Seal Concrete & Driveways to Prevent Winter Damage

Just like any other feature of your home, concrete and driveways need regular maintenance. To extend the life of your concrete, you should follow a routine schedule that includes power washing, sealer application, and expansion joint sealing. Fall is an ideal time to clean and seal your concrete walkways, driveway, patio, pool deck, and porch in preparation for the harsh Winter elements. 

Concrete is a porous material that allows it to absorb water, which becomes an issue once temperatures dip below freezing. Water expands by approximately 9-percent when it freezes, therefore any water trapped inside the concrete produces pressure as expansion occurs. Repeated freezing and thawing eventually cause the cavities to rupture, resulting in cracking, chipping, scaling, and pitting.

The problem is accelerated during Winter as car and foot traffic bring salt and de-icing agents onto the concrete and driveway. Salt is water absorbent, so it traps even more moisture into the concrete. The acidic properties of salt also weaken the chemical bonds that hold concrete together. 

Another potential issue to inspect and prevent is the deterioration of the expansion joints. The expansion joints are the spaces between concrete slabs filled with some kind of material. When the caulk, self-leveling sand, or other fill materials break down and disappear, the joints become filled with weeds, grass, and water. If the fill material has failed, then water and moisture will fill and freeze in the joints and under the slabs. Water getting underneath the slabs disrupts the soil, freezes, and extensive movement and cracking leaves the slabs uneven. 

Eventually, all of the damage will require expensive repairs. Concrete is not lifetime guaranteed by any means, but having it cleaned, sealed, and repaired regularly can greatly extend it's life and improve appearance.

Low-Pressure, Steam Power Washing vs High-Pressure Washing

Why should you choose low-pressure, steam power washing over regular pressure washing?
As an experienced power washing professional, I often hear people say they don't need my services, because "I have my own pressure washer at home." So, what is the difference between low-pressure, steam power washing and regular pressure washing?
Power washing is the process of removing dirt, mildew, mold, debris and other sticky substances that could potentially be hazardous to your health, damaging to your home and property, or simply an eyesore. Power washing uses a steady, pressurized flow of hot water to clean the surface with the added element of steam. The addition of heat and steam allows surfaces to be cleaned at lower pressure, and results in less potential for damage. Power washing is safer and more effective for:
Cleaning vinyl, aluminum or wood siding
Getting rid of mold and mildew
Brightening your deck or patio
Refreshing your driveway or walkway
Removing debris and black streaks from gutters and awnings

Pressure washing is the application of high-pressure water to a surface in order to remove dirt, mildew or other stubborn residue. Water from a pressure washer comes out of a specially-designed pump that is 100 times more powerful than a garden hose. Oftentimes, pressure washing is done with cold water.

Power washing your home can protect you and your family from harmful mold and other dirt that could trigger allergic reactions. The benefits of power washing are in the high temperature, heated water that can more easily, safely, and efficiently break down contaminants than regular, cold water alone.

Exterior Spring Cleaning for Home & Deck

Exterior Spring Cleaning for Home & Deck

For the House

Cleaning the actual structure of your house will immediately improve its appearance and remove corrosive elements.

• Gutters: Cleaning out rain gutters is often a Fall checklist chore, but checking them again in the spring will ensure that no debris has clogged them during storms. Brush clean outside of gutters to remove black steaks and stains.
• Siding: Pressure wash the siding of your home to remove dirt. A low pressure, steam wash is most effective for safely removing mold and dirt. The high temperature can kill mold spores and extend the time between cleanings.
• Roof: Remove limbs and debris. Steam clean to remove mold that eats away the grit and decreases the life of the shingles.
• Windows: Washing windows and screens will give you a clear view.

For the Deck & Yard

Whether you have a deck or patio, a few simple cleaning chores can have it ready for fun gatherings or just relaxing.

• Flooring: If you have a wood deck, inspect the wood for signs of rot or decay and make repairs as necessary. Steam clean the wood surfaces, and apply stain with sealant. For concrete patios and walkways, check for chips or cracks that need repair, and power wash away any stains. Apply sealer to protect from the elements.
• Furniture: If your patio furniture has been out in the weather all winter, it will need to be scrubbed clean. If it has been stored instead, now is the time to brush it off and return it to the patio or deck.
• Fence: If you have a wood fence, inspect the wood for signs of rot or decay and make repairs as necessary. Steam clean the wood surfaces, and apply stain with sealant. For vinyl fencing, power wash to remove dirt and stains.
• Driveways: For concrete or asphalt driveways, check for chips or cracks that need repair, and power wash away any stains. Apply sealer to protect from the elements.

Fall checklist to prepare for Winter

Before the Fall season disappears into severe snow and ice weather, you need to prepare your exteriors for the long Winter months ahead. Accomplish these tasks this Fall before it’s too late.
1. Clean and stain your deck. A professional low pressure, steam clean and stain application will help your deck survive another season of snow and ice. Deck cleaning and deck staining is one of our most popular maintenance services.
2. Caulk around windows and doors. Check the joints in window and door frames. If the gaps between siding and window or door frames are bigger than the width of a nickel, you need to reapply exterior caulk.
3. Clean out the gutters. If your gutters are full of debris, water can back up against the house and damage roofing, siding and wood trim. Also, it may cause leaks and ice dams. Inspect for missing or damaged gutters, soffits, and fascia boards and repair them. Installing gutter guards is ideal to prevent and deter future build up.

