Pressure washing and sealing are the ultimate duo for long-lasting concrete.
Concrete may be tough, but it’s not invincible! Dirt, grime, oil stains, and all of the elements join forces to leave your once-pristine driveway, patio, or sidewalk looking worn out over time. The good news? You have two powerful allies on your side – cleaning and sealing!
But here’s the catch: sealing without proper cleaning is like putting sunscreen on a muddy face! That’s why many A-1 Concrete Leveling locations require professional cleaning before sealing to ensure the sealer bonds properly.
Let’s dive into why this dynamic duo is the preferred solution for maximum protection and curb appeal.
What is Concrete Cleaning?
Imagine your concrete as a giant sponge. Its pores soak up oil spills, dirt, mold, and whatever else life throws at it. This buildup can cause staining, deterioration, and even slippery surfaces.
Concrete cleaning is typically done using high-powered pressure washers or power washers. While at-home pressure washers can remove some surface dirt, they often lack the power required for streak-free deep cleaning.
Professional-grade pressure washers, on the other hand, use higher pressure and speed to penetrate into the concrete’s pores and remove stubborn stains.
The A-1 Concrete Cleaning Process
At A-1 Concrete Leveling, we use 3,500+ PSI pressure washers with assorted attachments to ensure thorough and even cleaning. By using various attachments and adjusting pressures, technicians can ensure a well-cleaned surface while reducing streaking or damage to the surface.
To clean concrete properly, we:
- Connect power washing equipment to a water spigot on the property
- Start at the highest point to allow dirt and grime to flow downward
- Alternate between a wand and a surface cleaner attachment to achieve the cleanest result
Related Resource: How To Clean Concrete [Step-by-Step]
What is Concrete Sealing?
Once your concrete is squeaky clean and dry, it’s time for sealing! Concrete sealing is the process of applying a protective barrier that repels water, prevents stains, and shields against damage from the elements.
Again, concrete is naturally porous, which means water can seep into its tiny holes. When temperatures drop, this water expands and contracts, leading to cracks, spalling, and surface damage. Sealing your concrete protects against this process, also known as “freeze-thaw cycles”, from happening within the concrete surface.
Benefits of Concrete Sealing
Concrete sealing helps protect against:
- Spalling, chipping, crumbling, and flaking
- Cracks worsening over time
- Sun exposure
- Mold growth
- Stains
- Salt
Related Resource: What Does Concrete Cleaning & Sealing Protect From?
Pro Tip: Not all sealers are created equal! The two primary options are topical and penetrating sealers. Check out our guide to How to Choose the Right Sealer for Your Concrete.
Do Concrete Cleaning and Sealing Have to Be Done Together?
Yes, cleaning and sealing should be done together. Sealing isn’t effective on dirty concrete – applying sealer on clean concrete ensures it can properly penetrate the surface rather than sitting on top of dirt, which can prevent it from bonding.
This is why many A-1 Concrete Leveling locations require that we complete the cleaning before applying the sealer. It’s important that we know the concrete was cleaned thoroughly and correctly to help ensure proper protection.
How Much Does Concrete Cleaning & Sealing Cost?
Concrete cleaning and sealing pricing varies based on square footage, concrete condition, and other factors. Costs generally start around $900 and increase based on size.
Some A-1 locations offer bundle discounts if cleaning and sealing are done at the same time as concrete leveling.
We have cost guides that further break down pricing for these services:
Who Should Consider Concrete Cleaning & Sealing?
Cleaning and sealing concrete is a good idea for:
- Anyone who hasn’t had their concrete sealed in several years
- Homeowners who want their concrete leveling drill holes and caulking to blend in even better
- Those noticing early signs of damage (cracking, spalling, etc.) and want to slow its progression
- New-construction homeowners who want to protect their investment from day one
Related Resource: Why Cleaning and Sealing Is Right for You (and Why Maybe It's Not!)
How Long Does Cleaning & Sealing Take?
On average, concrete cleaning and sealing takes 1–3 days, depending on:
- Size of the area
- Amount of grime and stains
- Drying time for sealer application (and potential rainy weather)
Most of the time is spent power washing and drying. Once the sealer is applied, you must wait 24 hours before driving on the surface.
Cleaning & Sealing – The Dynamic Duo Your Concrete Needs!
Think of concrete cleaning and sealing as the ultimate team – Batman and Robin, peanut butter and jelly, coffee and Mondays. One simply doesn’t work as well without the other!
We take cleaning seriously, ensuring your concrete is spotless so the sealer can do its job: protecting your investment for years to come.
So, if you want your driveway, patio, or sidewalk to stand strong against Mother Nature’s mood swings (rain, snow, sun, and salt, oh my!), give it the TLC it deserves!
Request a free estimate from the A-1 Concrete Leveling team near you.
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