Chuck Bergman PC

Softwash Roof Cleaning and house, cage, deck, pool area and cement power washing. Check my website for info - http://www.bergmanpressurewashing.com/ work thru 2012.xlr

24 YEAR PROFESSIONAL EXPERT'S ROOF TECHNICAL BULLETIN. Written by Chuck Bergman on 08/27/13 SHINGLED ROOFING: I have cleaned roofs in Charlotte County Florida since 1989. I started out pressure washing them, but I could see, with shingled roofs, severe granule loss taking place on the shingles and turning the pressure down didn’t solve the problem. Why? First off, it takes a certain amount of pressure to remove the black algae – period! So, if it requires say 1000 psi of pressure, which will work to blast the black coloration from shingles, then it’s just semantics. If at 1000 psi I can clean a roof holding my gun tip say 1 foot away, then, if I turn the pressure down to 1/2 that, I have to move in to 6″ away, bringing the pressure right back to 1000 psi. Another words nothing is accomplished! TILE ROOFING: With tile, most are manufactured with at least a light glazing on top of a slurry coating {paint} Pressure washing tile, requires a higher blasting pressure, starting at 1500psi up to 3000psi. This can remove or dull that glazing. If the roof has been pressure cleaned in the past and that glazing is mostly gone already, then the slurry coating, creating your roofs coloring begins to be removed. This will turn a red tile roof into a pinkish roof. It will turn other colors pale as well. Eventually, it will reach the plain cement the tile is made of, showing bare cement areas. Some companies have found an easier pressure cleaning tool, called a “Surface Cleaning Machine” and to cover the fact that these machines use pressure to the extreme, they give their cleaning method nice names like shampooing your roof. These machines were originally designed to clean flat surfaces { I own 2 } and are great on driveways, sidewalks and cement parking lots, where almost no damage can occur. They are the worst thing you can do to a tile roof though. The powerful jets are angled to cut sideways, also, they are set at an exact amount of inches above whatever surface they are set on. With flat cement that perfect! Tile is not a flat surface, so the high parts get blasted badly, while the lower portions of the tile, barely come clean-if at all. If you went up and inspected such a cleaning job, you would find many small black lines of leftover algae. If any algae is left, it will continue growing and return with a vengeance within 1-2 years! A chemically cleaned, soft-washed tile roof is easily evenly coated and all algae is killed and disintegrated. That’s why a Non-Pressure Roof cleaning, as explained below, lasts just about twice as long as any type of pressure washing / shampoo style cleaning will. Fortunately, you are not stuck, having to accept roof damage in order to have a nice, clean, healthy roof! Many years ago, some of the roofing manufacturers, came up with a formula to “chemically clean” roofs, using no pressure at all. It’s called by a few names “Non-Pressure” “No-Pressure” Soft-Washing” and “Chemical Cleaning” I started using this method and chemicals specified by the roofing manufacturers and their Manufacturers Association {ARMA} back in the 1990′s and found that it cleaned tile just as well as it cleaned shingles! It calls for a mixture of about a 3-5% total solution of Chlorine Bleach and a little TSP {Tri Sodium Phosphate} I then add a commercial soap / surfactant to that mix, to thicken the mixture, so it won't run off the roof. Nowadays, there’s always someone trying to sell you something. Non Bleach alternative chemicals are on the market and I try them as they come out. They all use the “Eco-Friendly” “Green” approach, to sell their chemicals with. The products I have tried do not tell you what chemicals are in the product. So, are they safe and eco-friendly? Who knows? We do know bleach though! We wash our clothes in it, disinfect our kitchen food preparation areas with it, swim in it in our pools and drink it in our city water! When it dries, it turns back into salt, which is what it is made from. You can go to my website and click on “MANUFACTURER SPECIFICS” and read directly from the makers of your roofing, that what I am saying is what the makers of your roofing also say. Or just go there directly, using this click-able link: http://www.bergmanpressurewashing.co...Specifics.html Incidentally, the ARMA also says not to allow anyone to spray on ANY after coating “Field Coating” on your roof. It says that those coatings can cause damage and at the very least, none have proven to accomplish anything. They are sold as a supposed way to not have to ever clean your roof again. They only claim that the products will keep your roof clean for 2 years. 99% of all roofs cleaned properly, will stay clean longer than that, without buying into their programs. Read the ARMA statements here: http://www.asphaltroofing.org/sites/...tin/tb_227.pdf So, after 24 years of roof cleaning: First with a Pressure Washing machine and then without the use of any pressure, this is what I have learned to be facts. Chuck Bergman Roof Cleaning "AND" Pressure Washing. Charlotte and Sarasota County Florida. In business here since 1989. Father & Son business since 1994. No Work Crews - No Trainees! We do not run our business from a cell phone. We have old land line numbers that have been mine for over 20 years. We are permanent residents and here to stay! Englewood, Rotonda West, Placida, Cape Haze areas CALL: 941-698-1959 Venice, Nokomis, Osprey and South Sarasota office: 941-483-3673 Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda Office: 941-255-8600 Englewood, North Port Office: 941-474-8883

