CALL US AT 239-218-5085

underpressure blog

  • Home
  • Roof Cleaning
  • Home Washing
  • Driveway Cleaning
  • Driveway Sealing
  • Reviews
  • Before/After
  • Blog
  • Trusted Partners

3/18/2020

Why Pressure Wash When You Can Have It BioWashed?

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
At Under Pressure, we pride ourselves on being cutting edge in this industry. That’s why we never pressure wash a roof, any kind of roof. We’ve used a soft-wash technique for years, and the moment a new “green” cleaning solution and application process was available, we incorporated that into our business as well.

With our hot, humid climate here in SWFL, our roofing materials get really gross black streaks on them regularly. Those black streaks are bacteria called Gloeocapsa Magma, which is more than unsightly looking, it’s down right destructive to your roofing materials. You see it’s a microorganism that puts down roots that start to disintegrate your roof! Along with that bacteria are other organisms like mold, fungi, algae, mildew, lichen, and moss. Pressure washing merely blows the outer, visible signs of these organisms, leaving the roots in place, so mold, mildew and bacteria grow back fairly quickly.

Many roofing surfaces are made with materials that can be metabolized by these microorganisms. For example, shingles contain limestone, which contains phosphates, an excellent source of nutrients for algae, mildew, and bacteria to feed on. These microorganisms will break down a roofing surface and cause decomposition. This in turn, will also aid the process of erosion caused by running water such as rainfall.

Our BioWash system removes these microorganism stains safely! In addition, this green solution is completely safe for all of your landscape plantings and grass because it’s biodegradable. It’s effective on all kinds of roof tiles. The formulation of the product and the application techniques the company trained us in allows the cleaning solution to have a longer dwell or linger time, which means less run off, and increased results from just one application. The product does not damage tiles and returns them to their original color over time. One of the best things about this product is that it actually works with the rain! When it rains, the enzymes in BioWash are activated, deeply cleaning and preventing the stains from returning, when you schedule regular preventative services with us.

BioWash is also a great solution to keeping your brand new roof, on your brand new home, from ever getting those black streaks. So if you’ve moved into a new construction home, even though the roof is not dirty right now, you should consider having us BioWash it right now, and get on a twice a year maintenance plan. You will literally never see a dirty roof, and your roofing materials will last longer by never letting the microorganisms that cause damage to take root. 

Not only will your roof love that, your insurance company will as well. Because when it comes to insurance, maintenance can go a long way toward saving you money. Many insurance companies require that homeowners maintain a clean roof as part of house maintenance in general. Maintenance helps to sustain the longevity of your roof. 
​

There are other benefits to having your roof cleaned regularly as well. When we are on a maintenance plan with you, and we come twice a year to clean your roof, we are also the most likely ones to see any damage you may have sustained to your roof over time, which can mean smaller repair and replacement bills in the future. Cleaning your roof can reveal areas of it where the tile is worn out or damaged, so they can be replaced if needed. When we are up there, we can see if there are tiles that are dried out and crumbling, or buckled and ready to come loose! We can see where there are soft spots along the surface, or discoloration that indicates water damage to the interior studs and joists. Once you see the areas of damage, you can have them repaired quickly, before it becomes a leak that can damage the interior of your house.

Our BioWash service is an industry first, and we hope you’ll call us today to clean your roof with this environmentally and roof friendly product. If you’re interested in having the black stains on your roof removed safely and with long-lasting results, give us a call at Under Pressure at 239-218-5085!

