[A Foster]

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

[BDCS]

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

[A Foster]

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?

[Blast Away]

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.

[mike roberts]

seriously lee .... you need to sort out the method you use when washing 

[Blast Away]

seriously lee .... you need to sort out the method you use when washing 

Oi! Behave! 

[A Foster]

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

[BDCS]

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

[Kev Martin]

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

[JSMC]

only do monoblock and paving slabs. Stay clear of sandstone as not sure of best way to wash it and dont wanna damage it

[Simon@ Clearview contractors]

I've had indian stone delaminate.

[Blast Away]

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.

[BDCS]

Its the frost that usually causes that

[Kev Martin]

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