Ideas on how to clean roofs in SW Florida, with consideration for others viewpoints. Pressure Cleaning too! Printer Friendly I am Chuck Bergman. I have been in the Pressure Cleaning / Roof Cleaning business since 1978. I am opening up this forum to allow other professionals, in this line of work, to post their experience and ideas on how best to clean all the different types of roofs we have here in Florida. Nothing will be deleted, except personal arguments, curse words or slander. I will be available for whatever advice I can offer, from my experience and knowledge base. My work email is Pressure_Clean@Comcast.Net This is my info site- http://pressurecleaningbychuckbergman.webs.com/ Here's my methods- We specialize in the cleaning of roofs and offer the newest and only "approved" [ by the roofing association ] " NO PRESSURE " roof cleaning system. For asphalt shingle roofs, this system is a must and can add years to your expensive roof's life! Pressure cleaning a shingled roof removes a large percentage of the granules, that make up the surface and color of your roof. Even tile roofs benefit from our "NO PRESSURE" system, in that high pressure will send small pieces of tile and especially the cement holding your ridges in place, off into space! Also, if you have a finish on your roof, such as a solid paint coat or a glazing, high pressure can peel the paint or dull the glazing. Many Pressure Washers advertise "NO PRESSURE" but don't actually own the equipment. They simply use their pressure washing machine's chemical injector and end up using "SOME" pressure anyway and explaining [ if you see them do it ] that they turned the pressure way down. "SURE THEY DID!" ANY pressure will remove much of your asphalt shingle granules! Click below to go to the roofing manufacturers association and read for yourself it's simple clear statement about pressure- "HIGH PRESSURE WASHING SYSTEMS FOR ALGAE REMOVAL SHOULD NOT BE USED" http://www.asphaltroofing.org/pdf/tb_217.pdf Of course, we do have state of the art pressure washing equipment as well for houses, pool enclosures, decks, driveways etc. In fact, with our many years of experience, we have found that a pressure washer that puts out a larger flow of water [5.6 GPM] and less actual pressure 2000 - 2500 psi, gets the job done better than a higher blasting pressure [3000 to 4000 lbs is common] and lower water flow [4 GPM] or less. On occasion, high pressure is needed, such as on some concrete and steel surfaces, so we also have a 3500 psi machine with us at all times to use as needed. Another reason to hire us to clean your roof is- You may see competitors who say they are "Plant Friendly" or "Water plants well" WE COVER ALL OF YOUR PLANTS WITH TARPS, PERIOD!! That's as "PLANT FRIENDLY" as it gets in this business! Because this offers the maximum protection! We will also, without charge, on most roofs, repair and realign cracked and slipped out tiles. { There is a reasonable limit to how many we will do for free.} Many of my competitors just rinse plants off as they go or when they finish. Often, this results in dead leaves a few days later, or dead plants. We are also licensed and insured as painters and have a handyman license and insurance. If you have minor repairs or any paint job to be done, we have the experience needed! My son has worked continuously with me since 1994 and is a licensed professional along with myself. He also holds a license for handyman work in Sarasota County. So, if you have a Black Algae on your Roof that needs removing, whether for: #1. Health reasons [Those who suffer respiratory ailments are adversely affected by the airborne mold spores] #2. To stop the deterioration of the roof [ algae eats constantly] #3. Astetics [ many beautiful homes have their appearance spoiled by black, discolored roofs] #4. Because your homeowners association requires it. Give us a call! You will be glad you did and your neighbors may thank you! SEE SOME OF OUR RECENT JOBS below- http://s491.photobucket.com/albums/rr277/Chuck_Bergman/WORK/ Englewood 941-474-8883 Cape Haze, Placida, Rotonda, Grove City 941-698-1959 Venice, Nokomis, Osprey, S. Sarasota 941-483-3673 Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, PGI, Burnt Store 941-255-8600 Or, just email me! PRESSURE_CLEAN@COMCAST.NET

