Having your concrete areas pressure washed offers a number of benefits to your household members, as well as your property value. You can truly boost your home’s curb appeal with a good pressure washing. Because concrete pressure washing is so effective at removing the gunk and stains that accumulate over time, your outdoor spaces can look practically new with little effort. Scrubbing and hosing down these spaces by hand can’t provide such dramatic results. In fact, oil stains are some of the hardest to remove, and the strength of pressure washing can tackle them.

An often-unexpected benefit of power washing is the removal of mold, mildew and moss. Shady areas are notorious for harboring these toxic and damaging growths. Left unattended, they can aggravate allergies and respiratory issues, as well as causing damage to your concrete surfaces. Power washing is a proactive way to manage these problems. Plus, it can rid your concrete of pesky weeds that grow between cracks.

Another benefit this method can provide is to increase the lifespan of your concrete surfaces. You’ll prevent cracks from developing in the firs place by cutting down on the oil, algae, sand and other harmful substances that cause them. You’ll save a lot of hassle and money in the long run when you take this proactive approach.

You may wonder what’s causing your concrete to look so dingy. There are a number of substances that commonly cause hard outdoor surfaces to become dirty, discolored or stained. The salt you use to remove ice from your driveway and sidewalks is one of the biggest culprits. The active ingredient used in such products is calcium chloride. It penetrates concrete and mixes with the minerals within, causing discoloration.

Algae, lichen and other such organisms build up quickly. In addition to health issues and surface deterioration they can cause, they’re also quite an eyesore. These growths come in various colors like black, green, red and yellow, and they can take over your outdoor space before you know it.

Along with oil, rust and even water can stain your concrete surfaces to stain. Leaky gutters drip a consistent stream of water and are a common source of concrete damage. The chemicals, salts, oil and other particles found in water are what penetrates the concrete, resulting in discoloration known as efforessence. Pressure washing concrete can cut down on all of these problems.

You may be wondering what types of concrete structures can be pressure washed. We have the equipment and the know-how to safely clean most of your outdoor concrete surfaces. As its name implies, there’s a tremendous amount of pressure behind this type of cleaning. Without knowing the proper technique, serious damage can be caused.

These are some of the most common areas we clean:

• Concrete driveways
• Concrete patios and porches
• Outdoor walls made of concrete
• Basketball courts
• Concrete walkways

There are certain things that should not be pressure washed. Our professionals have the training and experience to do the job safely.

If you should decide you prefer to do-it-yourself, there are some pressure washing concrete tips you should know in order to minimize risk. Be aware that following proper guidelines is essential to keeping you and your property safe. Injury and damage are serious possibilities for novices.

First, you should know that gas-powered pressure washers offer more oomph than electric ones. You may need the added power for the removal of tough stains, stubborn mildew or layers of grime. Before you begin, you’ll need to clear the surrounding area of items that could get broken by the spray. Cover nearby shrubs and trees if you’re using a cleaning detergent. You may need to soak oil or chemical stains with a degreaser for about 45 minutes and then scrub with a wire brush to break them up prior to washing. Keep pets and household members away from the area to avoid injury.

Wear safety goggles and sturdy footwear like rain boots or hiking boots when using a pressure washer. You’ll want to reduce built-up air pressure by pulling the wand’s trigger before starting the washer up. In addition, choose a wide nozzle for cleaning concrete, as it’s best for large spaces. Hold the wand about 12 to 18 inches from concrete surface and move it back and forth evenly as you progress. Finally, don’t allow the engine to run for more than a few minutes when the sprayer is not in use.

Hiring a professional is often well worth the investment, as concrete pressure washing can be tricky if you’re not careful. To avoid the risk, contact us for a consultation.