Have you ever noticed large stretches of sidewalks starting to get black or looking streaked with black? This can be a problem for a number of reasons. Not only does this impact the appearance of the sidewalk, but it also can be a safety hazard. Understanding why this happens and how to get rid of it can help you improve the curb appeal of your property and ensure that it is safe for everyone that comes to visit. Big Moose Pressure Cleaning is here to talk about why sidewalks become discolored and black, as well as how to fix it.
Black Film on Sidewalk Makes Them Slippery
There is no denying that Georgia is a humid climate. When a humid climate and porous concrete come together, it can be a recipe for moisture collection and spores can start to grow. The blackness on the top of sidewalks is usually algae, mold and bacteria growth. This can leave the sidewalk looking grimy and dirty. However, in all actuality, it can leave the sidewalk slippery and a hazard to those walking on it. While algae, mold and bacteria are the common issues that discolor sidewalks, this can also be caused by vehicle oil and airborne pollution as well.
How to Clean Black Staining from Sidewalk
Anyone dealing with blackened sidewalks, wants to find the solution to fix it as soon as possible. However, if you don’t do it right, the results won’t be as long lasting. There are certain steps that must be followed so that the results will stick.
– Diagnosing the Problem: The first step in getting rid of black sidewalks is to diagnose the problem. Knowing if the problem is biological or caused by chemicals will help the professionals know what needs to be used to clean it up. There are certain cleaners that target different issues.
– Pretreating Biological Growth: If the problem is caused by a biological problem like mold, algae, or bacteria, it needs to be treated with a diluted sodium-hypochlorite solutions first. This is a diluted bleach solution. This will work to kill these organisms at the root. This should always be done with professionals who are trained to use these chemicals safely.
– Clean: The next step is to clean it with a combination of soft washing and power washing. Knowing the right combination of cleaning is essential in avoiding damage to your concrete. Etching can happen easily when you aren’t trained in using the equipment.
– Rinse, Dry & Seal: After the cleaning is done, it is time to have the surface rinsed. This is an important part of the blending process. Removing the cleaning solution is vital. After the rinse, the surface needs to dry and be sealed.
Residential & Commercial Pressure Cleaning, Power Washing & More in McDonough, Barnesville, Fayetteville, Covington, Locust Grove, Griffin, Stockbridge & Social Circle & Jackson, Georgia
If you have blackened sidewalks, it is important that you turn to Big Moose Pressure Cleaning to handle cleaning them. We will make sure we are treating the root cause of the discoloration. Call us today!
