Concrete pressure washing of your Cape Coral property regularly is essential to remove materials such as motor oil, automotive fluids, lawn care chemicals, and fertilizers that can lead to chips, cracks, spalling, and other damage. However, if not done correctly or the wrong tools are used, pressure washing can also damage concrete.
Even light-duty pressure washers can damage the surface of the concrete. Once the surface becomes damaged, it’ll develop lines, pitting, and other imperfections; sometimes, you can damage the joint if the mortar is washed away. Too much pressure or the wrong detergent can lead to etching, pitting, or lines on the concrete surface.
People who own a home often purchase a pressure washer to clean their concrete driveways or patios without knowing how to use it. They see it as a quick way to save some money, not realizing they can end up damaging their homes and even hurting themselves. Hiring a professional for pressure washing in Cape Coral is the way to go.
If you’re a homeowner living in Cape Coral, there are some critical tips and cautions regarding pressure washing concrete, sidewalks, patio pavers, and other outside services. This will ensure that you maintain your home and keep it looking great for years to come.
Ways You Can Damage Concrete By Pressure Washing
Like many people, you may think concrete is so solid and dense that you can’t damage it by pressure washing; however, this is not always the case. Concrete is a porous material meaning that it absorbs water, oil, and chemicals which can cause it to break down prematurely.
When it’s time to wash your concrete driveway in Cape Coral, we recommend calling a professional to prevent damaging the concrete.
Most common causes of damage to concrete by pressure washing
- Pressure washers come with a variety of tips to help control the force of the water. Using the wrong tip will create a concentrated blast of water that will etch the surface of the concrete. If you notice pressure washer marks on the concrete, this may indicate that you’re using the wrong tip or moving the washer too fast. You can clean off the areas by using a wider tip and going over the areas slowly, taking care not to damage the concrete.
- Powerful pressure washers with too much PSI will damage concrete when washed. Most Cape Coral driveways require no more than 3000 to 3500 PSI for concrete washing. Heavy duty pressure washers are too powerful for the average driveway. If you notice dark spots on the concrete after pressure washing, you may have washed the top layer off. This type of damage can only be repaired through patching or applying a new screed.
- An inexperienced person wouldn’t know that many pressure washing detergents are made for particular surfaces and stains. Avoid using detergents meant for motor oil to clean graffiti. Harsh detergents meant for different surfaces often damage the surface of a concrete driveway.
- Your typical homeowner wouldn’t know you should hold that power washing wands at an angle to help loosen dirt and grime and keep from creating a pit in your concrete driveway. You should never hold your pressure washing wand directly over the surface you’re cleaning to avoid putting too much pressure on its surface.
Should You Pressure Wash Your Cape Coral Driveway?
Now that you know that you can damage your driveway by pressure washing it, you may wonder if you should wash it at all. The answer to this is no; you shouldn’t; however, professional power washers have the training and experience to clean it so that it won’t cause damage.
There are many reasons you should schedule regular sidewalk and driveway pressure washing. A few of which are listed below:
- Sand, silt, and other debris settle into the pores of the concrete, etching away at the material, which can cause it to break down.
- Mold, mildew, algae, moss, and other materials burrow into the pits and pores of the concrete and then grow and spread, causing it to crack and break down.
- Motor oil and other fluids are corrosive and break down concrete leading to chips, cracks, and spalling.
How Often Should You Pressure Wash Your Concrete Driveway?
Most professionals agree that you should have your driveway pressure washed once a year. However, some things may affect the frequency, such as.
- The climate you live in – if you live in a humid area that experiences a lot of rain as Cape Coral does, you may need to have it cleaned more often due to the rapid growth of allergens like mold.
- If you’re planning on moving – if you plan on moving and you notice your driveway looks dingy, then you’ll want to have it cleaned before listing it.
- Your health – If you or another remember of your family has asthma or allergies, you should have it washed more frequently to avoid bringing harmful mold or bacteria into your home.
- Your personal preference – What matters is how you want your home and driveway to look. Find a reputable pressure washing company to clean your concrete surfaces if you don’t think it looks good.