​

Share

0 Comments

2/26/2020

Clean Parking Garages Provide a Feeling of Safety

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
Large commercial parking garages. . . on TV and in the movies they are always the location shown as dark and scary where bad things can happen. As the owner of a parking garage this is the last thing you want people to feel about your place of business. But if your garage is dirty, covered in graffiti, with gum residue and oil stains in the parking spots, your location’s reputation will certainly take a hit. You want your tenants and customers to feel your parking garage is a safe space to leave their car, and to walk back and forth to it. One of the best ways to do this is to take advantage of our professional power washing services. Here’s some of what we will provide:

Untagging Graffiti
First and foremost, when it comes to graffiti, you want it removed as soon as possible because the longer it stays up, the more likely you will be to end up with more graffiti! This type of vandalism tends to induce more vandalism of the same kind. We will remove it quickly and put a stop to it spreading, minimizing the risk of more vandalism. 
The spray paint used by graffiti artists is pretty toxic and trying to remove it yourself is a risk to your health. You don’t want to be playing with solvents that release noxious fumes or can splash onto your skin. And here’s something else you may not have thought of. . . graffiti is often used by gangs to claim their territory. As such, they sometimes threaten those people they find removing their “tags.” We can remove it safely, and quickly for you.

Gum: A Sticky Problem
Gum stains can be a real problem for parking lots and parking garages. They are difficult to remove, especially in our hot Southwest Florida climate as it melts into porous surfaces like concrete and stone pavers making it hard to scrape off. Those black blotches all over the place look dirty and unkempt, and nobody wants to risk of stepping into a wad of gum and dragging that around on their shoes for the rest of the day. Worst of all, just like with graffiti, when people see a place is trashy. . . they throw more gum and more trash on the floor of your garage! Pressure washing is a great solution to removing the gum stains from your garage.

Cars Leave Stains
A parking garage is full of cars and cars can potentially leave a lot of unsightly stains. Oil stains and tar stains and anti-freeze leaks are all difficult materials that are prevalent in a parking garage. They are also very difficult to remove. However, power washing can effectively keep your garage free from these types of unsightly stains.

Preventing Cracks and Holes
The concrete in a parking garage can break down over time due to the build up of oil, salt, and other common chemicals brought in by the cars and trucks parking there. By having your garage regularly power washed, you extend the life of the materials used to build it, preventing some common issues with cracking and pot holes and delaying the need for resurfacing the garage. 

Our pressure washing service can extend the life of your commercial parking garage, and provide your business with a good reputation, because cleanliness provides your customers with a feeling of safety and trustworthiness. Give us a call at Under Pressure at 239-218-5085!

​

Share

0 Comments

1/30/2020

Commercial Property Maintenance Needs to Include Pressure Washing

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
Whether it’s an office high-rise building, a stand alone restaurant, or a store in a strip mall, your commercial property, the building itself, as well as it’s surrounding sidewalks and parking lot, are all actually a big part of your business’s marketing tools. If you want to attract new customers—and maintain your existing clientele—be sure to keep your building looking the best that it can. Ironically, the more successful your business, the more foot traffic and vehicle traffic you’ll get, which can be hard on your building’s exterior. As a first impression, the state of your structure and grounds says something about you and how you conduct business. A dirty-unkempt building and grounds are signs of neglect which will eventually lead to less customers and unproductive workers. Nobody wants to work somewhere that looks rundown, and few people want to do business there either.
​


At Under Pressure, we will use our pressure washing services to clean your commercial building’s roof, exterior walls, sidewalks, and even the parking lot. We use the best power washing tools, and cleaning techniques to get rid of graffiti, dirt, grime, grease, oil, and even gum. 

A Dirty Roof Can Lead to Rot
Your roof may just look grimy, but the rain and humidity we get here in Southwest Florida means moss, mildew, and algae is what’s really covering that roof. Along with bird droppings, which are acidic, these can lead to rot, corrosion and decay of your roof and your building’s surface structure. We can remove it easily with regularly scheduled power washing, to reduce build up and help save on future repairs. Our BioWash treatment can kill these harmful contaminants before they cause damage, as well as prevent their return.

Unplanned for Graffiti Looks Low Class
Getting rid of graffiti is important, because nothing makes your business look low-class and neglected like graffiti on the outside of the building. Paint thinners are toxic, so letting us pressure wash the graffiti off is much kinder to the environment and the exterior of your building.

