Tips For Pressure Washing your Driveway

Materials Needed to Pressure Wash Your Own Driveway

You may want to do your own pressure washing if you have the time, the equipment and the skills. If you own your own pressure washer you might save money. The equipment we use when we clean includes a high powered pressure washer, waterproof suit, goggles, face mask, respirator (if chemicals are used), and ear protection. If you have to purchase this equipment (not including a pressure washer) expect to pay between $75.00 and $125.00.

It is better to rent a good gas powered pressure washer rather than purchasing a small consumer grade washer. Small pressure washers can only clean about a 1" wide strip at a rate of about 1/2" per second. Cleaning an entire driveway might take many hours. Renting a gas powered or hot water pressure washer per day runs on average between $71.00 and $144.00 per day not including any attachments.

Considerations for pressure washing your driveway yourself:

Pressure washing can damage concrete even at lower levels. It is important to make sure you understand the effects of the pressure on the material you are cleaning. Injuries:Loss of limbs, eyes, and lacerations. The danger with lacerations is that the pressure from water can cut so deep it hits muscle or worse and transmit bacteria and cause deep infections that lead to surgeries and hospitalizations.

Pressure washers use a lot of water. If you are on a well, make sure that your timing is right and your well can handle it. Remember to test the pressure washing method on an inconspicuous area to make sure it is turning out properly.

For heavy staining there are detergents you can use, however, you need to be careful as these can also cause staining on the area being cleaned or chemical burns on your skin if used improperly.

Pressure Washing Techniques

It is important to protect plants and belongings or furniture that you don't want potentially damaged by water, or move them out of the way.

If your driveway isn't flat, then start at the high end. You don't want the dirty water running over your newly cleaned driveway.

If you want to hire the pros give Apex Home Services a call