The beginning:

• The first step in the process is to develop an estimate or a proposal. 
• If the customer is available, we walk the proposed site with the customer to understand the area to be cleaned.  We take digital pictures of the site if required.
• We next measure each portion of the site and calculate the cost for the job.
• In the rare event that restoration chemicals are required, the customer is consulted for their permission to proceed or to address possible alternatives.  Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are provided to commercial accounts upon their request.
• The estimate is presented to the customer either in written or email form.
• If  we have concerns regarding a particular area, digital pictures are taken and provided to the customer, highlighting the condition of the property.
• Upon customer acceptance of the cost estimate, we set the start date for the scheduled work.

The middle:

• We begin at the highest point on the property and work downward with gravity assisting in our cleaning process.
• For large flat ground surface areas, we wet the surface with a low pressure wand of bleach with water and then change to the surface scrubber with just water for a streak free cleaning.  Under normal conditions, each square foot of the area to be cleaned is covered two or three times by the surface scrubber.  Next, the area is sprayed down with a medium pressure wand of water to remove all loose debris and grime.  The spray down is accomplished with a 40º fan shaped nozzle.
• For smaller areas, such as steps and curbs, we will use medium power pressure with an attachment which produces an intense cone of water.  When working very close to vegetation, we use our exclusively designed "Daisy Board” ™ to protect the vegetation from any damage.
• Trim work, such as around walkways, is cleaned using a 25º fan shaped nozzle with low to medium water pressure.

The end:

• Upon completion of work, we review the site with the customer for their acceptance.
• When the customer is satisfied with the job, we provide the bill or invoice as required.

Maintaining Results

Concrete and Stone Versus Mold and Algae 

Living in the South can be both great in the warmer winter months and terrible in the hotter summer months.  Many homeowners and condo-owners struggle to keep black and green mold and algae from growing on surfaces and coming back year after year.  There is a way to—if not win the war—win all of the little battles.  And best of all, combating the black and green stuff is relatively quick and inexpensive. 

 

It is not enough to pressure wash away mold and algae—you need to kill it first.  The mold and algae spores are deep in the porous concrete and brick, not just on top of the surfaces.  The best time to kill the mold and algae is once in early Spring and again in mid Fall, however, you can kill the spores at any time before pressure washing.

 

The answer to the question of how to is Bleach. Yes, Bleach. When applied properly, a bleach and water mixture is the best way to kill the billions of spores.  We use the Clorox^Ò Industrial Strength Bleach that you can find at places like Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers.  The bleach is more concentrated than the bleach you find in the grocery stores which can save you a little money.  Most homeowners will find that three gallons, or two containers, will suit their needs just fine.

 

You will generally be dealing with two sizes of surface areas.  Big areas like driveways and patios, and smaller areas like walkways.  Let’s address the smaller areas first. 

 

Smaller areas can be treated with a 2-½ gallon, pump type insecticide/deck sprayer.  After trying many manufacturers, we recommend the “Yard Plus Lawn & Garden SprayerÔ” unit from Ortho^Ò for under $20.00.  It comes with three different nozzles in the box: use the yellow nozzle.  After putting the sprayer together, place two cups of bleach in the sprayer and fill the sprayer to the 2-½ gallon mark with water.  Close the sprayer and start pumping the handle until you feel resistance.  With the sprayer in one hand and the magic wand in the other, start applying the bleach mixture to small areas such as the left and right sides of walkways next to grass or planting areas.  Do the same thing for the concrete or brick driveway’s left and right sides.  Don’t get carried away—keep the mixture away from grass and plants or cover plants as needed.  If a little gets on the grass, the bleach mixture should evaporate before entering the root system.

 

The bleach and water mixture requires about 20 minutes to kill the mold and algae.  You can see the results as the color may change to a light brown or gray. 

 

Bigger areas, like the driveways or the middle of walkways, can be treated with an attachment to your garden hose that mixes your bleach with water.  We recommend you find an Ortho^Ò “Dial’n SprayÔ” sprayer in the garden section of your favorite outdoor center.  Fill the sprayer with the full strength bleach and set the dial, regulating the flow of bleach, to 8 ounces per gallon of water.  You can expect to refill the sprayer 3 to 4 times on the average size driveway.

 

With the mold and algae now dead, you are ready for the final step of removing the brown or gray remains.  This can be accomplished with a high-pressure garden hose or better yet a pressure washer driven by a compressor of some type. 

 

Clorox^Ò and Ortho^Ò are registered trademarks.