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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.

Jet washers can last for up to 10 years, but a more exact timeline for your jet washer depends on the frequency of use and maintenance. Some machines are given a rating of their approximate total hours of usage, which can help determine how long yours will stick around based on how many hours you use it each year. Aside from learning how to properly use the jet washer, you’ll want to keep it stored safely and securely so that it won’t rust or get damaged between uses.

Filling small cracks in your driveway with patching material is usually the most affordable fix, costing about $2 to $3 per square foot. For larger damage, however, these repairs won’t last, so it’ll save you more to resurface or replace the driveway, depending on the extent of the issues.

There’s no legal requirement that states that you need rebar in a concrete driveway, but since the slab will be supporting heavy vehicle loads, it’s always a good idea to pay a bit more for rebar reinforcement. Your driveway will be much more likely to crack if you don’t reinforce it with rebar. Driveways that need to support commercial vehicles or provide parking for multiple vehicles at once should always include rebar reinforcement. If you’re pouring concrete over asphalt or pouring concrete over an existing slab, you may not have enough depth for rebar, meaning an increased risk of cracking.