Are you considering a concrete pressure wash? Not only does a concrete pressure wash improve the value of your home, but it also fortifies your home or business from pollens, algae, and mold. We’ll explore why, when, and how often you should have your concrete pressure washed.
Why Should I Pressure Wash My Concrete?
There are several good reasons to pressure wash your concrete on a regular basis:
- Reduce or eliminate dirt, sand, salt, or corrosive chemicals to extend the life of your concrete.
- Improve your home or business’ curb appeal.
- Reduce or remove pollens collecting near and around your home.
- Eliminate algae and mold spores that can develop in your concrete.
- Sparkle your exterior by removing grime and dirt buildup.
- Eliminate tough stains, such as grease or oil.
Pressure washing is an effective way to clean and beautify your home or business. You can either do it yourself, or you can call a service. Once you see the difference a power wash can make, you’ll want to do it more often.
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How Often Should You Power Wash Concrete?
This depends on where you live. Some areas have dirtier winds and rain that can affect your concrete more. If your area is more prone to algae and mold, then you may want to wash your concrete more often.
You should pressure wash your concrete at least once a year to protect your concrete and the value of your home. Using a concrete sealer can also prevent damage to your concrete after it has been washed.
When Is the Best Time to Power Wash Concrete?
You can power wash concrete all year as long as the temperature is about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Most homeowners and businesses prefer to do it in the spring or summer to reduce the spread and growth of algae and mold. It also reduces pollen, which can affect allergies.
Homeowners and businesses prefer to pressure wash in the fall and winter to improve curb appeal and improve safety after muddy rainfall or snowstorms. Although, you’ll want to make sure the temperatures don’t drop too low.
How to Power Wash Concrete
Power washing concrete is something you can do yourself, but it will require time, effort, and equipment. Before you get started, you’ll want to rent or buy:
- Pressure Washer
- Chemicals to treat the concrete: ph-neutral cleaners for mild jobs, acidic cleaners for tough stains, and alkaline cleaners for oil and grease stains
Once you have the supplies, you’ll need to do some prep work before you start washing. Here are the steps for concrete washing:
- Clear everything off the concrete, such as cars, grills, plants, furniture, etc.
- Prep the concrete by sweeping large debris into the trash.
- Place a tarp over anything that could be harmed by the chemicals, such as plants or furniture.
- Cover your electrical cords and outlets with a tarp or water-resistant material.
- Mix your chemical cleaner and water to the correct ratio for your job.
- Follow the instructions for operating your pressure washer.
Aren’t sure if doing it yourself is the right call? Contact Shine of Weslake or Shine of Dallas to set up a concrete pressure washing appointment and get a free estimate.
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Risks of DIY Concrete Pressure Washing
While you can pressure wash concrete on your own, it does come with some risks:
- Many DIYers rent or buy the wrong type of pressure washer for their concrete, siding, or deck, and the wrong washer can damage property.
- DIYers only use water to wash their concrete, which is often an insufficient cleaning and can spread mold spores instead of eliminating them.
- Some DIYers poorly mix their water to chemical cleaner ratios, which don’t clean effectively or can cause damages from potent chemical cleaners.
- Some pressure washers can cause serious injury if not properly handled.
Sometimes after purchasing or renting the pressure washer, you spend more time and money than if you had called a professional concrete pressure washing company like Shine.
Shine restores your exterior pathways and house utilizing professional pressure washing services in Austin and Dallas, Texas. Our pressure washing technicians set the standard for customer-focused service and exceptional power washing.
Can Pressure Washing Damage the Concrete?
Yes, because a pressure washer is 30-80 times stronger than your hose, it can cause damage if used improperly. If your concrete becomes etched during the pressure wash, you should stop before causing further damage and reduce the pressure.
Surfaces and Things You Shouldn’t Pressure Wash
While pressure washing is excellent for several exterior surfaces of your home or business, you should avoid pressure washing:
- Wood furniture: The pressure can splinter or crack the wood.
- Crumbling concrete: Can deepen or break up more concrete.
- Fabrics: Can fade or damage.
- Plastic furniture: Can crack or break the furniture.
- Painted surfaces: Can remove the paint.
These surfaces and objects cannot handle the intensity of the pressure washer and should be removed or covered when washing your cement.
Use Professional Pressure Washing Technicians to Avoid Many of These Risks
While it seems like you may save a few dollars pressure washing your cement on your own, it may not be with the risk. Using a pressure washing service takes the guesswork and danger out of cement washing. A service can guarantee the safety of your property and efficiently remove any stains, grime, dirt, algae, pollen, or mold without putting you at risk.
Shine offers a variety of professional commercial and residential pressure washing services within Austin and Dallas. They can safely pressure wash any surface and never shy away from tough stains. Improve your curb appeal and extend the life of your concrete with Shine’s cleaning services.
If you live in the Austin or Dallas areas, learn more about our pressure washing services from Shine in Austin and Dallas.
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