"Rock Landscaping tackled a big project for us by shoring up sloped areas with retaining walls ranging in height from 2 to six feet. Additionally, they masterfully installed a beautiful large stone staircase up a steep grade (21 steps) to the upper portion of my property and surfaced my long driveway (.12 mile) with a good thick coating of D1. Russ Enz the owner gave me great pricing on this $50k plus monster sized project. His guys are true professionals, who are easy to work with, understand your vision, work hard and have a knack for turning raw land into a gorgeous landscape. Thanks Rock Landscaping for the great experience!"
"Very good. They showed up when they said they were going to, they finished when they said they were going to, the quality and everything is good as expected."
Regular sealing, proper drainage, and periodic inspections prevent premature wear and cracking.
It is generally not recommended to use dish soap in a pressure washer. Dishwashing liquid is formulated for cooler water, and the warmer water used in a pressure washer can create excessive suds, potentially damaging the machine's tubing and other components. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended detergents. If you find yourself in a pinch, you can try a highly diluted solution, such as one tablespoon of dish soap per 1.5 quarts of water, to avoid clogging the machine.
Yes, you can pressure wash with just water. The force of the water alone is often enough to remove dirt, grime, and debris from many surfaces. However, for tougher stains like grease, mildew, or algae, adding a detergent or cleaning solution can enhance the cleaning power. Be sure to use the appropriate nozzle and pressure settings for the surface to achieve the best results without causing damage.
Some homeowners have luck using pressure washers, but this only works for old or weaker concrete sealants and with very powerful pressure washers. You’ll get better results by pressure washing water-based sealants. However, it’s worth trying on any sealant if you’re hoping for the least toxic, least expensive, and most DIY-friendly option. To try this method, rent or buy the most powerful pressure washer you can find and take several passes at the concrete, completely pressure washing the entire area. You may need to repeat the process multiple times to see results.
You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.
Key items and surfaces to avoid include:
Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.
Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.
Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.
Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.
Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.
The Wrangell, AK homeowners’ guide to concrete driveway services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Between the endless customizations and decades of strength, the cost of a concrete driveway may be worth the investment. Let's break down your bottom line.
Before you hire a pro to pour a new concrete driveway, you should have a good idea of what you need. Discuss these concrete driveway installation questions with a pro.
