Hardscape Cleaning Services
Why a Clean Driveway Matters
Driveways play an important role but are typically neglected. As the first part of your property that guests encounter, a driveway serves as a guide, both literally and visually, from the street to your home or business, setting the tone for the impression being formed. Visually, a dirty driveway can make your property appear dull and neglected. For homeowners, this can detract from the beauty of your home, hurting curb appeal and even lowering perceived value, particularly, if you are trying to sell. There is no way around it; driveway cleaning is an integral part of property maintenance. In addition to the usual dirt and grime that can accumulate on driveways, there are a couple very common problems which cause significant staining, and which can generally be remedied with the right methods.
Specialized Driveway Cleaning Services
Problem: Rust
Rust is the common name for iron oxide and is formed by the oxidation of iron or iron alloys. While there are many species of iron oxide, the most commonly encountered form (Fe2O3) results from the oxidation of iron in the presence of moist air, and is characterized by its distinct reddish-orange color. Rust on driveways and other hardscapes is typically deposited by irrigation systems, and well as rain runoff from gutters systems and iron-containing building materials such as metal roofs, HVAC systems, and even simple nails and screws. Since concrete driveways are especially porous, it can be exceedingly difficult (often impossible) to remove rust with pressure washing alone.
Solution: Oxalic acid
Oxalic acid is an organic acid that can be found naturally in a wide range of plants and fruits, such as cocoa, nuts, spinach, and sweet potatoes. When oxalic acid reacts with iron oxide, the reaction produces iron oxalate and water; since iron oxalate is a water-soluble salt, this reaction allows rust to simply be rinsed away. Multiple applications may be necessary, depending on have deeply embedded the rust has become, especially in concrete.
Safety: Rust removal
Oxalic acid is typically supplied in crystalline form, which is combined with water to produce an appropriate strength aqueous solution. While the products of the iron oxide and oxalic acid reaction are safe for the surrounding environment, pure oxalic acid is considered hazardous; it is critical that proper safety techniques and equipment be used to prevent eye and skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. When preparing an oxalic acid solution, it is important to consider the resulting concentration and ensure that the concentration is appropriate for the material being cleaned. For these reasons, it is recommended that a professional be hired for rust removal, as accidents can happen, especially with inexperienced handling of oxalic acid.
Problem: Oil Stains
An otherwise clean driveway can look terrible with big oil stains speckled across its surface. Vehicles use a range of oils to operate, whether it be engine oil, transmission oil, brake fluid, or bearing grease, a few drops is all it takes to spread out into an unsightly stain. Those who are do-it-yourself types have usually learned that containing oil while doing vehicle maintenance can be an acquired skill… oftentimes, leaving constant reminders of lessons learned, in the form of oil stains on the driveway. These stains can usually be cleaned with a great deal of success, if cleaned soon, using the proper equipment and techniques.
Solution: Degreaser
The process of degreasing involves complex chemical reactions to remove oil, grease, and petroleum products from organic materials. It requires a wide range of ingredients such as chelating agents, saponifiers, emulsifiers, inorganic acids, and more. Different degreasers have varying ingredients and some stains may require a targeted approach for successful removal. Although not all stains can be completely removed, nearly all can be made less noticeable.
Safety: Oily stain removal
We regularly use degreasers around the home (in cleaning dishes, for example), and as such, it can be tempting to assume that degreasers are generally safe; this could not be further from the truth. Industrial degreasers, which are typically needed for outdoor applications, must be applied carefully, and with restraint. Over-application can cause damaging runoff which can kill surrounding plants and pollute our waterways. Proper protective equipment should always be worn, as many degreasers can cause serious burns and even death if used irresponsibly. For these reasons, it is recommended that a professional be hired for oily stain removal.
To see how we can make your outdoor spaces look fantastic again, please do not hesitate to contact us! You will be surprised how much better your outdoor spaces will look after our professional services restore your hardscapes to like-new condition!
Walk Paths
Walk paths enable effective movement of foot traffic through a landscape, without impacting the landscape negatively. Anyone who expends significant effort on their lawn will immediately understand the value of reducing foot traffic directly over the grass (and some will be quite upset over people walking through the grass!); furthermore, those wearing heels or similar footwear certainly do not want to walk through a non-paved area. Walk paths are an essential component of an outdoor space, and as the part of the landscape which is closest to your guests (they are standing on it!), the appearance of your walk paths can make or break a landscape. What’s more, an unmaintained walk path with organic growth can become slippery when wet, causing unnecessary fall hazards, which can be costly to homeowners and businesses, alike. Clean walk paths can significantly enhance a landscape, while ensuring safe, effective passage through the landscape, and should always be maintained.
Porches and Decks
When a guest is waiting at your door, they have very little to do except observe the surrounding environment, which typically means the porch on which they are standing. Especially when enclosed, a porch is essential to the appearance of the home, enhancing the inviting nature of your home and setting the tone before welcoming guests inside. Outdoor spaces are great in the warmer months; don’t let clutter and caked pollen prevent you from enjoying the outdoor spaces around your home.
Pool Decks
Everyone loves a beautiful pool, but often the surrounding pool deck can detract from the appearance and safety of such a valuable asset. Since walking barefooted around a pool is expected, it only makes sense that the pool deck should be as clean as possible. Slipping hazards can easily occur on a pool deck if organic growth is allowed to accumulate, which is especially easy in such a frequently wetted environment. If you live in an area with frequent visits from the local geese, then you know that they love pools… and their, uh, waste, is not something you want to leave on your pool deck. Regularly cleaning a pool deck can ensure that it remains safe and pleasant for all to enjoy.
Pavers, Monuments and Fountains
Paver can provide a beautiful aesthetic to patios and walkways, while monuments and fountains are often the centerpiece of an outdoor space; however, all can quickly become dull and unattractive due to a buildup of dirt and grime. Because of the irregular shapes typical of such objects, it is especially important that they be carefully cleaned, with significant attention to detail, and without excessive force which could chip or otherwise damage these expensive decorative items. Fountains are especially prone to algae growth, which can quickly ruin their appeal.