Pressure washing your driveway will remove mildew and moss which tend to grow in hotter months. Spring and summer are infamous for algae and moss overgrowth. The reason you want to get rid of algae and moss is that they stain your driveway, eat away at the surface, and they're also bad for your health.
Power washing can save your driveway from harmful growth
The fact of the matter is that a dirty driveway is more than aggravating – it can actually be dangerous. If you do not keep your driveway clean, it can grow algae, mold, moss, mildew – all of which can result in the need for repairs.
Generally, you'll want your concrete driveway pressure washed at least once a year. This lets you treat sunbaked dirt, grime buildup, and stubborn oil stains, making regular cleaning in between professional washes much more manageable. Of course, you can always schedule extra pressure washing services as needed.
When you don't clean your driveway, things like mould, algae, grime, and dirt start to build up, and before you know it, your Safety and others are at risk. Mould and algae make your driveway very slippery, and that increases the chance of you or someone else having a fall.
Power washing typically costs between $183 to $380 in the U.S., with the national average being $281, according to Home Advisor. House power washing usually costs between $220 to $380, pressure washing a driveway costs $130 to $220, and a deck or patio costs $250 to $420.
Pressure washing requires a contractors license in CA. Call the cslb and ask.
The simple answer is yes, you should use soap.
Expect to spend between $100 and $500 to pressure wash a driveway, depending on the size. Some materials, such as pavers and gravel, are more delicate and might be more expensive to wash. The cost to pressure wash a driveway ranges from $100 to $500, but most people pay around $210.
Oil leaks, blood, and sticky residues can absorb and result in stubborn stains. However, using a driveway sealant after pressure washing can help prevent these stains from becoming permanent features in your driveway.
Pressure washing your driveway will prevent the growth of mildew, mold, and other harmful pathogens. These invasive species can gradually destroy the surface of your driveway. This can lead to safety hazards, cracks, and major repairs down the road.
Applying the Pretreatment
While wearing protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, mix a cleaning solution typically consisting of water, bleach, and mild soap in a ratio that ensures effective cleansing without damaging the concrete.
When Should I Have My House Power Washed? This question doesn't have a one size fits all answer to it. Most homes should be power washed a minimum of once a year. Power Washing your siding will actually extend the life of it so it won't need repairs and you won't need to replace it as often.
Cons of Pressure Washing
The high-pressure water used in pressure washing can be powerful enough to cause damage to certain surfaces. Delicate materials, such as older or fragile wood, may be susceptible to damage if not handled properly.
Contrary to popular belief pressure washing can be done year-round. As long as the temperature is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit there won't be any issues with ice. The most ideal time to pressure wash, however, is during the spring and summer months. During the warmer wetter months algae and mold will begin to grow.
Pressure washing is an increasingly popular side hustle that offers flexibility, good earnings, and the satisfaction of seeing immediate results. By using high-pressure water jets to clean surfaces, pressure washing can effectively remove dirt, grime, and other debris from driveways, sidewalks, decks, and buildings.
You may be surprised to learn that pressure washers actually use less money than regular garden hoses! Therefore, by hiring a professional power cleaning service instead of trying to do it yourself with your hose, you're actually saving money on your water bill.
Price per square foot strategy works best if you're working on a property that requires pressure washing for multiple surfaces. You can charge anywhere from $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot depending on the scope of the job and the location of the property.
If you choose to use Dawn in your pressure washer, proper dilution is crucial. A general recommendation is to mix no more than a few ounces of Dawn with a gallon of water to prevent excessive foaming and reduce the risk of pump damage.
A recipient of the Safer Choice label, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner can be used in pressure washers and on all washable surfaces, and easily removes tough dirt and grime without the use of caustic chemicals.
Qualification: After successfully completing of a pressure washer training course, candidates can complete an assessment in pressure washer operation. All candidates will be trained and tested by one of ITS fully accredited, expert pressure washer training instructors. Training duration is typically 1-day.
Your house is built to withstand rain and other moisture, and it can even withstand a low PSI with a pressure washer, but when pressure washers are used at full capacity, you may end up with soggy carpet, wet attics, and mold.
If you're starting a power washing business with a smaller rig, get a truck or a van for getting to job sites. You may also want a trailer if you have several large items to transport.