I bought a ZK7 aprox 4-6 gpm unloader and I already had 2 K7 unloaders new too. I can't tell which is the ZK7 ? They all say K7

Is the Hammerhead with the grease fitting a better quality bearing or is the sealed bearing better?

I use a 20" Whisper Wash. I have a 20" Hammerhead for backup. The HH is ok, but the steel spray bars rust fairly often. My son has a pressure washing business and I know quality on everything changes regularly. The WW is too expensive for my son. Which would you suggest and if you don't mind, why? Thanks! Chuck

Thanks and me too! But my son can't afford a WW so he wants something in the $300 range at 20"

After 27 years straight in this business, I should know the answer to this. However old age and 9 prescription meds say differently! LOL What GPM will I get with a Comet 5.6 gpm pump on 13hp Honda engine, using a 2507 tip? I will be setting the pressure at 2500 psi. I want to be sure to order the right unloader. Thanks for your help! Chuck

Thanks Rod!

Good information Chris! I never thought of such a thing? After reading this post, it certainly makes sense, even to a largely computer illiterate such as myself! I don't know if I have a blog here at the Grime Scene or not? I don't have time right now, but I know the Grime Scene is a strong SEO forum and probably the best rated website for pressure cleaning, just as the RCIA is for Roof Cleaning! Thanks for the SEO tutorial. I for 1 need it!

Florida-Roof Cleaning by Chuck Bergman 33981 34224 34223 33947 34293 33950 34231 33946 33913 33920 33955 34292,, 34287 941-698-1959 You have probably heard all the new fad "GO GREEN" "Biofoam" "Bio Degradable" "Eco-Friendly" roof cleaning pitches that have cropped up recently. They try to convince unknowing homeowners that chlorine bleach should not be used on roofing to clean with. Now, here are the facts from The Roofing Manufacturers Themselves. It's your warranty, you can listen to the green salesman and pressure washing guys, who can blast the discolorations [ along with your roofs granules etc ] from your roof, or to those who make the roofing and honor warranties or void them. Here you go! I could easily supply more proof, but this is pretty obvious, I'd say. [h=1]TO MAKE IT SIMPLE. THESE ARE THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE ROOFING MANUFACTURERS WHO SUPPLY YOUR WARRANTY AND MAKE YOUR ROOFING: From GAF Roofing Manufacturers about black algae removal: http://www.gaf.com/Documents/Algae_Staining_on_Shingled_Roof_Surfaces_-_Steep_Slope_Techn-43-808-v3.pdf "If a new roof is not an option, GAF recommends cleaning the roof with a special mixture. That mixture is:" 'bleach and TSP' "What NOT To Do! Do not power wash the shingles to clean the shingles. Some roof cleaning companies offer this service. However, it is not recommended." From ARMA roofing manufacturers Association-how to clean roofing. http://www.asphaltroofing.org/pdf/tb_217.pdf "Algae discolorations to remove from roofing surfaces, applying a solution of chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate, and water. Solutions for these ingredients depend on the amount of discoloration. Solutions range to one cup TSP and 2.5 gallons each of bleach and water. Caution! High pressure washing systems for algae removal should not be used." From Owens Corning Roofing Manufacturers : "USE CHLORINE and TSP" "DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER" Owens Corning - Owens Corning™ Roofing Products Product Demo This one from the ARMA says not to allow anyone to apply any *after coating* such as Algaecides, Fungicides, Copper, Zinc, or other Roof treatments - not anything! http://www.asphaltroofing.org/pdf/tb_227.pdf[/h] Florida-Roof Cleaning by Chuck Bergman 33981 34224 34223 33947 34293 33950 34231 33946 33913 33920 33955 34292 34287 Charlotte & Sarasota County Florida Pressure Washing & Roof Cleaning by Chuck Bergman Since 1989 941-698-1959 941-474-8883 941-483-3673 941-255-8600

