Is Pressure Washing Bad for Concrete?
Porous and durable surfaces such as concrete benefit greatly from a good power wash. These surfaces require an intense treatment to get into every tiny groove and crevice in the material. Dirt, grime, mold, and mildew can easily get trapped in these grooves, causing the surface to look dirty and dingy.
PSI levels from 2000 to 3000 are best to deep clean concrete surfaces and remove all mold, mildew, and other contaminants burrowed in the grooves and cracks. These substances can dramatically deteriorate the concrete, making it more permeable and susceptible to early wear and tear and moisture damage. Call us today to get your concrete pressure washed by a professional. We offer free estimates!
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between Power Washing and Pressure Washing?
Both techniques remove dirt, mold, and mildew from surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks and siding. Both methods can also clean outdoor furniture and other items around the home. However, they do so in different ways: Power washing uses heated water to blast away contaminants whereas pressure washers do not.
Will Power Washing Remove Rust Stains From Concrete?
This is the best solution to remove rust stains from concrete! Concrete is a durable material that benefits from intense cleaning to remove rust, grime, mold, mildew, algae, and more!
Will Power Washing Remove Efflorescence?
Notice an ugly, whitish powder substance on your siding? That’s infamous efflorescence. This occurs when there is moisture on the surface that creates salt deposits. Then, as the water evaporates, the salt deposits remain.
High psi cleaning can remove efflorescence; however, you need to be careful not to use psi levels that are too high as that can make the situation worse and actually make the surface more permeable. Stick to no more than 2,500 psi for this job.
Should You Seal Your Driveway After Pressure Washing?
While it’s not necessary to seal your driveway, it can protect the pavement from damage from daily wear and tear, vehicle traffic, and the UV rays. Sealant provides a protective layer that helps preserve your driveway from the elements and other things.
It can be likened to painting an exterior wall after pressure washing it – once the surface is thoroughly cleaned, paint is the final touch, so to speak, and provides not only an aesthetically pleasing look but also a protective shield for the surface.
How Long After Power Washing Before Sealing?
For best results and to ensure the sealant lasts as long as possible, you should wait 24-48 hours to seal your driveway after cleaning it. This allows sufficient time for the surface to fully dry. If water is trapped underneath the sealant, it could cause lifting and leave you with more work than is necessary.
Is Soft Wash Better Than Pressure Washing?
There is no definitive answer as it all depends on what you need to clean. However, because the soft wash method uses a mixture that contains a small percentage of bleach, this offers a longer-lasting clean. The detergents not only remove the contaminants but they help prevent future build up by sanitizing as they go!
How Does Soft Washing Work?
This technique is becoming more and more popular amongst homeowners and property managers as it offers a thorough clean without the possible damage from pressure cleaning. Materials such as vinyl siding, stucco, windows, roof shingles, and gutters require a gentle approach.
Instead of high water pressure, specialized detergents do the hard work and break down tough stains from the surface. Learn more here!
When Should You Power Wash Your Home?
The best time for exterior maintenance in Maryland is anytime between early spring and late fall right before winter! So, between March and November when the weather is not below around 40 degrees is the best time for exterior property maintenance.
For optimal results, we recommend pressure washing your property twice a year, once around springtime and once in the mid to late fall as these two seasons tend to have higher amounts of particles and allergens in the air, which can stick to your home.
How Long Does it Take to Pressure Wash a House?
Depending on the size and square footage of your home as well as the services you need, this job can take about half an hour to about 2 hours. If you have more than one floor in your home, you can expect the job to take about 1 to 2 hours.
Can Power Washing Damage My Car?
If you’re really careful and use nothing over the 25 degree (green) nozzle while keeping about a 4-foot distance from your vehicle, then this technique can be an effective way to clean your car. However, to prevent any possible damage, we recommend taking your car to the car wash, especially if you don’t have a lot of (or any) experience using a pressure washer. The damage can be serious!