Sidewalk and Parking Lot Stains Are Slip and Fall Hazards
Parking lots and sidewalks can easily get unsightly stains from grease, gum, dirt and foot prints. We can power wash them clean, leaving you with better looking grounds, that are also less of a slipping hazard, giving you peace of mind, and avoiding possible slip and fall lawsuits as well.

A Regular Maintenance Schedule Means Peace of Mind
How often do you need to get your commercial building pressure washed? As a general rule if your property is an office building, washing it seasonally is a great way to keep it looking attractive. If your facility receives heavy foot or vehicle traffic or if you are a health care office or restaurant your facility may need more frequent washings. The same is true for properties near construction sites that generate dust or a facility such as factory that would generate dust on its own. (With the increase in construction in Southwest Florida, whose business is not near a construction site?) Investing in a consistent pressure washing schedule with us at Under Pressure can instill faith in your customers and employees that you value their health and well-being. We provide a variety of pressure washing services, including roof cleaning, concrete cleaning and sealing, and parking lot cleaning.

Clean Workspace Shows Pride
When you keep the exterior of your commercial property clean, you reduce the number of potentially toxic safety threats that enter it. When a building looks clean and well maintained, productivity and customer service improve. Employees want to take pride in their workplace. The results can help encourage business growth, improve employee morale, and create an overall better aesthetic. The first thing your customer or visitor sees is the outside of your property. A well maintained exterior shows pride in your operation. By including commercial property pressure washing in your building’s maintenance program, you will ensure that your facility’s appearance gives the correct message.


Give us a call at Under Pressure at 239-218-5085!

Share

0 Comments

12/18/2019

Shingle Cleaning is a Delicate Job

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
When it comes to residential roofing, asphalt shingles are one of the most common materials used because they are durable, long lasting, and affordable. They may not be as “showy” as the red tile roofs you see, but they can withstand severe weather, like wind and rain, and that’s one of the reasons builders often choose to use them here in Southwest Florida.

However, cleaning and maintaining your shingle roof is critical to its lifespan. So much so that some home insurance companies are demanding maintenance, or you risk having your policy dropped. Why is it so important? Because, aside from losing its original color, and looking terrible, your dirty-looking shingle roof most likely has algae, bacteria, and fungus growing on it. And those living organisms can cause major damage with your roofing materials, requiring replacement, rather than just a cleaning. 

Let’s look at what the bacteria actually does to your shingles. The filament root system of the fungi and algae are growing on, and digging in to your roof. Fungi and algae that are growing on a roof have root systems that open up tiny cracks in the shingles, causing damage to them, and ultimately decomposition. They spread the shingle like a fan. Because the shingle is attached on the back, the front ends of the shingle flare and roll. This is because the shingle is widened at the front more so than the back. Research shows that the bacteria within the mold and algae on your roof actually feeds off the limestone, which contains phosphates, and other materials within the shingles on your roof. These microorganisms break down the roofing surface and cause them to decompose. This in turn, will also aid the process of erosion caused by running water, such as rainfall. So they are eating away at your roof and shortening the lifespan of it dramatically, and our hot humid days allow them to thrive. That’s right, if your roof isn’t cleaned regularly, especially if algae is visible on it, it can lead to rapid deterioration of your shingles. 

Shingles help block UV rays, which as you know, we get a lot of here in Southwest Florida. And without being properly blocked, UV rays lead to less energy efficiency and higher electrical bills, as you will end up having your air conditioner running more to keep the house cool. 

Aside from being really bad for your roof, the algae, mold and fungi present on your roof may also be dangerous for the people living in your household who have allergies or asthma.

And finally, the end result is you’ll have to replace your roof much sooner than you should need to. Have you priced out roofing lately? It can cost more than $10,000 to get your roof replaced!

When the pressure washing industry was started back in the 1980’s, there were lots of roof cleaning companies who pressure washed shingle roofs to clean them. But at Under Pressure, we never pressure wash a roof, because pressure washing is really bad for all types of roofs. Any type of pressure washing on shingles literally sprays 10-15 years off the life of your roof! Using high pressure can remove the aggregate granules from the asphalt shingle leaving them unprotected from the elements. High pressure will not only damage the shingles, but it will void your roof's warranty! 

