How to clean roof of HPP home

[ef9]

Hello,

I would want to know what is the best/cheapest method to cleaning the roof of a home in HPP? My home is on catchment, and there is a large tree next to the house. My plans before moving in, is to, cut the tree down and to clean the roof/gutters and to clean the catchment tank.

What is the best way to do the above? I was thinking of purchasing a pool vacuum cleaner to clean the catchment tank. I was also thinking of using a pressure washer to clean the roof of the house. I was thinking of using diluted bleach in this solution to clean both roof and gutters. I do not know the best way to cut the tree down.

Thanks in advanced,

Stan

[jm minica]

Definitely a pressure washer for the roof, but I wouldn't use bleach on your roof, as it will not do the painted surface any good. Use something like simple green, if anything. You want to do everything you can to prolong the life of the paint that protects the metal, because as soon as that fails, the metal rusts very quickly.
Pool vacuum works for the catchment, and a chlorine treatment afterwards.
What type of tree is it that you want to cut down, and how big is it? Hopefully not an albezia, but probably so. If you are not comfortable being a lumberjack, then I can give you the number of a guy that can take it down for you. I had my leg broken cutting down albezia's last year, so I understand what a "pain" they can be... If it's a big one, then your better off leaving it to a pro, if it's not that big, and not in a precarious spot then just rent a chainsaw and take your time, rope it off if needed to get it headed in the right direction, top it first if you can, and just ease 'er on down. It's amazing how a tree can do the exact opposite of what you prepared for when your bringing it down. Best of luck to you.
Aloha,
Mark

[ef9]

Hello!

Thank you very much for the awesome reply! I am worried about the situation, as money is tight and would rather do things myself.

What is the best way to clean the roof and gutter? I do not want the debris/simple green to go into the catchment tank. I'm wondering if it is best to plug the gutter drain, or is it best to temporarily remove the gutter?

I want to install a first flush diverter system, a cheap "T" inline with the downspout from the gutter. I'm not sure if I should install the first flush system first and uncap this system to allow ALL runoff from roof to exit via this system.

I do not know what type of tree it is. I wish I had a photograph of the tree handy. It looks to be around 60-70' tall, as an estimate. I was thinking of roping it off or using a winch from my truck to pull tension on the tree when cutting. I'm not sure if I should rent a skylift to "lop" the tops of the tree first, then attack the main trunk later?

What type of pool vacuum should I purchase? I have a 10,000 gallon tank.

Thank you,

Stan

[Les C]

Your reply must have posted as I was replying.

If you had a "first-flush" or roof washer diversion, you would use it to make sure that you don't let the water and surfacant that you use to clean your roof doesn't get into your tank.

On our system, just before the gutter collection goes up to empty into the tank, there is a T joint with about a 10' horizontal length of pipe (the grade that's rated with enough strength to withstand a truck driving over it) running just a bit underground to a lower area. It's capped off. I uncap it periodically to let any collected leaves and dirt out, or when washing out the gutters.

You may be able to rig a hose attached to the end of a pole that you can use as a pool vac, but just use siphoning to get it started, then work quickly to suck up any bottom debris in your tank. Maybe a pool vac is a better system, especially if it can return clean water to your tank.

Edited by - Les C on 06/20/2007 23:23:43

[ef9]

Hello,

So for the first flush, I should use schedule-80, and have 10' of piping?

I guess I have to calculate the area of the roof to see what length of piping I will need.

I went to WaterWorks in Hilo, but they do not sell swimming pool vacuums. Do you know the next best source to look into purchasing such a thing?

I checked with my co-workers, and I do have an Albezia tree in my yard. jm minica, can I please get the contact for the tree trimmer?

Thank you very much!

Stan

[ef9]

Is it best to install the first flush at the house-side of the downspout? This is where the piping exits the gutter and goes down to the ground and across to the catchment.

Or is it best to install it at the catchment tank side?

Stan

[Les C]

Stan, I don't know which location is better for the first flush. I've only seen them next to the tank, but that's only at my house and a picture in the Macomber Catchment book. It's useful to have it drain into a low area that can handle that volume of water, which probably isn't huge but might be a consideration for where you put it. Also, if you leave it open when you wash off your roof, the drain area should be able to handle that amount of water. Small lava tubes are great for this.

I don't know what length of tube is recommended or if there's much calculation done. We have about 10' of it and our roof covers about 1500 sf of living area with gutters arranged in a simple rectangle. The tank is about 35' from the house, and our collection pipe is 4" dia. (the first flush pipe is 3" dia.). There might be some useful numbers for doing the math. Leaf load might also be a factor. We only have one Koa tree that drops leaves on one side.

Sorry, I don't know where you can get a swimming pool vacuum. How about Paradise Pools or another swimming pool supply company? Can you be sure to post what you find out about using one with your catchment tank?

Edited by - Les C on 06/22/2007 09:09:54

[ef9]

Hello Les,

Thanks for the reply. I will be closing escrow in 1 week, so I'm getting a bit nervous. I have to do a ton of research so I know what to do.

There is a small embankment near the catchment, so I may divert the first flush there. I do, however, want truck access in the back, when I do bring heavy equipment to level out the yard, etc. I can't access the back via the opposite side of the house because the home sits near the property line.

As for pool vacuums, I found something relatively cheap, it's an all in one unit where the entire unit is submersed and can be used with an extension pole. It has a built in rechargeable battery. Other pool vacuums use the swimming pool pump to suck up the sludge. If you are interested, you can search for the Pool Buster Max. It can be found for $165 on the web or ebay.

Stan

[Beachboy]

quote:

---

Hello,

I would want to know what is the best/cheapest method to cleaning the roof of a home in HPP? My home is on catchment, and there is a large tree next to the house. My plans before moving in, is to, cut the tree down and to clean the roof/gutters and to clean the catchment tank.

What is the best way to do the above? I was thinking of purchasing a pool vacuum cleaner to clean the catchment tank. I was also thinking of using a pressure washer to clean the roof of the house. I was thinking of using diluted bleach in this solution to clean both roof and gutters. I do not know the best way to cut the tree down.

Thanks in advanced,

Stan

---

Stan, my family always taught me that you get what you pay for! From my experience here in Puna so far, that cliche really does has merit too.

Be really careful with what you put in your catchment as a cleaning aid. Especially pool products can be dangerous to one's health if not used properly.

I'm not sure I'd turn to those "mental midgets",at WaterWorks for any advice. There about as useful as six tits on a male dog. You'd be better off going to Shipman's and talk to the folks at Hawaii Catchment Co.
Leena & Lisa are really helpful there....and they don't mind a bunch of sily questions either!