Steep Roof Cleaning Wand - Cleaning Talk - Professional Cleaning and Restoration Forum

FCPWLLC · 07-18-2006, 07:58 PM

Alright guys.... I put together a wand for applying chem to a steep roof that I have to clean. It is pretty much just like the telescoping wand for pressure. I used a Unger 27 foot Telescoping pole and replaced last section with 1/2" pvc. and ran 3/8" hose through center and out the pvc which has a 45 elbow. A 3/8 barb/3/8 thread is at end of wand and then fitted to Teejet assembly for tips. I put a backsavergrip on pole to attatch the ball valve assembly to.

Here are some pics. Let me have opinions/suggestions.

http://www.cleaningtalk.com/attachme...1&d=1153267052

http://www.cleaningtalk.com/attachme...1&d=1153267052

http://www.cleaningtalk.com/attachme...1&d=1153267052

Thad · 07-18-2006, 07:59 PM

What a cool idea.
Let us know how it works out!

All Seasons Exteriors · 07-18-2006, 09:06 PM

Looks good!

Have you had a chance to test it out with just water yet? I'm assuming you're going to use it with a 12 volt pump? One thing that you might consider is putting a q/c on the end so you can switch to shooter tips as needed. Other than that, I can't really see anything else I would change without actually testing it in person. It's going to come with the same headaches that all extension wands have with regard to weight and managability, but it's a possible alternative to using gas-powered pumps for steeper residential roofs.

If you haven't already, do some dry runs with water and let us know how it goes.

FCPWLLC · 07-18-2006, 09:12 PM

I have run it with water to test for leaks. It isn't anywhere near as heavy as my pressure extendable wands. (Lighter hose and aluminum)The Teejet assembly allows me to change tips fairly quick. I thought about the qdc but I went for the lighter plastic Teejet stuff.

Thad · 07-18-2006, 10:26 PM

I wonder what chlorine will do to the aluminum pole?

Mike Williamson · 07-18-2006, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thad

I wonder what chlorine will do to the aluminum pole?

If I understand the design properly, the chlorine isn't in contact with the metal, it is run through it in a hose.

Chlorine will eat the CRAP out of aluminum...Just ask my trailer.

Thad · 07-18-2006, 11:16 PM

What do you think that the chances are that some Love will end up on the pole, though?

All Seasons Exteriors · 07-19-2006, 12:23 AM

It's inevitable that chlorine will get all over it sooner or later. Some spray-on bedliner or undercoat from an auto parts store would help. It wouldn't be pretty, but it would offer some protection.

FCPWLLC · 07-19-2006, 07:28 AM

I have thought about the aluminum but I really only want it to work for just the steep roof that I have to do. I can't seem to get any distance out of the 1.8 @100 shurflo. Do any of you wash houses with your roof cleaning shurflos? John Blue? Roller?

Mike Williamson · 07-19-2006, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FCPWLLC

I have thought about the aluminum but I really only want it to work for just the steep roof that I have to do. I can't seem to get any distance out of the 1.8 @100 shurflo. Do any of you wash houses with your roof cleaning shurflos? John Blue? Roller?

I've never washed an entire house, but I HAVE used both the shurflo and the roller pump to clean the fascia and soffit when the customer requests it, if it's not horrible. Faster than pulling the pressure hose off the trailer and all that. Did one the other day...sprayed the roof, then as I rinsed each side from the ground, I sprayed the soffit and fascia down and rinsed with the hose. Came out great.

The problem with using it for housewashes all the time is pressure...I don't get enough pressure to rinse some types of siding.

Barry M · 07-19-2006, 07:38 AM

Is that 45 degree elbow threaded? It just doesn't look like it in the pic, if it's glued that won't last very long. Love and glue don't mix.

Mike Williamson · 07-19-2006, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry M

Is that 45 degree elbow threaded? It just doesn't look like it in the pic, if it's glued that won't last very long. Love and glue don't mix.

If it is glued well, it'll be ok, especially for periodic use.

Barry M · 07-19-2006, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Williamson

If it is glued well, it'll be ok, especially for periodic use.

I guess your right Mike, he can always change it out later.

All Seasons Exteriors · 07-19-2006, 09:49 AM

Barry makes a good point. I've had the glued ones come apart while on a roof.....What a mess! Schedule 40 (to save weight) threaded would work well.

Thad · 07-19-2006, 10:01 AM

The chlorine isn't contacting the 45 directly, is it?
It looks like the hose goes all the way through the fitting.

Mike Williamson · 07-19-2006, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by All Seasons Exteriors

Barry makes a good point. I've had the glued ones come apart while on a roof.....What a mess! Schedule 40 (to save weight) threaded would work well.

I've had one come apart too, after quite a bit of useage tho. Threaded is better, and that's what I use.

All Seasons Exteriors · 07-19-2006, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thad

The chlorine isn't contacting the 45 directly, is it?
It looks like the hose goes all the way through the fitting.

It's going to get chlorine on it sooner or later. Just like when a garden hose gets wet at the end (and elsewhere) when used. Liquids always find their ways onto/into almost anything.

Thad · 07-19-2006, 11:40 AM

I realize that. I was just pointing out that it wont be in constant direct internal contact.

FCPWLLC · 07-19-2006, 12:00 PM

Actually it isn't glued at all. I have it just tightly fitted together. It's only purpose is to place a slight bend in hose and keep it from coming back down.

FCPWLLC · 07-19-2006, 07:19 PM

Did the roof today..... Wand works but I think that it wasn't needed. Roof wasn't as steep as I remember when I gave bid. I was really able to shoot from roofs edge with my normal wand. (Phelps Knockoff) So, I think it will be like my other telescoping wands.... Sit dusty until that special situation.

Thanks for the input.