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Driveway Appeal

Driveway dirt and stains can sabotage your home's curb appeal and make it appear dingy, unkempt, and unpresentable. Driveways are exposed to harsh, punishing natural elements day and night, all year round. Pressure washing is an excellent way to make driveway cleaning easier, quicker, and more effective, but pressure washing is not an ideal do-it-yourself job. When handled the wrong way, driveway cleaning can cause damage to properties or worse, injuries to DIYers and inexperienced pressure washing contractors. Not all surfaces need to be pressure washed and different surfaces require different approaches.

Define Your Driveway

Different driveways require different cleaning methods and different chemical cleaners for maximum effectiveness so it's important to define your driveway type before attempting to clean. Driveways come in all shapes and sizes but the most important consideration when it comes to driveway cleaning is what material is the driveway constructed of:

Brick Driveways

Although not as economical as concrete and asphalt as surface materials for driveways, many opt for brick driveways for their aesthetic value. It gives a classic appeal that may complement many homes or business buildings. It is better to sweep or brush off the surface of any dirt and dust first before proceeding to the main cleaning process. Too much pressure, strong chemicals, or a hard-bristled brush should not be used in cleaning brick driveway as it may bring more damage.

Concrete Driveways

Concrete is the most common type of material used in driveways. Concrete is durable and can withstand weight, pressure, and scratches. A concrete driveway is also architecturally versatile and can complement any type of building from traditional and rustic, to modern and contemporary. Concrete is also more economical compared to other surface materials and is low-maintenance. However, since concrete is usually light-colored, dirt and stains can be very visible on them and driveways are exposed to especially challenging dirt and stains like automobile-related leaks and spills, and paint and rust stains.

Asphalt Driveways

Another common material for driveways is asphalt. Its vibrant black appearance makes it presentable and clean and, unlike concrete dirt and stains are not as visible on asphalt surfaces. Installation is not only easy, but it is even more affordable as compared to other surface materials. But keep in mind, that more maintenance will need to be done to keep it in good condition. Asphalt sealer can provide additional protection, but cracks and holes in asphalt should be patched up immediately to avoid further damage, also be aware that some cleaning chemicals can cause damage to asphalt surfaces.

Cobblestone Driveways

Cobblestones give a distinctive, classic look similar to bricks, but cobblestones are more expensive. Dirt and grime can nestle in the pores of the stone, thus, it needs regular maintenance. High psi professional pressure washing is the best way to penetrate those pores and reach deep-seated dirt.

Gravel Driveways

Gravel driveways are not as durable and long-lasting compared to the materials mentioned above. Since it is a loose substance, you lose a lot over time, requiring you to replace it often. Regular raking is enough for its maintenance, because of the barrier necessary to contain the gravel, gravel driveways can be prone to flooding. Other driveways that use similar loose materials are dirt driveways, crushed stone, and basalt driveways.

Driveway Cleaning Tips

Your driveway is a major focal point of your total curb appeal picture and keeping your driveway clean and spotless can pay off in higher property values, increased sales prices, and faster sales and rentals. Hiring a professional is a fast and cost-efficient answer to driveway care but if you're a dedicated DIYer, we've got a few helpful tips for you:

• Be sure that the area is clear and plant life is protected to avoid accidents or any damage.
• Always test a treatment first. Not all driveways are the same. A cleaning agent or chemical that is effective on one surface can be damaging to others. Because of this, it is advised to try a cleaning agent in a hidden or less visible area first before applying it to the whole surface.
• Brush off excess dirt.
• Remove stains. Oil and grease stains, rust, molds, and mildew need to be removed using appropriate cleaning solutions.
• Scrub and wash. Depending on the type of surface, you can choose between a soft-bristled and a stiff-bristled brush. Give extra attention and effort to tough stains and dirt.
• Rinse.

Driveway appeal is curb appeal, and properly maintaining a clean, spotless driveway requires knowledge, work, and dedication. Call Near Tech Pressure Washing & Window Cleaning Services OKC at 405-265-6744 and let our driveway cleaning knowledge, expertise, and determination maximize your OKC area property's driveway appeal and ease your mind.