using it, or renaming pressure washers or pressure washing accessories is common. Roof Shampoo's "sprinkle disc" is my favorite name for a pressure washer surface cleaner. You can also find you tube videos of guys with their shirts off using other methods, and you can clearly hear a gas engine screaming in the background.
Sometimes it better to polity walk away, and use your time and effort to land three other jobs that you know won't turn into a mess. If you do do it, charge for your time and effort so far, for the job, and for the potential to have to go back or deal with a bunch of problems.
Mike Wedge said
Jun 1, 2014
Thanks for the great advice guys. I think I'll try the side by side and the EW.
Dan Dykstra said
Jun 1, 2014
I would also walk away if they would not go the softwash route. I have done these types of roofs using a 3% mix and they came out great with no rinsing required.
AC Lockyer said
Jun 1, 2014
Mike,
I have lots of pictures and video of us cleaning stone coated roofs like Decry and Gerard. Let me know if you need some.
AC
Ray Burke said
Jun 1, 2014
Roof reviver is a product that can be used 2 ways according to Gary Sullivan of "At Home with Gary Sulivan", a national radio talk show host. They are a show sponsor, so he mentions them frequently. You can spray it on and forget it and it will show results in 1-3 months, or you can treat and pressure rinse WITH A PW (and their low pressure tool), which to me looks like a water broom.
Ray Burke said
Jun 1, 2014
I would charge more of using the RR, as you'll likely be rinsing ( a lot). Look them up on line. I'd post link, but don;t want to give them any free back-link juice!
Greg Nash said
Jun 1, 2014
I would ask them to produce proof that it is backed by roofing manufacturers and proof that it is endorsed by the epa. the epa does not endorse products. Then when they are caught in a lie hand them your bid proposal with a smile.
Mike Wedge said
Jun 5, 2014
Thanks for all the great advice guys,
I have an arsenal of info to provide them now. I will definitely bring up the request for proof that the EPA or Roofing Manufacturers support RR and call them on it. If they still chooses to go that route I will just walk away. I will have an issue with telling them you should not use pressure on that roof because the Hawaii Rep for Gerard is going around telling people that a light pressure wash is recommended for their products.
Shaun Harton said
Jun 5, 2014
Good luck Mike.
Doug G said
Jun 7, 2014
Sorry if my reply is late Mike.....I'm on vacation and missed this one.
I may have missed it but do you know what their true objection is? Have you asked them what it is they like about RR or why they want you to use RR? I really think getting to the bottom line is the best start to figuring out where to go. Some people read something about a product and that's it.....they get tunnel vision.
I'm with Brandon on this one and also with Ray's reply. I will rarely agree with just walking away or running from a project. If they are truly bent on using the roof reviver, and if you are willing to apply, I would do it and have them sign a disclaimer. I think the best is a side x side and let them decide from there.....but find out their true objection first.
Mike Wedge said
Jun 8, 2014
Great advice Doug, The project manager does not have an answer other than thats the way they want it done. I've tried to get to the bottom line and he has no definitive answers. I really don't want to walk away, because it is a substantial contract for yearly work. So, Im looking for all the advice I can get on it.
Doug G said
Jun 8, 2014
Offer to show them both but let them know....in the end you will use whatever they want. Just set realistic expectations.
Danny Cronauer said
Jun 9, 2014
Did you do an SH demo for them? Nothing sells better than a clean roof spot.
Aloha Gang,
Got approached to do a series of condos near the water. The roof is a Jerard roof (Metal Coated) and has moderate GM. The problem is they want me to use roof reviver and I have never used it before. I have informed them that I can apply this for them, but I am in no way responsible for the results and that if they are not satisfied they would still need to pay my full price to re-clean. I have supplied them with the MSDS for Green Wash, SH and Water, but they are sold on this stuff. My question is what does anyone think of this product or is there a better way for me to sell them on our process?
Offer to do a free sample on an inconspicuous part of the roof. Side by side. This will show them (and you) what to expect as far as results go with using either product.
Not sure but I think it is sodium hydroxide based.
I would probably in the most polite way possible let this one go if you can't convince them to do it with actual SoftWashing. Just say you stand behind your products, and that you have invested time, money, and education in providing the best, most proven, safest roof cleaning system available, which has been used for 20 years to clen over 75,000 homes.
As a last ditch when you think you are probably going to lose them, ask if you can come after they use this other product and write "EW" in your product. Then when the rest of the roof gets dirty again in a couple years and your clean "EW" is visible, it will remind them to call you back. This is AC's trick, and defiantly kind of ****y. I have only used it once as a very last measure.
Note that not mentioning pressure washing and then using it, or renaming pressure washers or pressure washing accessories is common. Roof Shampoo's "sprinkle disc" is my favorite name for a pressure washer surface cleaner. You can also find you tube videos of guys with their shirts off using other methods, and you can clearly hear a gas engine screaming in the background.
Sometimes it better to polity walk away, and use your time and effort to land three other jobs that you know won't turn into a mess. If you do do it, charge for your time and effort so far, for the job, and for the potential to have to go back or deal with a bunch of problems.
Thanks for the great advice guys. I think I'll try the side by side and the EW.
I have lots of pictures and video of us cleaning stone coated roofs like Decry and Gerard. Let me know if you need some.
AC
Thanks for all the great advice guys,
I have an arsenal of info to provide them now. I will definitely bring up the request for proof that the EPA or Roofing Manufacturers support RR and call them on it. If they still chooses to go that route I will just walk away. I will have an issue with telling them you should not use pressure on that roof because the Hawaii Rep for Gerard is going around telling people that a light pressure wash is recommended for their products.
I may have missed it but do you know what their true objection is? Have you asked them what it is they like about RR or why they want you to use RR? I really think getting to the bottom line is the best start to figuring out where to go. Some people read something about a product and that's it.....they get tunnel vision.
I'm with Brandon on this one and also with Ray's reply. I will rarely agree with just walking away or running from a project. If they are truly bent on using the roof reviver, and if you are willing to apply, I would do it and have them sign a disclaimer. I think the best is a side x side and let them decide from there.....but find out their true objection first.
Great advice Doug, The project manager does not have an answer other than thats the way they want it done. I've tried to get to the bottom line and he has no definitive answers. I really don't want to walk away, because it is a substantial contract for yearly work. So, Im looking for all the advice I can get on it.