Outdoor Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home

With the weather warming up, you are likely eager to get outside and enjoy your outdoor areas. After the winter months, you may see some damage to your home, deck, concrete, roof or some areas that need special attention. If you can't tackle your checklist alone, hire a professional to help complete projects. Here are ideas for outdoor spring cleaning:

Wash the house.  If you do not wash your home’s exterior regularly, mold, mildew, dirt, and many other contaminants can become embedded in your home’s siding. In addition to the negative impact this has on your home’s beauty and curb appeal, it will also quickly destroy your home’s exterior. Professional power washing can offer a low pressure, high heat steam clean that will far surpass the capabilities of the typical cold water pressure washer.

Check your gutters. From the late fall through the winter months, falling leaves, twigs and other debris can clog your gutters and prevent them from moving water away from your home. Having clogged gutters can even be responsible for roof leaks and basement water damage. Cleaning your gutters on a regular basis is the best way to prevent damage to your home and yard.

Get your deck ready for summer fun. Wood, stone and composite decks can harbor mold and mildew that begins to grow as soon as spring and summer heat arrives. Save yourself some time and have your deck professionally cleaned, so that you are ready to set up your patio furniture. Choosing the right service is based on the condition of your deck and whether you plan to stain it. Staining is necessary to protect the surface from weather, foot and paw traffic, mold or mildew, and other residue.

Get your driveway sealed. Winter de-icing and other contaminants can cause cracking and chipping that become quickly become irreversible damages. Driveways and other walkways should be power washed and sealed annually to reduce further cracking or chipping.

The Advantages of Deck Maintenance Professionals

The Advantages of Deck Maintenance Professionals 

As the site of countless backyard barbecues, neighborhood get-togethers and other outdoor shindigs, your deck is quite the hotspot throughout the fall, spring, and summer months. Unfortunately, harsh weather conditions and excessive use can leave your deck looking filthy and rundown. This where deck maintenance professionals come in. To keep your deck in prime condition year-round, enlist the aid of these seasoned deck-care experts.

Mold and Mildew Prevention

If your deck has accumulated a fair amount of dirt, mud, and assorted grime, it runs the risk of developing mold or mildew. Luckily, you can nip this problem in the bud by having the deck power washed each year. Not only will periodic power washes curb the formation of mold and mildew, they’ll leave your deck looking like new.  

Water Damage Protection

If you live in an area prone to heavy snow or rainfall, your deck is at significant risk for water damage. Severe water damage stands to leave the newest deck looking old and worn. With this in mind, make a point of having your deck sealed or stained annually. This will prevent moisture from penetrating the wood and help the deck maintain a youthful appearance. Anyone looking for fast, affordable deck staining in St. Louis is urged to call X-Stream Power Wash and Paint.   

Personal Safety

Severe splinters are a cause of concern throughout the spring and summer months, when bare feet are in abundant supply. To ensure that your family, friends and neighbors remain splinter-free, have the deck professionally sanded at the beginning of each spring.   

In the face of extreme weather and messy houseguests, keeping your deck in top form may seem like an uphill battle. However, with a crack team of maintenance professionals in your corner, you should have no trouble preserving your deck for the foreseeable future. 

How Industrial Companies Can Benefit From Purchasing Their Own Industrial Pressure Washing Equipment

When it comes to removing lose dirt, debris, paint, mold, or grime, pressure washers are invaluable tools. In addition to being used to clean vehicles, home exteriors, and more, pressure washers are widely used in the industrial space. Given how dirty industrial settings can get, this seems only fitting. Manufacturing plants, construction sites and warehouses all stand to benefit from the presence of industrial pressure washing equipment.  

Safer Surfaces

If you work in a refinery or on a drilling site, you’re no stranger to slick surfaces. Even with heavy-duty boots, safely navigating surfaces that are consistently teeming with oil can be a risky venture. However, with the aid of Hydro Tek pressure washers, you can effectively wash away caked-on oil and make your workplace’s surfaces considerably safer.  

Cleaner Vehicles

Construction vehicles have a propensity for getting very dirty very quickly. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a crane, bulldozer, or equipment transport truck that doesn’t sport a layer of filth. Not only can caked-on dirt gradually eat away at paint, it can also reduce the life spans of key vehicle components. To combat these issues, the vehicles should be sprayed down with a pressure washer every few days.

Saved Money

Instead of purchasing their own pressure washing equipment, many businesses hire outside companies to tend to their power washing needs. Unfortunately, doing this with great regularity can cost your business quite a bit of money. By purchasing industrial pressure washing equipment and teaching people within your organization how to use it, you stand to save a substantial sum in the long term.   

If you’re tired of working in a place that’s constantly caked in filth, look into purchasing power washing equipment. No matter how dirty your workplace gets, an industrial pressure washer can have it sparkly-clean in a timely manner.