Anyone who has fallen into the rabbit hole of watching satisfying videos on Youtube must have stumbled across driveway cleaning. It is one of the most ‘satisfying’ videos one can watch.
A dust-coated pathway made new after a bout of cleaning is a thing of beauty. But how can one achieve this? Merely hosing it down with water cannot successfully remove the grime that has collected over the years. Pressure washing helps achieve the desired result as it is a safe, reliable method for a clean and inviting pathway.
So here are a few doubts that may arise when one considers hiring professional help for such services.
Is Pressure-Washing legal?
Yes, it is permissible to pressure-wash the driveway. Most of the stubborn dust and grime refuses to come out unless a pressure washing machine is employed. However, one should note that since it uses significant force, one must use the correct pressure setting depending on the kind of material. If these aspects are not followed, one might damage the area they are cleaning. These reasons make it necessary to hand over the job to an experienced technician to handle this task.
How much PSI is necessary?
PSI is the general measurement of hydraulic pressure for liquids or gasses. It represents the amount of force exerted, and it differs for different materials.
If one is cleaning the exteriors or a deck, then 1500 psi must be adequate. If it is the case of concrete, then it requires more, probably 2500 to 3000 psi. Therefore to wash various surfaces, one needs to have a pressure washer that can deliver up to 3000 psi. One can change this setting according to the strength or type of the surface.
Even the kind of mortar used in the construction of driveways differs based on brick or concrete. In the case of the former, it has a compressive strength amounting to 2500 psi. It is crucial to keep this in mind so as not to exceed it.
Pro-tip: Do not hold the pressure washer closer than one inch above the surface. When the distance between the washer and surface is doubled, the pressure is reduced by half. Using this technique helps reduce wearing out the mortar or any concrete surface.
How to clean concrete effectively?
Start by clearing the area of all the objects, including toys, tools, vehicles, or other debris. These things may get in the way of the pressure washer. Although these are simple steps, some people tend to overlook them.
The first task is to clear out the big debris from the surface including, leaves, grass, branches, and pebbles. After this, a detergent or cleaning solution will help get rid of the tough grime and stains. Pressure washing can effectively clean the growth of mould or mildew. It can make surfaces much safer for kids to play in. The area has to be well-cleaned of all the chemicals in the final rinse.
What to Avoid?
Refrain from using ladders or working from elevated places or heights. Because the kickback due to the pressure can cause a fall. Generally, attachments are used to clean high spots. One should ensure that the correct nozzle is on it to avoid pointing at the surfaces from a close range.
CONCLUSION:
Pressure washing is a rewarding job if done correctly. One needs to use the proper technique, and seeking the help of a trained technician for driveway cleaning is probably the ideal choice. Because it can take quite some time to clean out the entire driveway, one can spend their time doing urgent tasks at hand and leave the cleaning to those who do it best.