With all the rain and wind we’ve been having lately, our sidewalks here in Southwest Florida look pretty messy. They are covered in leaves, grass cuttings, dirt and worst of all slippery algae from the moisture. That dirty section of sidewalk, whether it is the pathway up to your home’s front door, or the sidewalk in front of your business is ruining your curb appeal, and is a slip and fall hazard if there’s algae. That’s why Under Pressure Cleaning & Sealing Services wants to explain why pressure washing is the best way to maintain the sidewalks outside your home or business in Southwest Florida.

What makes pressure washing so effective on sidewalks?

The rough surface of concrete makes it a magnet for dirt, oil, and grime. Due to the porous nature of concrete, these substances seep into the concrete and form stains that are difficult to remove. Using soap and water just attacks the outer surface layer stain. Using chemical cleaners can get the job done, but these harsh chemicals can jeopardize the environment or be a hazard to pets and children. The answer is pressure washing. The force of the water penetrates into the crevices and grooves of the concrete, eliminating those deep-set stains. The force of the water breaks the chemical bonds that keep gritty particles stuck to substrates in the cement. At Under Pressure, we use a special tool known as a surface cleaner to clean driveways and sidewalks. The most important trick to pressure washing a sidewalk is applying a consistent amount of spray throughout the entire process, to prevent any missed spots or “tiger stripes,” which are streaks that can develop due to runoff. That is a mistake often made by DIYers and untrained pressure washers.

Why is a clean sidewalk so important?

Aesthetics: For one thing, clean sidewalks increase the curb appeal of your home or business—making it look more enticing to potential buyers if the property is on the market. If you’ve got dingy sidewalks outside your business, think about the message that sends to prospective employees and customers.

Durability: Keeping concrete clean also helps it last longer. Specifically, regular cleaning cuts down on erosion, which wears away your concrete over time. Erosion is inevitable, but if you fail to keep your concrete sidewalks clean, the process of erosion accelerates. This can lead to crumbling and holes, making your sidewalk a potential hazard as well and leading to the next benefit of maintaining clean sidewalks.

Safety: If someone slips and falls on the sidewalk outside your property, you as the property owner could be held liable. That might mean paying medical bills or even legal action. Weeds and grass also can accumulate on your sidewalks, and these organic substances can be quite slippery if they become wet. That adds to the hazardous potential of your sidewalk, especially if it is already experiencing accelerated erosion.

Happiness: Yes, really! Maintaining clean sidewalks helps maintain a clean and organized home, which helps to reduce anxiety and stress, according to many medical experts, such as those cited in this article for Prevention. We believe this same principle can be extended to the exterior of your home. Having a clean, well-kept home inside and out makes your dwelling a place of comfort and a haven from the troubles of the world. And by trusting professionals to pressure wash your sidewalks, you can have peace of mind knowing the job is being done thoroughly.