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UK General Cleaning Forum => General Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: A Foster on February 04, 2012, 10:55:26 pm

Title: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: A Foster on February 04, 2012, 10:55:26 pm
Hi All.

Is there any evidence that says pressure washing damages paving slab surfaces or block paving bricks?

I understand that pointing a pencil jet 1" from the surface can damage, but if you're using a turbo nozzle or fan jet, you need enough pressure to remove the layer of dirt and grime, does this affect the surface in any way?

Thanks
Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: BDCS on February 04, 2012, 11:18:38 pm
Yes it can - Rivers errode rock with little pressure just flow. You do need a little sense
and some experience but remember a turbo nozzle is a 0 degree nozzle that oscillates or rotates. Block paving would be hard to damage but decking is a different matter
Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: A Foster on February 04, 2012, 11:57:26 pm
I realise decking can be easily damaged but i've had a few customers cancel because someone has told them it damages their block paving or takes the colour out of their paving slabs and damages the surface.

Any truth to this?
Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: Blast Away on February 05, 2012, 03:10:57 pm
Tarmac is prone. These are some images of what some jokers did in Manchester. We do a lot of work for the property management company who control this building so you can image my anger when they asked me if I could do anything with this. The company who did this apparently do the carpets so they were given the jet washing. Biggest mistake they did was offer to do this because they've been f**ked off altogether.
They've attempted to remove gum with a pencil jet via a shiitty Karcher on cold water. They've scarred the tarmac where they've tried to rid the gum. We went over everything last week to make it look better.

(http://i40.tinypic.com/34qwdnn.jpg)

(http://i42.tinypic.com/2e3nbyt.jpg)

(http://i41.tinypic.com/64fhmx.jpg)

(http://i42.tinypic.com/2r535.jpg)

(http://i44.tinypic.com/iyeqae.jpg)

Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: mike roberts on February 05, 2012, 03:23:01 pm
seriously lee .... you need to sort out the method you use when washing  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: Blast Away on February 05, 2012, 03:32:43 pm
seriously lee .... you need to sort out the method you use when washing  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Oi! Behave!  ;)
Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: A Foster on February 05, 2012, 05:53:06 pm
That was the next question.

Do you have to do any treatment after pressure washing tarmac?

Haven't done any tarmac, but was told somewhere not to pressure wash tarmac as it takes away the glue that holds the stone chips together
Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: BDCS on February 05, 2012, 05:57:26 pm
Again you just need a bit of sense and the right kit. You need to watch the heat and can't use solvants on tarmac. Clearing the silt at the end is the worst bit
Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: Kev Martin on February 06, 2012, 08:24:46 am
We have a client who has a 300M2 top quality Slate Patio laid it cost him nearly £20K.  He let some numpty on it with a pressure washer and he has completely knackered it.  You need to know what your doing and if your not sure either do a test and get the clients approval or leave it alone.

Kev Martin
Marble Life Ltd
Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: JSMC on February 12, 2012, 07:49:40 pm
only do monoblock and paving slabs. Stay clear of sandstone as not sure of best way to wash it and dont wanna damage it
Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: Simon@ Clearview contractors on February 12, 2012, 10:12:36 pm
I've had indian stone delaminate.
Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: Blast Away on February 12, 2012, 10:49:12 pm
I've had indian stone delaminate.

Us too Si, but not affecting the appearance. Can't be helped some times and even can happen with a FSC.
Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: BDCS on February 12, 2012, 11:02:23 pm
Its the frost that usually causes that
Title: Re: does pressure washing damage surface
Post by: Kev Martin on February 13, 2012, 09:04:30 am
only do monoblock and paving slabs. Stay clear of sandstone as not sure of best way to wash it and dont wanna damage it

Pre wet it and then use a High Alkaline with a slow speed rotary scrubber fitted with a soft to medium nylon brush. Let the alkaline dwell Vac it off as you are going then rinse and vac again.  Job done!!!

Kev Martin
Marble Life Ltd