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The Importance of Pressure Washing Your Concrete
Dirt, chemicals, algae, and other debris can slowly affect concrete over time. However, a pressure wash can remove stubborn layers of grime and strengthen concrete against deterioration, keeping your paved surface safe.
Continue reading to learn more about why it’s important to pressure wash concrete and how Blue Curb, LLC can help.
Why Should I Pressure Wash My Concrete
Pressure washing is essential for the health and stability of concrete. It improves its appearance while preventing damage over time.
By routinely pressure washing concrete, you get the benefits of:
- Clearing away mold and algae while preventing future spread
- Washing off debris and chemicals before they can break down the concrete
- Revitalizes the overall appearance of your concrete
- Cleans off any stubborn surface staining
- Improves your business’s curb appeal
How Frequently Should You Pressure Wash Concrete
Concrete pavement should be pressure-washed at least once a year to maintain its stability and appearance. This is just a general guideline; the frequency will change depending on your location.
Certain areas require more frequent pressure washing due to higher moisture levels or a heavier presence of mold and algae. For example, certain towns in Maryland or Virginia lie closer to the ocean, which will contribute to the need to clean pavement more frequently.
Power Washing Services in Maryland, Virginia, & D.C.
The Best Season to Pressure Wash
No matter the time of year, pressure washing your concrete is essential to maintain a great appearance and preserve the health of the pavement. But pressure washing during certain times of the year is better than others. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each one, so you can determine the best pressure washing season for you.
Cons of Pressure Washing During The Winter
You may have noticed we did not have a “pros” section before this. Unfortunately, that was not a typo.
Winter is not a great season to pressure wash concrete for the following reasons:
Freezing Temperatures
Depending on where you live, winter brings bitter temperatures. Freezing temperatures and water from pressure washing do not mix. If concrete isn’t dried after washing, the standing water can freeze, causing anyone to risk a slip and fall.
Moisture
When concrete is pressure-washed, the surface is left wet. With colder winds and less sun, the moisture dries much slower, risking the growth of mold or algae if left unaddressed.
Equipment Performance
Depending on the severity of the cold, your washing tools might freeze up, making pressure washing nearly impossible.
Safety Concerns
Winter means your paved surfaces can develop icy areas. Attempting to pressure wash your concrete can quickly turn into a slippery fall unless you have taken the proper precautions.
Pressure Washing During The Summer
Unlike the cold conditions of winter, summer brings out the sun and heat. Summer is an ideal time to pressure wash your concrete.
Pros of Pressure Washing During The Summer
Weather Conditions
The temperatures rise, and the sun shines most days, creating much drier conditions. The dry air and sunlight can speed up the drying process that pressure washing requires.
Seasonal Cleaning
The summer season brings gorgeous weather, giving people a reason to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family even more. This makes concrete pressure washing even more critical to ensure clean and safe surfaces for more foot traffic.
Increased Daylight
During the summer, sunlight lasts much longer than at any other time of the year. More sunlight means more people—and more time for you to pressure wash your concrete.
Cons of Pressure Washing During The Summer
High Temperatures
When you think about summer weather, you might think of three words: sun, hot, and humid. While the dry and warm conditions can hasten the drying process for pressure washing, longer cleaning sessions in the heat can feel uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
Busy Season For Pressure Washing Services
You’re not the only one thinking about pressure washing your concrete during the summer. This means accessing professional pressure washing services may become harder to schedule at a convenient time.
Water Availability
Depending on your location, the summer season comes paired with water restrictions. With limitations set, you won’t be able to use your pressure washing tools due to high water usage.
Pressure Washing During The Fall
Fall is a great time to pressure wash concrete if you want the job done before winter. Here’s why:
Pros of Pressure Washing During The Fall
Preparing For Winter
Fall provides the perfect time to clear out any grime from the past few months and prepare the surface before freezing conditions arrive.
Cooler Temperatures
The fall temperatures will have dropped, making pressure washing more bearable than in the summer. This creates more comfortable conditions for working outside, allowing for longer, more precise pressure washing.
Less Demand For Pressure Washing Services
Compared to summer, the demand for professional pressure washing is much lower. This leaves plenty of washer choices and easier scheduling, giving you far more leeway when you need the job done.
Cons of Pressure Washing During The Fall
Weather Conditions
Depending on your location’s weather, your outside conditions may not be ideal for pressure washing. For certain areas, fall brings heavier rain and turbulent winds, making safe pressure washing a nightmare.
Falling Leaves
Leaves can be beautiful, but they can also accumulate on your concrete. While easy to remove by pressure washing, additional cleanings may be required to completely clear off the concrete as leaves continue to fall.
Reduced Daylight
Fall means less sun and less time to pressure wash your concrete properly.
Pros of Pressure Washing During The Spring
Spring is considered pressure washing season. The following reasons make it clear why:
Weather Conditions
Thanks to its mild weather patterns, spring offers ideal conditions for pressure washing. Reduced humidity slows the growth of mold and other bacteria, while warm temperatures help surfaces dry quickly.
Winter Residues
Winter can be rough on concrete, but pressure washing in the spring is a great way to remove any remaining staining, marks, or grime.
Preparation For Summer
Summer is when people are outside more than at any other time of the year. Spring provides the perfect opportunity to freshen up your concrete ahead of the busy summer days.
Preventive Maintenance
Pressure washing is a great way to preserve and safeguard your concrete’s appearance from harm. Spring allows you to address the mess left over from winter while keeping your concrete for the busier summer season.
Things To Remember When Pressure Washing During The Spring
Check The Forecast
While a comfortable time of year, spring can also bring sudden weather patterns that could abruptly halt pressure washing. Make sure to check the local forecasts for any rainy or windy days so that you can plan around them.
Use The Right Pressure Setting
Pressure washers are equipped with different pressure settings to wash various surfaces. For concrete, you’ll want a higher pressure setting to allow the water to clear away the grime and debris without damaging the material.
Wear Protective Gear
The power of a pressure washer shouldn’t be underestimated. To avoid injuries, wear protective goggles, gloves, and non-slip footwear.
Use The Right Cleaning Material
Some stains are more stubborn than others, often requiring a specific cleaning material for the pressure washer. Find a proper cleaning material for concrete and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Test a Small Area First
Before you clean your concrete, test your pressure settings and cleaning material in a small area. Testing beforehand prevents small mistakes from snowballing into significant concrete damage.
Keep The Wand At a Safe Distance
Cleaning concrete with a pressure washer wand should be done carefully. To keep things safe, the wand should never be pointed at people or animals and should be kept away from your body and any object you are not cleaning.
Rinse Thoroughly
Once the pressure wash has been completed, thoroughly rinse your concrete surface to remove any leftover cleaning chemicals and lingering grime.
Professional pressure washing cleaners provide a complete rinse to ensure your concrete looks spotless.
Contact Blue Curb, LLC For Pressure Washing Services in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C.
Pressure washing can effectively enhance the appearance of concrete while protecting its integrity. Call Blue Curb, LLC at (571) 437-1787 to protect your concrete through our pressure washing services.
Our paving experts utilize decades of tailored cleaning expertise to make your concrete look new. Call our expert cleaners today to save time and money, and enjoy cleaner and stronger concrete tomorrow. Our pressure washing team assists home and business owners across the Mid-Atlantic region, including Richmond, VA. If you need pressure washing near you, simply give us a call.
