Nothing beats a good old pressure washer, especially on an early weekend day after some strong coffee. Due to its spectacular strength and versatility, it can leave anything from decks to siding looking great– and this goes for your concrete, too!
With that being said, there’s a right and wrong way to use that thing on your concrete or anything else for that matter. These machines are legit, and they can cause physical injury if not handled properly (been there done that), so don’t get careless or “experimental.” JLC Martinez Concrete, your Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, Lodi, Stockton, Tracy, Lathrop, Manteca, and Modesto local concrete company, is here to help you use your pressure washer responsibly and gain the beautiful shine you’re looking for.
keep the pSI low
Resist the temptation of cranking that thing up and trying to get the job done under a half hour. A PSI that is too high can result in etching, where pieces of concrete and sealant are carved away, leaving your concrete slab vulnerable to water damage and looking no bueno.
To avoid this, set your pressure washer to between two thousand and three thousand PSI. Anything lower might not result in the clean you’re looking for, and something higher can cause damage. If the mold, mildew, or residue you’re after is of the stubborn type, don’t get aggressive with the power washer and risk damage. Instead, use a specially made concrete detergent and stick to it.
use the Right pieces
Even with a low PSI, your concrete driveway, concrete patio, or concrete walkway is still susceptible to etching when using the wrong pressure washer tip! Those weekend warriors that use too focused of a stream usually concentrate on too small of an area. On the other hand, a nozzle that is too broad doesn’t have the power to deep clean your surface effectively. In general, use between a fifteen and twenty-degree tip for the best results, although something much wider might be best for the gentle application of detergent.
Don’t dwell on stains
Some stains are chemical issues that need a chemical-based approach. Pressure washers are awesome, but they’re not the end all be all. If the issue at hand is unusually stubborn, consult a professional at a hardware store and find a specialized product to help.
JLC Martinez Concrete: Quality Above All Else
Our Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, Lodi, Stockton, Tracy, Lathrop, Manteca, and Modesto area teams know and respect every step that goes into the concrete-making process—and we’d be happy to pass that knowledge onto you through our project.
