Everybody wants their home to be at its very best for the holidays! From decking the halls inside, to creating dazzling outdoor displays of colorful lights and festive decorations, getting ready for gatherings with family and friends is the focus – as well as perhaps winning an award for best neighborhood light display!

But one area that’s too often overlooked is the property’s hardscapes and wood decks. Dirt, grime and algae accumulate rapidly during Central Florida’s humid, rainy summers, making these surfaces a dingy contrast to the bright, welcoming exterior décor. Don’t neglect them this year! A professional pressure washing will make your driveway, carport, walkways, patio slab and deck spotless – perfectly setting off your home’s holiday finery to create a welcoming impression.

Aside from boosting your property’s beauty this time of year, there are some practical reasons for pressure washing its paved areas, which we’ll explore here.

Boosts curb appeal and property value

While you may not be thinking of putting your house on the market, curb appeal is always important. The exterior condition of your property is a direct representation of your pride of ownership and level of responsibility as a homeowner. It also has an impact on your neighborhood’s overall property values – as a neighborhood of well-maintained homes is perceived as a desirable place to live.

Other related benefits include the following:

Restores appearance — A driveway with oil stains and accumulated dirt and gunk doesn’t create a positive impression – nor does a walkway to your front door that sports a combination of black grime and green algae. Pressure washing restores these areas with a fresh, clean appearance.

Helps ensure HOA compliance — Many communities have homeowners’ associations (HOAs) that require residents to keep their exterior surfaces clean. Regular pressure washing can help you avoid fines for unsightly buildup. 

Enhances safety and prevents health issues

Looking beyond the aesthetic aspect, pressure washing is an integral part of maintaining a safe, healthy environment for your family and guests – which include the following:

Prevents slip-and-fall accidents — Constant humidity and rainfall allow mold, mildew and algae to form a slick film on driveways, patios and sidewalks. This creates a dangerously slippery surface – especially when wet – posing a significant risk.

Improves air quality — When mold and mildew grow on outdoor surfaces, their spores can be released into the air and enter your home. These spores can cause allergies and respiratory issues, particularly for sensitive individuals.

Creates a healthier outdoor environment — Removing pollutants, allergens and other contaminants from surfaces can improve the air quality around your property. This is particularly important in Florida, where pollen and other allergens can be prevalent. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) emphasizes that reducing exposure to outdoor allergens, such as mold and pollen, can help alleviate allergy symptoms.

Protects Your Investment and Extends Lifespan

A house is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, and its maintenance guarantees that it will always be beautiful and functional. Pressure washing prolongs the useful life of hardscapes in the following ways:  

Eliminates stains — Pressure washing effectively removes stubborn oil and grease stains, tire marks and rust that can permanently discolor your paved surfaces if left untreated.

Prevents long-term damage from mold, mildew and algae — The growth of mold, mildew, and algae is not just a cosmetic issue. These organisms can break down and weaken porous surfaces like concrete and pavers over time, leading to cracks, erosion and pitting.

Prepares surfaces for sealing — For pavers and other masonry, pressure washing is a critical first step to ensure the surface is clean before applying a sealant. This allows the sealant to properly adhere, protecting the surface and extending its life.

Helps avoid costly repairs — Regular cleaning is a preventive measure that saves money in the long run by avoiding expensive and extensive repairs or replacement of pavers and other hardscapes.. 

Why You Shouldn’t DIY

It may be tempting to buy or rent a pressure washer and do the job yourself, but this approach is more likely to cause problems than achieve the desired result. Our blog post – “The Benefits of Pressure Washing Your Property’s Paved Areas” – lists the following drawbacks:

• Entry-level pressure washers for the consumer market typically don’t produce enough pressure to adequately clean. One disgruntled buyer of such a product wrote an online review describing it as an “Overpriced waterhose.”
• On the other hand, more powerful units can be too much for a homeowner to safely operate. Dangers include using too much pressure or the wrong nozzle – which can damage surfaces, break windows if you aim the nozzle in the wrong direction and even cause injury.
• The time factor is important to consider. Preparing the area to be cleaned, setting up the equipment, doing the work, taking the equipment apart, cleaning it and storing it can take the better part of a day, at least. Plan on spending additional time if you’re renting the equipment.

A professional pressure washing service provides the following advantages over taking the DIY approach:

• Pros use specialty surfactants that soak into all the pits and pores of hardscape surfaces to dissolve the most hardened, thickest dirt and grime.
• Pros can recognize stains on concrete and patio pavers – including motor oil, rust and paint droplets – and apply specialty detergents, then scrub the area as needed.
• Pros can recommend and apply soft wash systems for cleaning a concrete pool deck. Soft wash systems start with a surfactant that dissolves thick dirt and sand. A low-pressure rinse removes all that residue without damaging concrete paint or sealant – or cracking and chipping pavers and stone tiles.
• Pros use professional equipment and have the experience that allows them to do the job quickly, thoroughly and safely.
• Pros ensure that all dirt and grime are brushed and cleaned away from your home and lawn properly to avoid damage and an unsightly mess.

The Take-Home Message

The holiday season gives us the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends, and – yes – show off our house! Hiring a professional pressure washing service will make your property’s hardscapes – as well as your spirits – bright!  Our pressure washing team at Daniel’s Lawn Service & Pressure Washing does all the work so you can relax and enjoy this special time of year!

By the way, our full-service company also provides landscape design, tree installation, tree trimming, yard maintenance, bush hogging and so much more. Contact us today! We proudly serve all of Central Florida – including Orlando, Sanford, Longwood and Lake Mary! We look forward to helping you achieve your goals and bring your vision to life!