Whether you want to restore your soiled concrete surfaces to their former glory or give your driveway a means to ward off all of the weathering the future has in store, pressure washing is the way to go. Pressure-washing driveways have become a popular home restoration option for Americans looking for cost-effective ways to boost their property’s curb appeal.
Pressure washing driveways take a little bit of skill and a lot of equipment, but the results are worth the effort. If you are about to pressure wash your driveway for the first time, then you could benefit from the following walkthrough from the Window Genie pressure washing team!
What You’ll Need
Here is a list of what you will need to tackle the task of pressure washing your driveway:
Pressure washer assembly, including safety manual and purpose-made detergent
- 50-ft. garden hose
- Safety gloves
- A broom
- A stiff brush
- Plastic sheeting or garbage bags
- Painter’s tape
A step-by-step guide for pressure washing driveways:
Clear the surface. The first thing you need to do is to prep the surface of your driveway by clearing away all debris. Sweep away excess dirt, dust, and sand.
Protect your windows and doors. As the powerful pressure washer blasts stains and contaminants out of the porous surface of your driveway, they are flung into the air and sprayed around your property. This can mar windows and door frames if your driveway is very close to either, or if your pressure washer is excessively powerful. To prevent this, you can use painter’s tape to cover these vulnerable features with garbage bags or plastic sheeting. This step is optional but may be necessary for some depending on the construction of the home and the quality of your equipment.
Read the safety manual. There is no one standard pressure washer. Big box brand stores sell cheap versions with variable power settings, user-friendliness, and reliability. Make sure you read the safety manual, both to protect yourself and your driveway! Improper use could scar the surface.
Assemble your pressure washer. Attach the spray wand tip for detergent or set it to “25 degrees” for a pressure wash, clip the hoses in place on the washer and the water supply, or prepare your washer for detergent as directed.
Pressure wash (or apply your sealant/detergent). Hold down the spray handle, and work your way back and forth across the surface of the driveway. Overlap each stroke by 6 to 8 inches. Some washers may require you to hold them nearer to the surface at roughly 4 inches when treating stubborn stains, but techniques vary among washers. Consult your manual, or contact our pressure washing professionals for advice.
Why contact the pros?
It may seem cheaper to tackle this project yourself but think again. Not only do you lose time completing the chore and money on the purchase or rental, but you risk damaging your property as you work through the learning curve.
Hiring a professional to pressure wash your driveway ensures that your concrete gets a high-quality clean capable of stripping away stains, graffiti, and salt, without damaging the surface. Choosing a professional from Window Genie gets you access to ChemTec One sealant as well, which can boost the lifespan of your concrete by 40%.
Contact Window Genie today and inquire about the money you can save by bundling driveway pressure washing appointments or booking additional pressure washing treatments around the house.
