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Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is an efficient way to clean outdoor surfaces such as driveways and patios, removing dirt, grime, moss, algae, and weeds. By maintaining the cleanliness of these surfaces, you can improve the safety and appearance of your property, as well as prevent damage from occurring. Over time, driveways and patios may become dirty and unsightly due to weather and regular use, potentially leading to the growth of moss, weeds, and lichens which can cause damage and even cause areas to sink. To keep your driveway and patio in top condition, we recommend regular pressure washing and sealing. Our professional cleaning services are suitable for a variety of materials including natural stone, flagstone, imprinted concrete, block paving, and decking.
Having a clean and well-maintained forecourt, driveway, or walkway can greatly enhance the overall appearance of your property. This is true whether you are a business owner looking to impress customers or a homeowner who wants to improve their home's curb appeal. Garden patios and decking can also be transformed with regular cleaning and maintenance. By taking care of these outdoor areas, you can make a positive impression and potentially extend the lifespan of the materials.
We offer reliable and thorough driveway and patio cleaning services in the Bexleyheath, Bexley, Welling, Crayford, Dartford, and Sidcup areas. Our goal is to provide professional pressure washing services to both residential and commercial clients, using jet-washing techniques to restore the exterior of their property. Whether you need help cleaning your driveway, patio, or any other outdoor space, we are ready to assist you.
Block Paving
Block paving is prone to a number of common problems, including the growth of weeds in the joints between bricks. This can be unsightly and lead to the build-up of moss, algae, and lichen. In general, block paving requires more maintenance than other surfaces, and it is recommended to clean it on a yearly basis to prevent these issues from becoming more severe. Regular cleaning can help to keep your block paving looking its best and maintain its functionality.
Our process includes several steps to ensure the best possible results. We begin by treating weeds with a high-strength weed killer to kill the roots and prevent regrowth. Once this has taken effect, we use high-pressure cleaning to remove weeds, moss, and sand from between the bricks. After the surface is dry, we brush in fresh kiln-dried sand for stabilization and a smooth finish. We also recommend applying a high-quality block paving sealant after cleaning. This will protect the surface of the blocks and help to prevent weeds from growing back, keeping your block paving looking clean and fresh for up to five years.
Imprinted Concrete
Imprinted concrete or maintenance-free driveways may experience problems over time, especially in areas with heavy foot or vehicle traffic. The loss of the original seal can cause the color to fade and the surface to become patchy. If left untreated, the concrete can strip back to its original state and crumble, losing the imprinted pattern. To avoid this, it is recommended to apply two top coats of sealer every 3-5 years. Another common issue with these driveways is the formation of cracks, which can be caused by movement in the concrete.
Decking
Timber decking, like any outdoor surface, requires regular maintenance to ensure its longevity. Without proper care, decking can become weak and rot. Even if not visible, it is susceptible to algae growth. When wet, the algae can make the surface slippery and dangerous. To keep your deck safe for you, your family, and guests, it is essential to clean and protect it. Our pressure cleaning or soft wash service can provide the peace of mind that your deck is safe in all weather conditions.
When restoring decking, we recommend using a soft wash or low pressure steam cleaning. Both can be used together for the best results. High pressure cleaning can cause splintering or stripping of the wood, so it must be done with care.
Once the deck has been cleaned and prepared, it can be treated with high-quality decking oil. This is a better option than paint or staining because the oil will penetrate the wood instead of just sitting on the surface. Decking oil comes in different shades, but clear oil is the most commonly used. It will darken the wood and highlight the grain, leaving it looking healthy and very pleasing to the eye.
Natural Stone
Natural stone patios and driveways can be beautiful, but when exposed to the elements, surfaces such as sandstone can become unsightly. The porous nature of natural stone makes it prone to the growth of bio-contaminants such as black spot lichen. High-pressure cleaning can actually make the situation worse by opening up more pores in the stone, which can make it more susceptible to lichen growth. In some cases, the lichen can become so deeply embedded that pressure washing alone is not enough to remove it. In these situations, specialized techniques and cleaning products may be needed to effectively remove the lichen and restore the surface of the natural stone.
To remove bio-contaminants and restore the beauty of sandstone, we use a combination of steam and carefully selected soft wash chemicals. This allows us to effectively remove the contaminants without damaging the delicate surface of the natural stone. After cleaning, we can apply a soft wash biocide to prevent the re-growth of black spot lichen. Another option is to apply a high-quality impregnating sealer, which creates a waterproof barrier on the surface of the natural stone. This can help to protect the stone from further damage and can also enhance its natural colors, creating stunning visual effects.
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Can you pressure wash a block driveway?Yes, we can jet wash any kind of drive including mono-block, crazy paving, natural stone, concrete, tarmac, or even slabs. Some types of surfaces are more labor-intensive than others, however, the prices quoted may vary depending on your drive type.
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Can I get a drive jet washed all year round?Yes, but the weather does have an impact on cleaning block paving as has to be dry to finish the job properly by putting fresh sand into the joints. This can be difficult through the winter and if damp the sand won't fill the joints properly. So best to book it during the summer months.
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If I book A&M pressure washing services, will you seal my drive to?"When we come to see and measure the surface to be jet washed, we will discuss with you the process and the costs involved in sealing your patio/driveway. The sealant will give a durable gloss or matt finish to the surface, help to prevent weed growth, stabilize the sand and stop oil and other liquids penetrating the surface and make for easy removal. We do not take shortcuts by applying sealants in the wrong weather conditions. The sealants must be applied to a fully dry surface with no rain forecast for 24 hrs to enable the drying process.
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Will you remove lichen spores too?We will use different types of chemicals to remove lichen spores, moss, algae, weeds, and black spots, where need it. Because the jet washing service is often done near garden/ green spaces we will try as much as possible to avoid using any chemicals. However, if there are any stains or moss/algae growth on the drive, then chemicals may be used as required.
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Will you use my electricity?No, we will use a professional petrol pressure washer.
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Will you use my water supply?Yes, to perform the service we will need access to an outside tap, and the area to be cleaned needs to have drainage or someplace where the water can be drained, especially if chemicals were used in the process.
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How long does the service take?This is not an hourly-based service. It all depends on the dimensions and the condition of the area that is being washed.
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Can pressure washing remove oil or paint stains?Well, in some cases there will be some noticeable effect but we can't guarantee complete removal.
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How much does it cost to pressure wash a patio?Our pressure washing services are not hourly-rated. If you only need pressure washing, we charge £ 2.5 per square meter, with a minimum charge of £ 50 for areas smaller than 20 sq.m.