Tampa’s hot and humid climate is a pure blessing bestowed by nature. It gets humid during summer and a little chilly during winter. This subtropical climate, however, attracts mold, algae, and mildew, especially to our well-maintained pavers. Sandy soil, rain, and intense sunlight also cause grime and dirt to build up on your driveways or patios. Worse, if you’re living near Tampa Bay, your pavers are more exposed to saltwater, leaving behind a white residue that contributes to deterioration. Isn’t that troublesome? Indeed, it is. But with proper equipment and knowledge, no solution is elusive – especially with the use of Power Washers.
For stunning patios and driveways, trust Paver Company Tampa—call now!
DIY Power Wash or Let Others Do the Pressure Washing?
Knowing the benefits of using a power washer when cleansing your floors is just the tip of the iceberg. There are other things to consider: will you do it yourself or pay for professional services? Either way, here are some things to bear in mind:
- Material: There are different types of paver. There’s concrete, clay, bricks, and natural stones like travertine. Depending on the make and material, each has its own proper way of maintaining. In so saying, it is important to understand the specific material to know which solution and spray gun setting to use.
- Severity of Stain: There is light stain and stubborn stain. For lighter ones that can be easily removed, you can pressure wash them yourself. However, for heavy and stubborn stains, it might be better to call in the pros, as they know the proper method and have the right tools to do the job.
- DIY vs. For Hires: Do-It-Yourself is a budget-friendly option if you don’t mind doing the work yourself. However, if you don’t have a machine at home, you may need to rent one from your local hardware. Meanwhile, if you need to clean a big area or you’re dealing with heavily stained pavers, a professional cleaner can help efficiently clean your floor at a cost.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Paver Power Wash
Advantages:
- Effective: Easily removes mold, dirt, grime, mildew, and any other blemishes, leaving your pavers looking good.
- Prolonged Paver Lifespan: As power units remove harmful elements, they increase the longevity of your pavers, saving some extra cash for possible replacements in the future.
- Time Saver: When using a jet washer, cut down the time needed to spend cleaning. With it, you don’t have to spend a long time brushing the floor over and over again.
Disadvantages
- Damage Due to Improper Settings: Using a spraying gun with incorrect adjustments may cause problems. Most will be too powerful and damage your concrete. So, when dealing with delicate paver materials such as clay, a lower-pressure setting will do.
- Sand Blasts: High-pressure washers can blast away sand from between pavers. Because of this, there’s a need to re-sand more often, making maintenance costs more expensive.
- Persistent Dirt: Have you watched YouTube videos of power washers magically removing dirt and blots? Those are true and really satisfying to watch. However, keep in mind that not all staining are the same. Some are easily removed, while some are stubborn and cannot be removed by high-pressure cleaning alone. For this kind of stain, professionals use different mixtures and methods to effectively remove the stain without damaging the surface.
- Unintended Consequences: Using a high-pressure washer might cause disturbance to nearby surroundings, especially to plants and other landscaping.
How You Can Maintain Flawless Pavers With Pressure Washer
Tampa has so much to offer, and we Tampans are more than happy to embrace all of it! Our love for the outdoors is reflected in our extended living spaces like patios, decks, and functional driveways. Having spent so much time and money on it, here’s how high-pressure cleaning can make our lifestyle even more exhilarating:
- Periodic Cleaning: During the rainy season, Tampa’s patio pavers are left with layers of dirt and mold. With the help of a high-pressure cleaning unit you can easily tackle the buildup of harmful elements rather than having to clean it with your hands.
- Party-Ready Pavers: Tampa Bay is beaming with endless partying and festivals. With this in mind, power washing is a great solution to maintain the pristineness of your backyard and other outdoor spaces.
Professional Concrete Pavers Cleaning
It’s not easy to clean Tampa’s old houses and structures dating back decades using high-pressure spray. Older houses have flagstones and cobblestones laid using traditional patterns like basketweave and herringbone with intricate designs that could be difficult for you to handle yourself. If you don’t know how to properly use a power spray unit, we strongly suggest not pressure washing unless you are certain there is no other way. You wouldn’t want to damage those old paving because of the incorrect use of a power washer, would you? In this case, it is best to let experts handle it. Local experts in Tampa understand the delicate nature of this job plus the historical value of materials that comes along with it.
For safe and effective washing, below are the additional benefits of hiring a Tampa concrete expert for your washing requirements:
- Local Experts: They know the unique challenges posed by Tampa's climate, soil types, and various paver materials.
- Equipment Proficiency: They use professional-grade power spray unit with adjustable settings tailored for pavers.
- Prioritizing Safety: Professionals follow strict safety protocols during high-pressure cleaning to protect themselves and your property.
- Expertise: They recognize the importance of re-sanding after washing to maintain the pavers' stability and durability.
- Sealing Options: Many companies offer comprehensive services, including both power washing and paver sealing, making it convenient to keep your outdoor area in top condition.
Considering Costs: Budget-Friendly Solution
Whether you opt for Do-It-Yourself projects or professional services, understanding the costs involved is essential:
DIY
- Renting a unit: Approximately $90 to $110 per day
- Cleansing solutions: Around $15 to $40
- Protective gear (goggles, gloves): Approximately $25
Professional Power Cleaning
Hourly rate or project-based quote (varies based on size and complexity).
While DIY may appear cheaper upfront, it's important to consider the potential risks. Incorrect methods could lead to costly repairs later. Hiring a professional not only saves time and money but also ensures the job is done right.
