Concrete is the one place where real pressure washing belongs. It's hard, it can take the force, and after a few years of Statesville weather it usually needs it. Mildew turns shaded slabs dark, red clay settles into the surface, and tire marks and drips build up near the garage.
This service covers driveways, sidewalks, walkways, patios, pool decks and paver surfaces around Statesville and the surrounding area.
Why driveways get so dirty here
A few local things work against your concrete:
- Red clay. Every rain and every muddy shoe or tire tracks clay onto the driveway. Over time it soaks into the surface and leaves an orange or reddish cast.
- Shade and humidity. Concrete under trees or along the north side of a house stays damp, and dark mildew and algae grow on it. It can also get slick.
- Pine pollen. Spring pollen settles into the pores of the concrete and feeds growth later in the season.
- Rust and oil. Rust comes from fertilizer pellets, irrigation water and metal furniture. Oil and fluid drips come from cars.
How pressure washing in Statesville is done right
Pre-treatment
The technician starts by treating the surface with a cleaning solution suited to what's on it. For mildew and algae, that's a bleach-based mix. Oil spots get a degreaser.
Surface cleaner
Instead of sweeping a narrow wand back and forth, the crew uses a rotary surface cleaner. It's a round deck with spinning nozzles inside that runs flat across the concrete. The result is an even clean without the zebra stripes and swirl marks you often see after a do-it-yourself job.
Edges and detail work
Edges, steps, corners and the area along the garage door get cleaned with a wand at a controlled distance, so the edges match the rest of the slab.
Post-treatment
After the main cleaning, the crew applies a light post-treatment to the concrete. It kills any remaining mildew spores so the surface stays cleaner longer, then they rinse everything off, including nearby siding, walls and plants.
A typical two-car driveway takes about one to two hours. Add sidewalks, a front walk and a back patio and you're usually looking at half a day or less.
Stains: what comes out and what might not
We'll be straight with you about stains.
- Mildew, algae and general dirt come out reliably.
- Red clay usually lightens a lot. Clay that has sat in the concrete for years may leave a faint shadow.
- Rust often needs a separate rust remover, which the crew can apply. Most rust stains come out well with it.
- Oil and fluid stains lighten with degreaser, but older stains that have soaked deep into the concrete may not disappear completely.
If there's a specific stain you care about, point it out when you call (980) 223-3324 and you'll get an honest answer on what to expect.
Pavers and pool decks
Pavers need a lighter touch than poured concrete. Too much pressure blasts the joint sand out from between the stones, and then weeds and shifting follow. Pavers should be cleaned carefully, and the crew can re-sand joints if needed.
Pool decks often have a coated or textured finish. The crew adjusts pressure and cleaning solutions to the surface and takes care around the pool itself.
Sealing concrete and pavers
Once concrete or pavers are clean and dry, sealing is a good option. A sealer helps keep red clay, oil and mildew from soaking in, which makes future cleaning easier. On pavers, a joint-stabilizing sealer also helps hold the sand in place. Our concrete and paver sealing page covers how it works. Sealing is quoted on site, since the price depends on the surface, its size and the product.
Combine with other services
A clean driveway makes a dirty house look worse, and the other way around. Many homeowners book driveway cleaning along with house washing on the same day. If you have a deck or fence out back, deck and fence cleaning pairs well with patio cleaning. For storefront sidewalks and parking areas, see our commercial pressure washing page.
Driveway cleaning is usually one of the less expensive exterior cleaning jobs; the size of the slab and how stained it is set the price. Our pressure washing cost guide explains what else moves it. Your real price comes from a free on-site or photo quote.
Questions people ask
Will pressure washing damage my concrete?
Not when it's done correctly. Using a surface cleaner at the right pressure and distance cleans concrete without etching it. Damage usually happens when someone holds a narrow nozzle too close to the surface, which is the mistake a good crew avoids.
How long before I can drive on my driveway?
You can usually drive on it as soon as the crew is done. The concrete may look darker while it dries, which normally takes a few hours depending on sun and humidity. If it gets sealed, you'll need to wait longer, and the contractor will give you the exact timing.
Can you get red clay out of my driveway?
Red clay usually lightens a lot with pre-treatment and surface cleaning. Clay that has been ground into the concrete for years may leave a faint tint. The contractor should look at it and tell you what to expect before starting.
Should I seal my concrete after cleaning?
It's worth considering, especially for driveways and patios that take a lot of clay and mildew. Sealer slows down staining and makes future cleaning easier. It's optional, and it's quoted on site based on the surface and its size.