We put forward here a discussion on the proper washing techniques for homeowners wanting to put some new life in their driveways, decks and patios. The piece will cover the factors that bear on cleaning outcomes and how to get outdoor areas ready. It is also a guide to what one should be asking when putting in for power washing in the Fairfax, Chantilly or Ashburn area to have a home that is cleaner and more of an invitation.
Sooner or later a driveway or patio will be put to the test by leaves, organic growth, dirt and pollen. These things have a way of settling in and with time they will mar an otherwise fine finish, making it seem as though no one has been tending to the place. In shadier spots that hold their dampness one is apt to come across algae in the form of a slippery patch.
There is more to **power washing Fairfax VA,** a property in Fairfax VA than just looks. Done right, it will show up any loose boards, cracks or joints in disrepair that were hidden by debris. That said, no amount of washing is going to mend what is already damaged, and too much pressure is apt to cause trouble of its own.
Power, Pressure and Soft Washing
The two are often spoken of in the same breath but power washing and pressure washing are not one and the same. The difference is that the former is done with water that has been heated; the latter makes do with unheated water at high pressure. A soft wash is done with less pressure and a cleaning solution of the type the surface can take.
What is called for will be a function of the material and the degree of staining. Concrete can stand more of a pressure than wood that has seen better days, yet no surface should be treated aggressively as a matter of course. Have your contractor set out his plan of action prior to starting.
Driveway Cleaning
Concrete and asphalt are not alike in the care they demand. Tire marks, oil and soil are common on concrete; a good cleaner and some controlled washing will do wonders for the look of it, if the stain has not been fully absorbed. Be careful with fresh concrete as early cleaning can mar the finish.
Asphalt is best left to a milder hand since the wrong chemical or too much heat and pressure will loosen the aggregate and harm the binder. Make sure you know what you are dealing with before calling in equipment.
Some things to check first:
Do not assume all stains will be gone. Find out which ones can be improved and if the sealer will be put at risk.
Decks: A Matter of Gentle Treatment
Too much pressure on a wood deck and you will see wand marks, raised grain and splintering. The species of wood and its condition must dictate the cleaning. The same holds for composite decking; stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations and do not think it can be put through an aggressive wash.
As for the deck, see to it that any unsafe fasteners, stairs or railings are made good. Power washing Chantilly Va cleaners will want to be able to do their work unencumbered and leave no mark, so put the planters and furniture out of the way.
Should one intend to put on a stain or sealant down the line, drying time is best left to the product specifications and the state of the weather. There is no point in rushing the application of a coating; it will not take hold as it should and could trap moisture.