Residential driveways are one of the most heavily trafficked areas on any property. This means they accumulate a lot of blemishes over the years. Aside from being unsightly, dirt build-up can be a slip hazard for any family members or guests. Having your concrete surfaces professionally cleaned using HD House Wash’s low pressure cleaning process and application of a mould inhibitor will ensure they are safe to use for years to come.
Dirt & Stains
If your driveway is subject to oil spills, mud or dirt build-up, prompt cleaning can keep these issues from becoming unsightly and prevent surface deterioration. Concrete and asphalt driveways require slightly different methods of cleaning, but both can be cleaned with a pressure washer, powdered dish detergent, a stiff-bristled brush, and elbow grease.
For stains caused by automotive fluids (motor oil, brake fluid, and gasoline), start by covering the stain with an absorbent material like clay-based kitty litter. Allow it to soak for a few hours before scooping up the litter and sweeping the area. If any residue remains, try making a “poultice” by mixing an absorbent material such as kitty litter or newspaper with a strong solvent, such as acetone or paint thinner. This will dissolve and draw out the oil, lightening the stain.
Mold and mildew can leave dark, splotchy stains on the surface of concrete. These can be removed by scrubbing with a solution of bleach and water (1 cup of bleach per gallon of water). You can also use store-bought mold-killing detergent, though it may not be as effective.
Mould & Algae
Due to New Zealand’s damp climate driveways, paths and patio areas can build up moss, mould and algae making them slippery and unsightly. Having these areas professionally cleaned will make them safer to use and can improve the kerb appeal of your property.
Black spots that appear on a concrete driveway, brick path or paving stone patio might look like algae but it’s more likely to be a mold problem. Unlike algae, which is plant-like, mold is a fungus that produces spores in damp, dark, poorly ventilated areas. Mold spores are very dangerous for people and pets as they can cause various health problems ranging from skin irritation, itchy eyes and throat, runny nose and sinus congestion to asthma attacks and aggravated allergies.
Mould and algae can be removed from outdoor surfaces with a power washer, broom or scrub brush. It’s also helpful to expose the area to sunlight and dry it as much as possible to limit the spread of spores. A product such as ChemShop’s Splash and Dash Moss, Mould, Lichen and Algae Remover is also effective in eliminating these unsightly growths.
Slippery Surfaces
Your driveway is one of the most exposed areas of your property. It is also a key aesthetic element for your home. Unfortunately, certain weather conditions can cause the surface to become dangerously slippery.
Green algae, mold, mildew and lichen are often the culprits. They grow best in shady or moist areas and are often found on outdoor fabrics, decks, awnings and exterior siding. This ugly, slimy growth stains surfaces with an ugly dark to bright green color and can create a very slippery surface to walk on.
Whether your driveway is resin-bound or bonded, it can be made safer with the application of a non-slip coating. Slippery surfaces are one of the most common reasons people suffer injuries on someone else’s property. Premises liability cases stem from incidents such as slipping on slippery surfaces. A non-slip treatment will increase the traction of your driveway making it easier to walk on and more resilient against car tyres and foot traffic.
Aesthetics
As one of the most heavily used parts of a property, driveways get put through a lot of punishment over their lifetime. With the right cleaning methods a concrete or block paving Bishop Auckland driveway cleaning can be restored back to its original glory.
A dirty, stained or mossy looking driveway is not only unsightly but can be dangerous for people of any age to walk on. Due to New Zealand’s damp climate these surfaces can often become slippery from the build up of moss, mould and algae. This makes having these areas cleaned essential for both safety and kerb appeal.
Many householders own power washers but this can damage tarmac and other sensitive surfaces if the pressure isn’t correctly adjusted. A professional exterior water blasting company will use non-potable water and chemical treatments to clean these delicate areas without harming them. This is especially important for if you’re thinking of selling your home as this service can really make the difference when it comes to first impressions of potential buyers.