What’s worse is that pressure washing may make it look like it’s gotten rid of those black streaks, but it will only be a few months before you start to see them again. That’s because the black streaks are a living organism that has already put down roots in your shingles. When you merely pressure wash, you do not blow the roots off the roof, so the bacteria, mold and mildew grow back quickly.

We, at Under Pressure, strictly use only Roof Cleaning Institute of America approved techniques to clean roofs. We do not use "high pressure" or "low pressure" washing on roofs. We clean with no pressure applied to the roof at all. Also, we use minimal walking on roofs to maintain the integrity of the roof. We use a cutting edge solution called BioWash, that safely and effectively removes these microorganism stains! 

The BioWash solution is completely safe for all of your landscape plantings and grass because it’s biodegradable. It’s effective on all kinds of roofs, including asphalt shingles. The formulation of the product and the application technique allows the cleaning solution to have a longer linger time, which means less run off, and increased results from just one application. One of the best things about this product, is that it continues to work over time. Every time it rains, your roof will get cleaner and release a protective barrier from the algae that stains your roof, deeply cleaning and preventing the stains from returning, when you schedule regular preventative services with us. 
​

Our BioWash service is an industry first, and we hope you’ll call us today to clean your shingle roof with this environmentally-roof-friendly product. If you’re interested in having the black stains on your roof removed safely and with long-lasting results, give us a call at Under Pressure at 239-218-5085!

​

Share

0 Comments

11/11/2019

Nasty Gram Time Again!

Read Now
 
Picture
When you purchase a townhouse or home in a planned development or gated community here in Southwest Florida, you are often obligated to join that community’s homeowner’s association (HOA), pay monthly or annual fees for the upkeep of common areas, and maintain your home within the HOA'. 
​
In addition to maintaining common areas, HOAs also set out certain rules that all residents must follow called convenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs). Rules may include what color front door you may have, whether you are allowed to line dry your laundry outside, whether you can have a satellite dish, the size and type of pets permitted, and so on. In a subdivision with individual homes, regulations may include what color you can paint your home, the exterior landscaping you can do, the types of vehicles you can park on the street or in your driveway (no RVs, for example), permissible type and height of fences, and restrictions on window coverings for windows facing the street. 

HOA’s will also govern how well you maintain your residence and will often enforce how well you maintain your property, which can include everything from lawn maintenance to keeping your roof clear of mildew and your driveway and lanai clean as well. While all of this can be a pain, remember the covenants are there to help maintain the quality of life for the entire community and to protect property values for all of the owners.

No one likes to get a letter saying they’ve broken the rules and may be being charged a fine by the HOA if they don’t maintain their property properly. However, the HOA is obligated to fairly and consistently enforce governing documents. If it didn’t, chaos would ensue. 

Here at Under Pressure, we call those HOA maintenance letters “nastygrams.” This is the time of year in SWFL, when many HOA’s send out their maintenance “nastygrams.” And if you’ve gotten a “nastygram” about mold and mildew on your roof, your driveway, your lanai or your sidewalk, we want you to know that we are here to help you avoid getting a fine from your HOA. Call us now and we will get that dirt and mildew handled immediately, getting you out of hot water with your association, and making your home looking fantastic

Share

11/11/2019

Soffits and Fascia and Gutters. . . Oh My!

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
In the Fall up North people get a very clear reminder of the need to clean their gutters. . . falling leaves need to be removed before the big snows begin. But here in Southwest Florida, we don’t really get that reminder, we simply have to remember on our own that getting our gutters, soffits and fascia cleaned regularly not only keeps our house’s curb appeal, but also prevents long-term damage to our home. That’s because soffits not only contribute to the appearance of your home, but also help to ventilate your living space inside. Keeping the soffits clear of debris is important for uninterrupted air flow in your home and preventing mold growth as well. Clogged debris in your soffits leads to a high concentration of moisture, and any time we have moisture long term here in SWFL we have mold and fungus growth issues.