Ideas on how to clean roofs in SW Florida, with consideration for others viewpoints. Pressure Cleaning too! Printer Friendly I am Chuck Bergman. I have been in the Pressure Cleaning / Roof Cleaning business since 1978. I am opening up this forum to allow other professionals, in this line of work, to post their experience and ideas on how best to clean all the different types of roofs we have here in Florida. Nothing will be deleted, except personal arguments, curse words or slander. I will be available for whatever advice I can offer, from my experience and knowledge base. My work email is Pressure_Clean@Comcast.Net This is my info site- INFO PAGE FOR CHUCK BERGMAN Here's my methods- We specialize in the cleaning of roofs and offer the newest and only "approved" [ by the roofing association ] " NO PRESSURE " roof cleaning system. For asphalt shingle roofs, this system is a must and can add years to your expensive roof's life! Pressure cleaning a shingled roof removes a large percentage of the granules, that make up the surface and color of your roof. Even tile roofs benefit from our "NO PRESSURE" system, in that high pressure will send small pieces of tile and especially the cement holding your ridges in place, off into space! Also, if you have a finish on your roof, such as a solid paint coat or a glazing, high pressure can peel the paint or dull the glazing. Many Pressure Washers advertise "NO PRESSURE" but don't actually own the equipment. They simply use their pressure washing machine's chemical injector and end up using "SOME" pressure anyway and explaining [ if you see them do it ] that they turned the pressure way down. "SURE THEY DID!" ANY pressure will remove much of your asphalt shingle granules! Click below to go to the roofing manufacturers association and read for yourself it's simple clear statement about pressure- "HIGH PRESSURE WASHING SYSTEMS FOR ALGAE REMOVAL SHOULD NOT BE USED" http://www.asphaltroofing.org/pdf/tb_217.pdf Of course, we do have state of the art pressure washing equipment as well for houses, pool enclosures, decks, driveways etc. In fact, with our many years of experience, we have found that a pressure washer that puts out a larger flow of water [5.6 GPM] and less actual pressure 2000 - 2500 psi, gets the job done better than a higher blasting pressure [3000 to 4000 lbs is common] and lower water flow [4 GPM] or less. On occasion, high pressure is needed, such as on some concrete and steel surfaces, so we also have a 3500 psi machine with us at all times to use as needed. Another reason to hire us to clean your roof is- You may see competitors who say they are "Plant Friendly" or "Water plants well" WE COVER ALL OF YOUR PLANTS WITH TARPS, PERIOD!! That's as "PLANT FRIENDLY" as it gets in this business! Because this offers the maximum protection! We will also, without charge, on most roofs, repair and realign cracked and slipped out tiles. { There is a reasonable limit to how many we will do for free.} Many of my competitors just rinse plants off as they go or when they finish. Often, this results in dead leaves a few days later, or dead plants. We are also licensed and insured as painters and have a handyman license and insurance. If you have minor repairs or any paint job to be done, we have the experience needed! My son has worked continuously with me since 1994 and is a licensed professional along with myself. He also holds a license for handyman work in Sarasota County. So, if you have a Black Algae on your Roof that needs removing, whether for: #1. Health reasons [Those who suffer respiratory ailments are adversely affected by the airborne mold spores] #2. To stop the deterioration of the roof [ algae eats constantly] #3. Astetics [ many beautiful homes have their appearance spoiled by black, discolored roofs] #4. Because your homeowners association requires it. Give us a call! You will be glad you did and your neighbors may thank you! SEE SOME OF OUR RECENT JOBS below- WORK pictures by Chuck_Bergman - Photobucket Englewood 941-474-8883 Cape Haze, Placida, Rotonda, Grove City 941-698-1959 Venice, Nokomis, Osprey, S. Sarasota 941-483-3673 Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, PGI, Burnt Store 941-255-8600 Or, just email me! PRESSURE_CLEAN@COMCAST.NET

OH! It doesn't grow in Arizona! Now I get it! :-)

