Pressure washing is an effective method for deep cleaning surfaces that have built-up dirt and grime. However, when the weather is taken into consideration, there’s a correct way and a best time to pressure wash. For most experts, pressure washing in the depths of winter is generally not recommended unless it’s unavoidable. This is especially true if the material to be pressure-washed is concrete. Here’s why.
Water Freezes at 32 Degrees Fahrenheit
Water freezes when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and when that happens, it leaves a layer of ice on the material it’s meant to clean. That means that you’ll make the pavement you’re trying to clean hazardous to walk or drive on. Even if you’re cleaning a wall, the ice can fall off in sheets and splinter as the weather warms. This can cause injuries.
Concrete Is Porous
Unless it’s been treated, concrete is porous. When water gets into the pores and freezes, it also expands. This can cause the concrete to spall or break off in fragments. The cold weather itself makes concrete brittle, and freezing water can further damage it.
You Could Damage Your Equipment
Not only can the concrete be damaged by freezing water, but your equipment can as well. Water can actually freeze inside the pressure washer’s equipment, causing its components to break and leak. Even if the freezing temperatures don’t damage the pressure washer, they can cause it to work harder than it should. This can shorten its working life, and when a power washer is damaged or worn out, replacing or repairing it is expensive.
Cold Temperatures Affect Detergents
If detergent is mixed in with the water, cold weather can make it less effective. This may mean that it takes longer for the concrete surface to become clean. Additionally, the soapy water can take a long time to dry in cold weather and may freeze. Most cleansers used with power washers are designed to work effectively in warmer temperatures, but some are formulated to work in cold weather as well.
How Concrete Is Prepared for Cold Weather Pressure Washing
If the concrete surface must be pressure-washed in winter, it can be prepared ahead of time to help prevent the aforementioned problems from occurring. The surface should be pre-cleaned to remove as much debris as possible, then treated with a deicer. Sometimes all that’s needed is sand or rock salt. The operator can also use a pressure washer that uses hot water, which reduces the risk of freezing.
Call Us for Questions About Pressure Washing
Pressure washing a concrete surface during the winter isn’t the best practice, but it can be done with care. If you have questions about pressure washing your concrete driveway or walkway, call our technicians at Under Pressure in Corvallis, OR.