First let’s take a quick look at why your home may have soffits and fascia. These two things are interrelated and used when installing a roof. Together they help prevent mold and mildew from entering your home’s rafters. Soffits and fascia increase air ventilation and protect the areas of your home that are difficult to cover with paint. Fascia is used to create a barrier between the edge of the roof and the outside. It protects the roof from weather damage, and also provides a point for the gutters and drain pipes to attach to your roof.

Soffits and fascia require a soft pressure wash setting and a low-pressure nozzle, which is what UnderPressure excels at. You never want anyone to use a high pressure water blast when cleaning your soffits, as that could cause water to flow into the attic of your house. When soffits and fascia become too dirty, they also become harder to clean. Because of this, you want to get in the habit of getting them pressure washed regularly to avoid dealing with a huge mess or a more expensive maintenance issue.

Gutters are used to channel rain away from your home and your home’s foundation. With the torrential downpours we get here in Florida, a clogged gutter could cause a water backup that could cost thousands of dollars in roof damage. In other news. . . have you ever seen the citrus rats we have here in SWFL? They are huge, and dirty gutters are the perfect nesting spot for rodents. How often you get your gutters cleaned depends largely on the number of trees you have around your home. If you have a large number of trees on your property, you should be checking your gutters at least every four to six months to make sure they are not clogged.
​

If you’re interested in having your soffits, fascia and gutters cleaned safely and with long-lasting results, give us a call at Under Pressure at 239-218-5085. 

​

Share

0 Comments

10/23/2019

Roof Repair and Roof Cleaning Should Go Hand in Hand

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
Hurricane Irma left so many people in the SWFL area needing new roofs. Although the event was two seasons ago, there are still people who have blue tarps on their roofs as they wait for their insurance company to approve of the repair. But, even worse than those blue tarps are the houses who have had part of their roof repaired, but not gotten the entire roof washed after the repair. This leaves a very bright shiny new area of tiles, which makes the dirty tiles even more obvious. Having us come in to BioWash the entire roof is a good practice for many reasons, one of which is to have your entire roof look great. But there are other reasons which will extend the life of the whole roof. The condition of your roof has everything to do with its lifespan, so giving it the attention it needs saves you money in the long run. Let’s talk about some reasons to get your roof cleaned, and some different types of roof materials and their needs.

  1. First of all, let’s talk about those dirty roof areas. Many people make the mistake of thinking the dark stains on their roof tiles is just dirt or exhaust fume soot on their roof. It’s not just dirt though, most often it’s algae, lichens and moss which feed off the organic material in your shingles and damage your roof! You do not want to pressure wash it though, because pressure washing destroys the delicate surface of asphalt composite shingles by removing the sandy gravel finish and exposing the tar paper underneath. With the high heat we have here in Florida, this makes the paper dry and brittle, which makes more mildew growth occur. You also don’t want to pressure wash a tile roof because it also erodes the rough finish on them which will require more frequent cleanings. Our BioWash kills these organisms without damaging your roof.
  2. When it comes to algae, moss and lichens, it cannot be underestimated how much damage they can cause to your roof. Because they can eat through your shingles, they cause roof rot and more moisture to get into cracks. They can also cause higher electric bills believe it or not. Algae, moss and lichens don’t reflect sunlight, and this causes your shingles to absorb the heat instead, increasing the heat in your attic and raising your air conditioner needs, which increases costs. Our BioWash solution keeps on working even after we’ve gone. It stays on the roof tiles and is reactivated every time it rains, which keeps your roof clean and continues to kill new growth!
  3. We mentioned that many people are still looking to get their roofs repaired due to insurance issues. When it comes to insurance, maintenance can go a long way toward saving you money. Many insurance companies require that homeowner maintain a clean roof as part of house maintenance in general. Maintenance helps to sustain the longevity of your roof.
  4. Moss, mold and algae all retain moisture against your roof. This excess moisture can soften and tear the paper under roof tiles and shingles which leads to water leaks and mold inside your home. Our BioWash rids your roof of these moisture-retaining organisms allowing your roof to dry more quickly after each storm, which prevents more algae and mold growth in the future. 