Hi Ron, I don't understand what "maybe you missed one" means? Maybe I'm just a bit dull this morning? I also don't know anything about Arizona and what it means that my setup won't clean there? As to cleaning roofs with "the pump on a pressure washer to deliver the chems just like Your electric or air pump? " My pump delivers the exact % SH that I make up in my tank. 20-25% for shingles $35-50% for tile. A Pressure washing machines pump depends on a downstream chemical injector to supply chems. They only put out 10-15% solutions, wich won't clean a roof without then pressure washing it. You can buy chemical injectors like Envirospec's Super Suds Sucker, that claims 22% if I remember correctly, but I have owned 2 of them and every other injector made [ I have about 20 of them right now! ] and in spite of claims, my extensive testing shows none passing the 15% mark and most that say 25% actually only putting out 10-12% have a good day Ron! Chuck

Hi Ron, I have had a pressure washing business since 1978 and used pressure washers to clean roofs until 1991. In 1991 I started to chemically clean roofs with 20-25% chlorine and Dawn dish liquid etc on shingles, up to [and never above] 50% chlorine and TSP on tile. My pump puts out 5 gpm at 60psi. Of course, basically no pressure, not even 60psi hits the roof. I tried all pressure washer settings imaginable and all pumps, from 4gpm to 8gpm. To me, after doing so many hundreds of them, you can not reasonably turn down a pressure washer to a setting that will not blow granules-{lots of them on older roofs}- off the roof. Even if you could set one to 100psi and you were willing to spend a week cleaning a 2000sq ft roof in 1" strips, the 100 lbs of pressure would still remove granules. At 100psi, you would have to hold the pressure washing tip an inch from the roof to accomplish anything. Look in the gutter of a roof never cleaned by any method and you will see the rain knocked off a pile 1/4" deep. Rain is like no pressure at all, compared to any pressure washer setting. Of course, we both know, no roof cleaning business is going to put the ridiculously excessive amount of time into cleaning a roof that 100-500psi would take to do. I see guys pressure washing shingled roofs and tile here in Florida all the time. They are all using well over 2000psi, probably 3000psi. Lets not fool ourselves. It is a real issue. ON THE OTHER HAND: What I say in my posts and blogs about these new "Green" "Eco-Friendly" roof cleaning products, I would prefer not to say. These green guys seem to find it necessary to downgrade the use of chlorine and any method other than their own. That makes them my target. But if they could just stand on their own merit and not knock my way of roof cleaning, I would live and let live. Until this "Go Green" push started, I only advertised and posted about ME, not about others methods and chemicals. Same goes for roof-a-side until I saw they found it necessary to put down my cleaning method in their website and blogs, I never said a word about them. I don't want trouble, but I'm also not good at just taking it either.

Not many Ron. Of course, half the folks you talk to at Home Depot, were working at Walmart last month! And may be at McDonalds next month :-) Of course, the fact that all these manufacturers suggest nothing but Chlorine and TSP is still relevant for those of us who go up on their roofing to clean it. In fact, I would imagine cleaning a roof with any method other than that suggested by the manufacturer, could not only void their roofing warranty, but could open up the possibility of a homeowner / contractor lawsuit for not cleaning with manufacturer methods? Home Depot too could end up being in court, if a homeowner pressure washes or hires a pressure washer to clean their roof, at Home Depot's recommendation? I don't know about laws though? I do know about pressure cleaning roofs though! I did so from 1978 until 1991 when I started Softwashing them with 5-6% chlorine and TSP. I cleaned many hundreds of roofs with my pressure washing machines and watched the black algae, along with the roofing granules wash away! On tile, it's more a problem of blasting off the glazing on glazed tile, blowing out crown cement pieces, or stripping paint from painted roofs. None of that happens of course, with soft washing roofs.

