I recently met up with Dennis Yu, CEO of BlitzMetrics – at my office at Professional Power Washing & Maintenance. Our customers usually never come into the office because our trucks go directly to their properties, but Dennis wanted to see what happens behind the scenes and talk through how we actually operate.
The conversation was informal and straightforward. We talked about San Ramon, about why I chose power washing, about the tools and chemicals we use, and about the issues homeowners are dealing with right now, especially insurance cancellations related to roof conditions. What follows is a written version of that conversation, organized for clarity.
Why San Ramon Is a Community I Enjoy Working In
When Dennis asked what my favorite thing about San Ramon is, the answer came easily. I love the community.
The people here stand out. Whether it is the barista at a coffee shop or the checker at the grocery store, the attitudes are positive and engaged. There is a general sense that people care about where they live and how they interact with others.
That mindset shows in the properties as well. Homeowners take pride in their homes, and that makes San Ramon a good place to work. People value maintenance and understand the importance of keeping things in good condition.
Why Power Washing Made Sense to Me as a Business
Dennis asked why I chose power washing. For me, it comes down to solving problems and being able to clearly see the result.
Power washing solves an immediate issue. There is no ambiguity. You can see the difference as soon as the work is done.
That visibility matters to customers. After every job, we walk the property with them. If the customer does not see the result, then it does not matter that we see it. Both sides need to agree that the work was done properly.
Our business does not work as a walk-in operation. Customers do not need to come to the office, and there is no reason for them to.
Our trucks go directly to customer properties. That is where the work happens. Whether the job is residential or commercial, the focus is always on solving problems on site.
The office exists to support field operations. It is where equipment, materials, scheduling, and internal processes are handled. Customers may never see this side of the business, but it plays a critical role in how smoothly everything runs.
The Products, Chemicals, and Equipment Behind the Work
Dennis asked about the chemicals and tools we use, and this is where specifics matter.
For commercial property maintenance, we use non-caustic cleaners. Caustic products can create static attraction, which can actually cause dirt to return faster after cleaning. Using non-caustic cleaners helps prevent that.
We also use surfactants that act as masking agents and have cleaning properties. When cleaning roofs, these surfactants help detergents stay on the surface longer so they can work more effectively. One example is a green apple wash, which also has a noticeable scent.
We use a product called Dragon Juice, which cleans for a longer period and does not contain corrosive properties. We also use specific degreasers depending on the type of surface and buildup.
For window cleaning, especially on taller buildings, we use deionized water purification systems. These systems remove impurities from the water so windows dry without spots or residue, even several stories high.
We also use environmentally safe bio-cleaners with zero caustic properties. These are used on jobs where water recovery is not being performed and environmental considerations are important.
How and Why Our Focus Shifted From Commercial to Residential
Before COVID, our business was almost entirely commercial. We focused on commercial properties and longer-term contracts.
When commercial work slowed down, residential customers began calling more frequently. People were home more and started noticing dirt, algae, and buildup they had not paid attention to before.
Residential customers supported us during that time. Because of that, we made the decision to focus more on serving homeowners. Residential work became extremely busy and remains a major part of what we do today, especially with many people still working from home.
The Growing Issue of Insurance Cancellations Due to Roof Conditions
One of the biggest topics we discussed was homeowner insurance cancellations related to moss and algae on roofs.
Many homeowners are receiving cancellation or non-renewal notices without any prior phone call. Often, they are not even aware that moss or algae is present because it is out of sight.
Some homeowners have had the same insurance provider for many years and never expected this to happen. This issue is not limited to San Ramon. We stay in contact with colleagues in other regions, including Southern California, who are dealing with the same situation.
How We Document Roof Cleaning and Work With Insurance Companies
When homeowners contact us because of insurance-related roof issues, we treat it as a case management process.
Our technicians document everything before, during, and after the work. They take photographs, narrate the process, label different sides of the property, and capture any additional homeowner concerns. That information is shared separately with the customer.
We also have a back-office team that assembles a complete case file for insurance agents and underwriters. This includes organized photos, written explanations, and clear documentation of what was done and how it was done.
We use multiple software systems, including CompanyCam, combined with internal job tracking tools, to ensure everything is consistent and easy to review. Because of this process, insurance reinstatements are often completed within 48 hours.
We are licensed and bonded through the California Contractor State License Board. This license is specific to the type of work we perform and is different from a city business license, which matters when working with insurance companies.
Why We Share What We Learn With Others in the Industry
In addition to running our business, we share information with other power washing professionals.
The goal is to protect the industry and help ensure homeowners receive proper service. When documentation is done poorly, homeowners face delays, stress, and insurance complications.
Sharing what works helps prevent those situations.
The Other Reasons Homeowners Call Us Throughout the Year
Roof cleaning related to insurance is important, but it is not the only reason homeowners contact us.
We also provide exterior soft washing, window cleaning throughout the year, patio and driveway cleaning, sidewalk cleaning, and gutter cleaning.
Roof cleaning stands out because of the potential insurance consequences if it is not handled correctly.
Final Thoughts From the Office Conversation
If homeowners have questions about roof cleaning, insurance notices, or any of the services we provide, we are available to talk through the details and assess the property.
This conversation with Dennis at the office was simply a chance to explain how we approach the work and why documentation, process, and clarity matter alongside the cleaning itself.
I’m Brandon Cody, owner of Professional Powerwashing and Maintenance and a dedicated entrepreneur focused on delivering top-quality service and building long-lasting relationships. With years of experience in creating efficient systems, my team and I specialize in helping businesses maintain clean, professional properties that reflect their commitment to excellence.
I’m always interested in connecting with like-minded professionals and businesses looking for reliable, high-standard service. Let’s connect!