Let’s take a peek at this situation from a new angle, because having your roof cleaned on a regular basis, also allows us to see any damage you may have sustained to your roof over time, which can mean smaller repair and replacement bills in the future. 
By cleaning your roof, it can reveal areas of it where the tile is worn out or damaged, so they can be replaced if needed. When we are up there, we can see if there are tiles that are dried out and crumbling, or buckled and ready to come loose! We can see where there are soft spots along the surface, or discoloration that indicates water damage to the interior studs and joists. Once you see the areas of damage, you can have them repaired quickly, before it becomes a leak that can damage the interior of your house.
Our BioWash service is an industry first, and we hope you’ll call us today to clean your roof with this environmentally and roof friendly product. If you’re interested in having the black stains on your roof removed safely and with  long-lasting results, give us a call at Under Pressure at 239-218-5085.

​

Share

0 Comments

9/4/2019

We Strip for You. . . and Then We Reseal Your Pavers

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
I’m in a business referral group that I attend once a week. Often, I request referrals to go do some “stripping” for people, and this always gets a big laugh out of the guys in our group. But the truth is, stripping is a huge part of my business, since what I’m actually talking about is stripping failed paver sealer and resealing people’s driveways, walkways and lanais. That’s because unfortunately, brick paver sealers often fail here in Southwest Florida, turning white or hazy and making people’s pavers look terrible. And that’s because the wrong sealer was used or applied in the wrong way. 


In fact, poor sealer selection is one of the top reasons for failed paver sealer jobs in SWFL, where our humidity and the level of our water table here changes everything when it comes to sealing pavers. People tend to think they are sealing pavers the way you would seal a stained or painted wooden deck, where the goal is to keep the water out. Pavers do need to be sealed, don’t get me wrong, but it’s to keep the paver surface from wearing away due to foot traffic, UV rays from the sun, and the pounding rain we get here. If left open to these elements, the finer materials from the surface of your pavers, which is where the color is, wears away, leaving your pavers looking old and worn. The sealing mistake that is often made, is using a solvent-based sealer (other names for solvent-based sealers are: oil, Xylene, or acrylic-based paver sealants, so don’t be fooled if someone tells you they are not solvent based.). These sealers are designed to keep water and moisture out. Here in SWFL, we live in a subtropical climate with humidity in the air, heavy rainfall every day during the summer, and a high water table level underground, which permeates through the ground soil, through aggregate paver-base material and into the porous brick pavers, which then gets trapped between the paver and the thin top layer coating of those solvent based sealants, not allowing them to breath. This deteriorates the bond the sealer has with the paver, turning it a hazy white. This is a sign that water is trapped between the sealer and the paver, detaching the sealer from the paver. Once this happens, the sealer pretty much needs to be stripped, and a new sealer applied.


Other reasons you may have hazy white sealer on your pavers include:
  1. Efflorescence or white salt deposits were not removed prior to sealer application.
  2. The sealer that was previously used was a low grade sealer causing the acrylic in the sealer to blush white from the sun. 
  3. There is a buildup of too many coats of sealer applied through the years or the last company used too much sealer in application.
  4. The polymeric sand used between the pavers was no removed from the surface of the paver before it was sealed.
  5. The sealer was applied improperly by someone unskilled and inexperienced with paving sealing.


These are the reasons behind failing paver sealers, but unfortunately, there’s only one way to fix the problem. Once your pavers look white and hazy, it is best to have that bad sealer completely stripped off and re-sealed the correct way.


At UnderPressure, we spent the time and energy to find the right paver sealer for our climate. That’s why we began testing some of the water-based sealers available in the marketplace. I wanted a sealer we could apply immediately after pressure washing, but one that would not turn white. My goal was no more down time, immediately beautiful results, and pavers that looked enhanced and gorgeous for a long time. 


