How has your driveway been doing? Chances are, you use your driveway every single day, but that doesn’t mean you’ve taken time to check in on its condition. So take a look. Is your driveway covered with debris? Does it look worse than it used to? If so, it’s a sure sign that you’re overdue for driveway pressure washing.
In this blog, we’ll review what exactly driveway pressure washing is, how it helps property owners like you, and whether you should choose DIY or professional services in Rogers, AR. Remember, Pristine Clean Exteriors would love to be at your service. We’re just a phone call away if you decide to schedule an appointment with us.
Introduction to Driveway Pressure Washing
Driveways, unfortunately, become dirty over time. There’s not really an effective way of stopping this from happening, either. As the months go by, your driveway will collect layers of debris, which includes substances such as:
- Dirt and Mud
- Moss, Mold, and Algae
- Oil and Car Fluid Stains
- Bird Droppings
The longer this debris is allowed to accumulate, the more obvious its presence will be. Eventually, your once-vibrant driveway will become dark, dull, and visually unappealing. This is only the tip of the iceberg—leaving your driveway dirty leads to a number of negative consequences that will make your life worse.
Benefits of Pressure Washing Your Driveway
Why should you pressure wash your driveway? What makes it so important to clean this surface? There are a number of benefits you’ll enjoy as a result of driveway pressure washing. The first and most obvious of these benefits is improving your driveway’s appearance. By rinsing away debris, you’ll make the surface much brighter and more beautiful. This improves the overall appearance of your property as a whole, too.
But that’s not all. In addition to making your driveway look better, driveway pressure washing will also result in the following benefits:
- Reduced risk of damage. Did you know that surface debris causes damage to your driveway over time? This debris grinds against the driveway and slowly erodes it. By pressure washing your driveway, you deny it the opportunity to do so.
- Prevent slipperiness. Surface debris forms a thick layer on top of your driveway that makes it more difficult for feet and tires to grip the concrete. Prevent injury and accidents by keeping your driveway clean.
- Delight customers. If you are a business owner, you’ll definitely want to invest in driveway pressure washing. Improve your driveway’s appearance, attract more customers, and generate more revenue!
How Often Should My Driveway Be Cleaned?
It may not be clear to you how often you should consider driveway pressure washing. After all, washing your driveway too much is a waste of money. On the other hand, not washing it enough could result in surface damage, resulting in costly repairs that also—you guessed it—waste your money. So what’s the “sweet spot”?
At Pristine Clean Exteriors, we highly recommend having your driveway pressure washed once per year. By doing so, you’ll prevent debris from building up to an excessive degree without paying more for professional services than necessary. Some properties may even benefit from two driveway pressure washings per year, such as gas stations and other businesses that receive a significant amount of vehicle traffic.
Preparing to Clean Your Driveway
When you’ve decided that it’s time for driveway pressure washing, there are a few ways you can prepare for the work. That way, the actual process of cleaning the surface is as successful as possible.
First, make sure there are no obstacles on the driveway. For example, your vehicles will need to be parked somewhere else during the project. Consider parking them parallel to the curb, or see if your neighbor will let you borrow their driveway. Additionally, any basketball goals, potted plants, outdoor furniture, and decorations will need to be temporarily relocated.
You’ll also need to put on safety equipment before using a pressure washer. Why? The risk of spraying yourself with pressurized water is a very real one, and it can cause you to bruise or slice your skin. We highly recommend using goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes. The less bare skin you expose, the less likely you are to harm yourself.
The Driveway Pressure Washing Process
To pressure wash your driveway, the first thing you should do is select an appropriate amount of water pressure for the job. The correct setting depends on the material your driveway is made out of. Here is a simple bulleted list of the most common examples:
- Asphalt: 1,500–2,000 PSI
- Concrete: 2,500–3,000 PSI
- Brick pavers: 1,500–2,000 PSI
- Stone pavers: 1,500–2,500 PSI
Next, pressure wash the driveway in a simple, row-by-row formation. This makes it easy to keep track of what you’ve already cleaned and what you haven’t. Of course, you’ll also be able to see the driveway change appearance with your very eyes. Driveways that have been pressure washed look much brighter and much more vibrant. It’s a transformation that you are sure to appreciate.
DIY or Professional Driveway Cleaning?
Should you do your own driveway pressure washing, or is it better to reach out to a professional business for help? That ultimately depends on your preferences. If you are used to tackling DIY projects around the house—and don’t mind the manual labor—then doing your own driveway pressure washing might be best for you. On the other hand, if you want to save your time and energy, consider scheduling an appointment with Pristine Clean Exteriors.
We are a locally owned and operated pressure washing business, and it would be our pleasure to serve you next! Leave it to us—we’ll revitalize your driveway, and in the meantime, you can take some time to relax or run errands. We are happy to provide you with reasonable prices, too. What you’ll pay is based on the size of your driveway. There are never hidden fees or surcharges.
Contact us online to request a free cost estimate today. We can’t wait to learn more about you, your driveway, and your preferred appointment time and date!
