Pressure washing driveway is a relatively simple task. In order to use a pressure washer to clean your driveway, you’ll need to know where the hard outer layer of the drive is and what type of the drive surface is. In most cases, hard surfaces are either asphalt or concrete, and these types of surfaces are very difficult to remove from the surface they are on.
There are several methods for dealing with hard surfaces, and the most basic is just removing the top layer of the concrete drive. This is often best done by using a power washer, but this can sometimes damage the surface. An alternative is to use a solvent-based paint, which in effect, coats the surface to make it difficult to remove.
Concrete driveways have several types of hard surfaces that can be hard to remove, and in many cases, can be removed by using the method mentioned above. When cleaning hard surfaces, always look for areas where the paint is peeling away. Such peeling may indicate the area needs a power washer.
Another option is to use a chemical-based pressure washer. These can work well in cleaning hard surfaces but require attention to detail and safety precautions. Also, should you find you need to use chemicals, always follow the directions of the manufacturer.
There are two types of chemicals commonly used for pressure washing driveways. These are usually referred to as “aqueous”alkaline”. Both require special spray guns and equipment in order to use them effectively.
Acid-based cleaners will react with the surface and create deposits that can clog the drain properly. Alkaline-based cleaners may remove a layer of the driveway, but it could end up creating more dirt or water residue that will block the drain altogether. Both types of cleaners are strong and can damage the driveway if used improperly.
There are various types of chemicals that can remove the outer layers of the driveway. However, most drivers prefer to use an acid-based product. For this reason, an acid-based product will often be the cleaner of choice. Alkaline-based products may be a little more expensive to purchase, but may be a little easier to use.
Acid-based products will dry quickly and must be cleaned after every time they are used. They may also cause corrosion if not used properly. For this reason, many people prefer to use a water-based product on their driveway.
Water-based products will dry quickly and can be cleaned after every time they are used. They may also create less corrosion and a cleaner finish than acid-based products. However, they may also be the cause of a slick finish that results in too much surface moisture.
Water-based products are more forgiving and are easier to use, especially when the driveway is more than just a dirt surface. However, should you find the water-based product does not work for your driveway, the alkaline product is the better option. To be able to fully understand how to use these products, there are videos available that show you how to use them.
The simplest way to use Pressure Washing is to get a spray gun and a bucket. Attach the spray gun to the end of the bucket. Place the nozzle of the spray gun on the driveway and aim it towards the concrete or asphalt. Use a small amount of the mixture you’re using to allow the product to saturate the driveway.
Once the driveway is covered, pressurize the pressure washer and fire the nozzle. This should force the spray out over the driveway, working towards the direction of the front of the house. Allow the driveway to soak in the solution for about thirty minutes, which should make the driveway very clean and easy to work with.