We were excited to find a company in Florida that manufactures water-based sealers. Seal ‘n Lock manufactures their products right here in Tampa, FL, which means they truly understand the limitations of our local weather and environment. We most often use the Seal 'n Lock Super Wet sealant, which is a water-based urethane modified acrylic sealer that penetrates the pavers and provides a protective barrier, wet-looking surface and excellent joint stabilization.


This product is also consistent with our dedication to being responsible with the environment. Our product is not harmful to any vegetation, and does not produce any toxic odor. The sealing of paver driveways with this system not only protects the brick pavers, but it also ensures structural performance while inhibiting insect and weed infestation. Under Pressure's use of this system definitely provides the highest quality product with the best application process. The other thing I love about Seal ‘n Lock is that they annually offer myself and my employees the opportunity to continually educate ourselves about sealers. That’s why our employees at Under Pressure go through training once a year with the Seal n Lock company to ensure we know the best products to use and how to apply them correctly.


The fact is this, if you have brick pavers, you need to get them professionally sealed. Our sealer protects the surface of your pavers from the weathering caused by those high-powered UV rays we get here in the South. While the concrete pavers themselves are highly durable, the colored pigments in the pavers can slowly fade over time, due to the UV ray exposure. Sealing the pavers helps to keep the paver’s colors vibrant even in bright sunlight.


Let us help you keep your brick pavers looking great and lasting for more than 30 years! By letting Under Pressure deep clean and seal your brick pavers every two years, your driveway, walkway or lanai will better resist dirt and oil, keep weeds from growing and prevent cracks from forming, providing your home with gorgeous curbside appeal!

​
Give us a call for a free estimate to have the failed paver sealer stripped off the surface and re-sealed the correct way. Call UnderPressure at 239-218-5085

​

Share

0 Comments

7/31/2019

Let Us Pressure Wash Your Concrete or Paver Parking Lot For Instant Curb Appeal

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
When it comes to business, people are always touting “location, location, location.” After all, if you have a storefront, then the location of it can actually make or break it in terms of customer traffic. However, when you think about your location, have you considered the curb-appeal of it? What we are talking about here is your parking lot. Your parking lot is valuable real estate, so if it is looking dirty, it reflects poorly on your business, and it can be a hazard for consumers and a liability for you. So you want to keep your parking lot looking clean to improve sanitation, curb appeal and minimize liability issues. Because oil spills and algae build up, due to our humid weather here in Southwest Florida, can be slipping hazards, as well as make your parking lot look terrible.

Aside from that, municipalities like Lee County, Collier County, Fort Myers, Bonita, Estero, Naples, and Cape Coral all demand that local business owners maintain appearances in accordance with local ordinances. And they are willing to cite owners that fail to do so with fines.

Acting like a sponge, concrete parking lots absorb all kinds of contaminants, dirt, and grime. There are several kinds of stains your parking lot and the sidewalk in front of your store can get. These include: oil stains from leaking cars; tire marks; mold; mildew; algae; water stains; rust; salt stains from the ocean water here in the air; and weeds in the cracks.

When it comes to life expectancy of your parking lot, keep in mind that the oils, algae build up and even the salt that is constantly in the air of our beachy towns, break down the building materials of your parking lot. Weeds can cause your concrete to degenerate and crumble and crack. Salt corrodes concrete and helps it crack. Our pressure washing services can effectively reduce the amount of damage done to your parking lot, increasing its life expectancy. 

Although we don’t have ice to worry about here in SWFL, we do have mold and algae growths, which are not just slippery, but can even crack or warp paved surfaces, leading to tripping hazards. These safety issues can expose you, and your customers or visitors, to danger. Slipping and falling is a very common reason people file personal injury lawsuits.

That’s why pressure washing provides more than just aesthetic benefits. Removing the mold, algae, dirt, oil buildup and other substances from your concrete and pavers also helps reduce your legal liability.

If your sidewalks and parking lot look dirty or have a build up of oil, algae or salt on them, give us a call at Under Pressure at 239-218-5085.

