What to Consider Before Power Washing Brick Patio?
If you’re thinking about power washing brick patio, there are a few things you need to consider first. For example, you need to make sure the patio is free of debris and that the water pressure is set to the right level. If you don’t take these steps, you could end up damaging your patio.
To power wash a brick patio, you will need:
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- A pressure washer
- Patio cleaner
- Chlorine bleach (optional)
Power Washing Brick Patio
- Start by putting on your safety goggles and gloves.
- Next, mix a gallon of patio cleaner with 2 gallons of hot water in your pressure washer’s tank.
- Add 1/2 cup of chlorine bleach (optional) if the patio is very dirty.
- Turn on the pressure washer and spray the mixture onto the patio.
- Be sure to keep the nozzle at least 18 inches away from the surface while spraying.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off with the pressure washer.
- Rinse until all the cleaner has been removed and dry the patio with a cloth or broom.
There are a few things to consider before power washing a brick patio:
The age of the bricks:
If the bricks are old, they may not be able to withstand the high pressure of the water. In this case, it’s best to use a lower pressure setting or hire a professional to power wash your patio.
The type of mortar used:
If the bricks are held together with a weaker type of mortar, they may be more likely to break apart during power washing. In this case, it’s best to use a lower pressure setting or hire a professional to power wash your patio.
The amount of dirt and debris on the patio:
If the patio is very dirty, you may need to pre-treat it with a patio cleaner or chlorine bleach solution.
The water pressure setting on the pressure washer:
Be sure to set the pressure washer to the proper setting. If the pressure is too high, it could damage the bricks. Conversely, if the pressure is too low, it won’t be effective at cleaning the patio.
The distance of the nozzle from the surface:
Keep the nozzle at least 18 inches away from the surface to avoid damaging the bricks.
Power washing a brick patio can have both positive and negative effects.
On the positive side, power washing can remove built-up dirt and debris, restore the color of the bricks, and make the patio look new again. On the negative side, power washing can damage the bricks if it’s not done correctly.
Here are a few tips for maintaining a brick patio:
- Sweep the patio regularly to remove dirt and debris.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on the bricks.
- Seal the bricks every few years to protect them from weathering and staining.
- Repair any cracks or chips in the bricks as soon as possible.
- Don’t allow plants to grow too close to the bricks.
To avoid damaging your patio, be sure to follow the tips above. And if you’re not sure how to power wash a brick patio correctly, it’s best to hire a professional. By following these tips, you can keep your brick patio looking its best for years to come.
Moore’s Pressure Washing
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=15807426333973800125
(865) 205-2751
https://moorespressurewash.com/
