Pressure washing your driveway is a great way to bring back that original look, whether you have the new or old style of concrete driveways. It is important to know what type of cleaning detergent you need for the job and how to use it correctly.
There are many different types of the best pressure washers on the market today. Some are simple to operate and others are more complicated. If you’re not sure which kind to buy, ask a professional at your local power equipment dealer. They can tell you which ones are best for your specific needs.
Tips on Pressure Washing Driveway for the First Time
Once you’ve chosen a pressure washer, make sure that it has enough power for the job at hand. Most pressure washers come with an adjustable nozzle that allows you to control the amount of water and detergent used during each cleaning cycle. You can also change the tip size so that it fits in any size driveway. If you have any questions about the specifications, contact the manufacturer before buying.
Another option is to rent a commercial grade pressure washer from a local hardware store or rental center. These machines are more expensive than their residential counterparts but can do an even better job on concrete surfaces because they’re designed to clean large areas quickly and efficiently.
Angle: Hold the wand at an angle when you’re pressure washing. This will ensure that you don’t damage the surface of your driveway by applying too much direct pressure on it. Also be sure not to apply too much pressure on any one area for too long when you’re starting out; this can cause the concrete to crack or chip away.
Checking the weather forecast. Pick a day that isn’t too windy or rainy, as this may affect the outcome of your pressure washing session.
Removing vehicles and other objects from the driveway. You should also move plants and lawn furniture away from the area you’ll be pressure washing.
Wait Period for Sealing Concrete after Pressure Washing
When you’re power washing concrete, it’s important to give the concrete a chance to dry before applying sealant. Concrete needs to be fully dry before applying any type of sealant, otherwise the sealant may not adhere properly and the concrete won’t be protected from future stains.
If you’ve just finished pressure washing your concrete surface and are thinking about sealing it, stop and take some time to make sure it is completely dry. The best way to do this is wait at least 24 hours after cleaning before applying sealant.
Sealant Application Tips on Concrete
Make sure not to apply sealant over a wet surface – wait until all surfaces have been completely dried out by wind and sun before applying sealant.
Use a pump sprayer to apply the sealer onto the concrete. Start at one end of the area and work your way across, overlapping each pass with the previous one by about 6 inches to ensure full coverage.
Apply two coats of sealer if you prefer a glossy finish; use a roller and paint pan for the second coat. If anything these glossy finishes should move you to having your own pressure washing machines. These you can get at Giraffetools collections.