​

Share

0 Comments

6/18/2019

Concrete Hardscapes Need Cleaning Too

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
Realtors often talk about “curb appeal” when selling your home, but the truth is, you want your home to look gorgeous while you’re living in it even if you have no intention of selling, right? The problem is, when people talk about curb appeal, they overlook one of the most obvious parts of it, which is their concrete driveway, front walk ways, sidewalks, and actual curb! The concrete areas around your home get stained by many things, meanwhile they are literally the first place your guest’s shoes hit the ground. Acting like a sponge, concrete driveways absorb contaminants, dirt, and grime. There are several kinds of stains your concrete hardscapes can get.
  1. Grease and oil stains—whether it’s from your car, or perhaps from your BBQ grill, oil stains look terrible on your concrete.
  2. Biological stains—Mold, mildew and algae not only look awful, but they can be dangerous for you and your guests because they are slippery, especially when it rains. Here is Southwest Florida, the high humidity, and in particular during the summer, the constant rain, causes almost everyone to get these kinds of biological stains on their hardscapes. A slip and fall on concrete is no laughing matter.
  3. Tire marks—Black tire marks on your driveway may look like they can’t be removed, but they can, so don’t just put up with it.
  4. Water stains and rust—If you have potted plants along your walkways they can cause water stains on the concrete and also add to the mold and mildew problem. Getting them cleaned off a couple of times a year will keep your walkway looking beautiful, so people notice your plants, not the stains.
  5. Salt stains—The salt in the air here in SWFL is corrosive to pretty much all of your exterior surfaces. Salt corrodes both metal and concrete. At some point, salt can cause flaking or spalling on the surface of your driveway.
  6. Weeds in the cracks between—Although not a stain, weeds in the cracks between your concrete slabs make your home look like it’s in disrepair, and also can cause your concrete to degenerate and crumble and crack. Proper pressure washing can blast out weeds by the root and remove the dirt they grow in, keeping the integrity of your concrete slab safe.

Left untreated, these kinds of stains actually weaken your driveway, making it more susceptible to cracking and deterioration. Having a new driveway installed is expensive, so why not simply be sure to maintain it by getting it pressure washed twice a year? Concrete looks like it’s a solid and invincible surface that you could easily power wash yourself, however this is one of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to pressure washing. People often underestimate the power of a jet of water, use the wrong nozzle or the wrong level of pressure and damage their hardscapes easily. Most people don’t understand how powerful a pressurized stream of water can be. It is possible to cause significant, visible damage in the form of pitting, etched lines and general surface degradation if you don’t know what you’re doing. Etching is slightly blasting tiny bits of concrete off, engraving lines in the concrete which show up especially when the concrete is wet.

One of the other issues with trying to pressure wash your own driveway is that quite often the non-commercial level pressure washers are weaker than what we use as professionals. So rather than cleaning off biologicals, they merely spread the mold spores around, making your driveway even more susceptible to a widespread mold problem just a few months down the line.
​

Concrete hardscapes beautify your home’s landscaping, save water, and provide solid surfaces for parking, walking and entertaining. Let us help you improve their durability and longevity with a maintenance contract that will have us pressure wash your home twice a year, which will allow you to enjoy the beauty of your patios, walkways, sidewalks and driveways long after they are installed. Give us a call at Under Pressure at 239-218-5085.

Share

0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>
Details

    Author

    Peter LeBlanc
    Owner/ Operator
    Exterior Home Cleaning Specialist

    RSS Feed


    Under Pressure Cleaning & Sealing Services LLC
    Peter LeBlanc - Owner/Operator
    239-218-5085 • peter@underpressurehomewashing.com

    Proudly Serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, Bonita Springs, Port Charlotte, Alva
    © 2021 Copyright. All Rights Reserved. No Unauthorized use of materials on this site is permitted by law. Website maintained by Visitivity Inc.
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Roof Cleaning
  • Home Washing
  • Driveway Cleaning
  • Driveway Sealing
  • Reviews
  • Before/After
  • Blog
  • Trusted Partners