Florida Roof Cleaning by The Roofing Manufacturers Method From GAF Roofing Manufacturers about black algae removal: http://www.gaf.com/Documents/Algae_Staining_on_Shingled_Roof_Surfaces_-_Steep_Slope_Techn-43-808-v3.pdf Below is a partial "cut and paste" excerpt from GAF on how to clean a roof: "If a new roof is not an option, GAF recommends cleaning the roof with a special mixture. That mixture is: 4 gallons of water, 1 gallon of bleach and 1 cup of TSP" "What NOT To Do! Do not power wash the shingles to clean the shingles. Some roof cleaning companies offer this service. However, it is not recommended." From ARMA roofing manufacturers Association-how to clean roofing. http://www.asphaltroofing.org/pdf/tb_217.pdf Below is a partial excerpt cut and pasted below from ARMA: Algae discolorations to remove from roofing surfaces, applying a solution of chlorine bleach, trisodium phosphate, and water. Solutions for these ingredients depend on the amount of discoloration. Solutions range to one cup TSP and 2.5 gallons each of bleach and water. First, gently disperse this solution on the roofing surface. Avoid scrubbing the surface, as this friction may loosen and remove granules. Caution! High pressure washing systems for algae removal should not be used. Owens Corning Roofing manufacturers says the same thing: "USE CHLORINE and TSP" "DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER" Corning info in link below. Owens Corning - Owens Corning™ Roofing Products Product Demo So, those who manufacture your roofing and warranty your roofing are the folks to listen to! Not those who pressure wash roofs, or try to sell you a so called "Green" Eco-Friendly" chemical. We clean roofs ONLY by the roofing manufacturers methods, so your warranty will not be voided! WE ARE RCIA CERTIFIED ROOF CLEANERS: ROOF CLEANING INSTITUTE OF AMERICA. LINK BELOW: http://roof-cleaning-institute.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=123190&p=3&topicID=41055740&page=1 Charlotte & Sarasota County Florida Roof Cleaning by Chuck Bergman Since 1991 941-698-1959 941-474-8883 941-483-3673 941-255-8600 Chuck Bergman Soft Wash Roof Cleaning has been serving Charlotte and Sarasota Counties in Florida since 1991 { Prior to that as Chuck Bergman Pressure Cleaning since 1989 } With years of experience , it became clear to me that while pressure washing roofs made them look clean, damage was occurring on the roofs. Pressure cleaning machines can only be turned down so far and still accomplish roof cleaning and any amount of pressure, even as low a setting as 300 psi { 3000 to 4000 psi is what most pressure cleaning contractors use } will still remove around 15-20% of the granules that make up the color and protection of your shingle roof per cleaning. Ugly black algae, left in place on the roof, eats around those granules and the rain removes them. Still eventually destroying the roof and spoiling it's appearance and resale value. With tile roofs, pressure removes the glazing many tile roofs come with. Pressure also blows pieces of cement that hold the ridge-caps in place off into space! If your tile roof is painted, pressure will blow portions of paint off all over the roof, leaving it in need of an expensive paint job! I started out strictly as a Pressure washing Company! So, what to do? In 1991 I started developing a system to clean roofs without using pressure. Now these roof cleaning systems are available for purchase commercially. Even some of these "Non Pressure" systems are what I consider overkill, so I have tried them all and settled on what I consider the best for my customers. Some are designed to do a roof very quickly, using 7 gallon per minute pumps on up! Others [because they are inexpensive] very slowly- 1 gpm pumps. I am in the middle and pleased with my results with a system of 3 gpm output. I want the cleaning solution to remain on the roof, not to run off the roof or into the gutters. If you would like your roof restored [most of the time to 90% like new!] using only the methods suggested by your roofing manufacturer, call us for a free estimate! We have been a father and son ONLY business since 1994-so you will always get a professional and never get a crew or a new guy in training on your property!

I agree! I have tried many, but nothing comes close to working as well as plain old chlorine / water / surfactant mixes. Aprox: 35% chlorine on shingled roofs, 50% on tile roofs and 20% on house walls. Of course, you need to protect plants with tarps or constant heavy watering.

Hello, I have two 13 hp honda's with ts2021 pumps [5.6 gpm ] and also 1 18hp Briggs with a ts2021 pump [ 5.6 gpm ]. I sometimes wonder if the 3-5 gpm cheapo injectors I buy are giving me the highest % of chlorine I can get? I have tried double gulp injectors too and tested how many gpm of chlorine was being sucked up per minute in comparison and saw no difference between those and a $10.00 cheapo injector? Any insights on this? Thanks, Chuck