It’s almost certain that you have some sort of concrete surface on your property. It’s also a given that this concrete will eventually become dirty over time. That’s just what happens to your property’s exterior surfaces! The question is, what should you do when your driveway, patio, parking lot, or other concrete surface gathers debris? With concrete cleaning, Wilmington, NC property owners will be able to restore their concrete, improving its appearance and even helping it last longer. However, if you are going to do this work on your own, you should be prepared for potential difficulties ahead. It isn’t always easy to DIY, after all.
We are Riptide Pressure Washing, and in this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common problems that you’ll encounter during the concrete pressure washing process. That way, you’ll have the knowledge you need to overcome these challenges. Let’s get started!
Challenge #1: Making the Correct Preparations
If you are planning to try concrete cleaning Wilmington, NC properties, you should really emphasize the planning part. This sort of work requires a great deal of preparation, and as the old saying goes, if you fail to plan, you can plan to fail. First and foremost, you’ll need to find an appropriate time for your concrete pressure washing project. You’ll need free time to dedicate to the work, and you’ll also need to be well-rested and energized if you want to stand a chance during the project. Don’t forget to purchase all the necessary pressure washing equipment, including a pressure washer, cleaning solutions, and safety equipment (to protect yourself from pressurized water).
You will also need to clear all items off your concrete surfaces before any pressure washing can begin. For example, you’ll need to move vehicles off your driveway, or furniture and decorations off your patio. There are two reasons for this. One, they’ll get in the way of the concrete, preventing you from cleaning it. Two, these items risk becoming damaged if they are sprayed with pressurized water.
Challenge #2: Tackling Mold and Mildew
When pressure washing concrete, you’ll find that many forms of debris wash away with ease. However, this isn’t always the case. Organic debris, such as mold and mildew, are likely to put up a fight. They cling tightly to concrete, and it may seem like they’re refusing to go away! This may tempt you to ignore this organic debris, but don’t do this—it would be a big mistake. That’s because these substances will reproduce and spread if left to their own devices. The last thing you want is concrete that is completely taken over by these unwanted substances!
At Riptide Pressure Washing, our secret weapon in the war against organic debris is sodium hypochlorite. This cleaning solution will kill moss, mold, and other unwanted growths. That way, it can be more easily washed away. We highly recommend using sodium hypochlorite during your DIY concrete cleaning. Wilmington, NC property owners will love the stunning results it provides!
Challenge #3: Uneven Cleaning
When you’re doing your own pressure washing, it may seem shockingly simple. You just grab the hose, spray water, and rinse away debris… right? Believe it or not, the technique you use while pressure washing makes a huge difference. For example, a scatterminded, inconsistent cleaning pattern will result in uneven results. And if your concrete doesn’t look good after you’re done pressure washing, what was the point in pressure washing it at all?
When pressure washing concrete, there are a few basic things you should keep in mind. First of all, hold your hose the same distance from your concrete throughout the entire project. Additionally, we recommend spraying your concrete in a row-by-row fashion, overlapping each pass. (You use a similar strategy when you mow your lawn.) Finally, don’t be afraid to double-check the results of your work. That way, you can find any areas that need touch-ups before you put your equipment away.
Challenge #4: Putting Your Safety First
When concrete cleaning Wilmington, NC properties, it’s important to remember that your safety comes first. Pressurized water isn’t a toy, and if mishandled, it can cause all sorts of problems. This is especially true if sprayed on your bare skin. Pressurized water will bruise your skin—if not outright slice it open. What this means is that if you aren’t handling your equipment properly, you could wind up with a surprise trip to urgent care.
When using a pressure washing hose, remember to only point it at surfaces that you intend to clean. Never, ever point the hose at yourself. Don’t forget safety equipment, either. With eye protection, closed-toe shoes, full-length pants, and other items that cover your skin, you’ll reduce the chance of injury. Emerge from your pressure washing project unscathed with a little common sense. You’ll be glad you made your safety your top priority!
Professionals Can Help!
The process of concrete cleaning Wilmington, NC properties isn’t exactly easy. As you’ve learned, there are many challenges you’ll need to overcome, and because of this, many people choose not to do this work on their own. Remember, if the concrete cleaning process seems overwhelming to you, you can always reach out to us for assistance. We are Riptide Pressure Washing, a locally owned and operated business, and we are prepared to serve you for a reasonable price with no hidden fees.
How much should you expect to pay if you schedule an appointment with us? That depends on the scope of your project, or more specifically, the amount of surface area you need us to clean. For example, a small patio won’t cost as much for us to pressure wash as a large parking lot. Contact us online with details about your concrete cleaning needs, and we will provide you with a free cost estimate. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will be there soon! We’ll conquer all concrete cleaning challenges in our way, and in the meantime, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
