My equipment and chemicals are on their way and I already have a few jobs lined up. The first one I have scheduled is a friend of mine and she wants her entire driveway/ walkway cleaned. I have attached pictures of the surface. How would you tackle this?
She has had bad experiences with pressure washers in the past hence she's sold on the soft washing method. Can this be done solely with soft washing? What steps should I follow?
Those steps lead to a 30" walkway with grass on either side; should I do anything specific there? I really appreciate the advice guys.
Best regards,
Paul
-- Edited by Paul Low Chew Tung on Thursday 23rd of April 2015 07:46:10 PM
I would apply a 3-4% solution. Let dwell for 15 minutes then power wash using my surface cleaner. This is the only way to get the best instant results. Soft washing will lighten it up but the power washing will remove the dead algae right away.
Bob Riddick said
Apr 24, 2015
This can be cleaned without power washing. Like Mike said, 3-4% solution, let it dwell then agitate with a soft bristle brush.
A little more work, but if your friend is anti power wash, this is your way around it.
Paul Low Chew Tung said
Apr 24, 2015
Thanks Mike and Bob, I will try without the pressure washer first and I'll whip out the surface cleaner if necessary. Will post after pics when completed.
Chad Eneix said
Apr 24, 2015
I would use the pressure washer first, but only if you have a surface cleaner, or maybe a turbo or "spinner" tip. The turbo is good for exposed aggregate, as it gets in all the nooks and crannies, but be careful if it starts to eat up the surface, and it will send debris flying everywhere. I would use the surface cleaner first, and resort to a turbo only if needed. Also, if you have a hot water machine, I think hot water always helps.
Then apply the SW chems. This will give the instant results, and no stripes. Also, the surface cleaner divides your pressure in half, and it is never concentrated in one spot for more than a fraction of a second. The reason I SW after the surface cleaning is that it does not spray the chems all over the place. A good medium stiff broom would help, too.
On the other hand, if you are pushing the green, low emissions, SW only idea, just ask your customer to be patient. Just let them know the results may not be immediate or perfect.
AC Lockyer said
Apr 26, 2015
Like Chad said sometimes you do have to MOW THE GRASS so to speak. This should be an easy one for you.
Hey guys,
My equipment and chemicals are on their way and I already have a few jobs lined up. The first one I have scheduled is a friend of mine and she wants her entire driveway/ walkway cleaned. I have attached pictures of the surface. How would you tackle this?
She has had bad experiences with pressure washers in the past hence she's sold on the soft washing method. Can this be done solely with soft washing? What steps should I follow?
Those steps lead to a 30" walkway with grass on either side; should I do anything specific there? I really appreciate the advice guys.
Best regards,
Paul
-- Edited by Paul Low Chew Tung on Thursday 23rd of April 2015 07:46:10 PM
This can be cleaned without power washing. Like Mike said, 3-4% solution, let it dwell then agitate with a soft bristle brush.
A little more work, but if your friend is anti power wash, this is your way around it.
Then apply the SW chems. This will give the instant results, and no stripes. Also, the surface cleaner divides your pressure in half, and it is never concentrated in one spot for more than a fraction of a second. The reason I SW after the surface cleaning is that it does not spray the chems all over the place. A good medium stiff broom would help, too.
On the other hand, if you are pushing the green, low emissions, SW only idea, just ask your customer to be patient. Just let them know the results may not be immediate or perfect.
AC