A driveway is an essential part of any commercial or residential building. It gives guests a good feeling and a welcoming atmosphere. For these reasons, whether residential or commercial, the driveway requires maintenance to keep it clean and presentable. At Nashville Soft Wash Pros, a pressure washing company in Nashville, we’ve had our fair share of driveway cleaning and have successfully done it for many years. Before we jump into some of the common types of driveways and how to clean them, let’s look at why you should clean your driveway.
Why should you clean your driveway?
Having a clean driveway is important for multiple reasons and some of them might surprise you. For starters, a clean driveway improves the overall appearance of your home and will definitely turn some heads because of the curb appeal. Another reason is to maintain the longevity of your driveway. If left unattended for too long, you’ll end up having to make expensive repairs in the future. Not only that, your driveway will start to become a safety hazard and could lead to other unwanted problems. Cleaning your driveway also reduces the growth of weeds in your home, which means less maintenance that needs to be done. This last reason might surprise you and will come in handy should you decide to sell your home. Having a clean driveway increases the property value of your home and could lead to more sales.
The Common Types of Driveways
Concrete
Concrete is the most common material used to make driveways. They’re highly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions with little to no effect. Concrete driveways are very versatile, low-maintenance, and affordable compared to other materials such as brick and gravel. Despite all of the benefits of having a concrete driveway, it’s important to note that due to its light color, dirt and stains are highly visible and can be an eyesore to look at. Luckily, cleaning it is an easy fix. One of the common methods of cleaning concrete driveways is by using simple dishwashing detergent and water and scrubbing it with a stiff nylon brush. You can also use different cleaners like household bleach and muriatic acid.
Asphalt
Asphalt is another popular option for driveway construction. It looks cleaner and more appealing because of its striking black color. On asphalt surfaces, dirt and stains are less visible in comparison to concrete driveways. Asphalt installation is not only simple but also more affordable compared to other materials. However, regular maintenance is necessary to keep it in good shape. An asphalt sealer can be used to provide additional security. To prevent further harm, cracks and holes should be fixed up as a way. Additionally, carefully verify the cleaner’s contents before using it on an asphalt driveway because some of them may harm the surface.
Brick
Many will opt for a brick driveway versus a concrete or asphalt driveway because of how amazing it looks. It has a vintage appeal that goes well with homes that have a classic appearance. It’s very unique and brings out an amazing aesthetic to your home. Despite this, installing a brick driveway must be done properly and with care. If not, it’ll be susceptible to damage. Before you start cleaning, we recommend that you sweep or brush off the surface of any debris and dust. An efficient cleaning solution can be made by dissolving one part oxygenated bleach in three parts water. Brick driveways shouldn’t be cleaned with too much pressure, potent chemicals, or hard bristles brushes because doing so could result in further damage.
Cobblestone
If you’re looking for a vintage look to your driveway that isn’t made of bricks, then you might be interested in using cobblestone. They have a striking appearance and add an amazing curb appeal to your home. The only problem with it is that it has a higher price tag than bricks. In terms of cleaning it, you’d want to be very thorough and regularly maintain it. Dirt and grime can get trapped in the pores of the stone, so a stiff brush with some cleaning solution will do the trick. Just make sure you put in some extra effort when scrubbing. You can also use a pressure washer as well if you need to.
Gravel
Gravel driveways are a great choice for those that live in the countryside. It adds curb appeal to your home and offers a lot of space.It’s also easy to install by placing a brick or piece of wood as a barrier before pouring the gravel into the area. However, gravel is not as long-lasting as the other materials mentioned above. Because it is a loose substance, you lose a lot of it over time, resulting in repairs or replacement. Routine raking is also enough for its regular maintenance. However, due to the barrier, the gravel driveway may be prone to flooding.
Are you ready to clean your driveway?
There’s no need to search far and wide for sidewalk pressure washing services. If the walkway outside of your home or office is caked in dirt, call on Nashville Soft Wash Pros. Need us to clean up your dirty sidewalk and patio too? We’ve got you covered. We’ll get your concrete spotless in no time.
Call us today at 615-510-1852 to schedule an appointment or you can email us at nashvillesoftwashpros@gmail.com