Driveway & Concrete Cleaning in Aurora, CO

Driveway and concrete cleaning is where higher pressure belongs. Concrete is hard and porous, and dirt, tire marks, oil and organic stains settle into its surface. Cleaning it well takes more pressure than siding can tolerate, but how that pressure is applied matters as much as how much there is.

Why we use a surface cleaner

A wand alone tends to leave light and dark stripes, called wand marks, and can etch the surface if held too close. A rotary surface cleaner spins two or more nozzles under a hood at a fixed height, so the whole driveway gets the same treatment. The result is more even, and the hood keeps spray and debris from flying onto cars, siding and plants. We switch to a wand only for edges, steps and corners.

Stains that need more than water

• Oil and fluid drips: a degreaser is applied and allowed to work before washing; old stains may lighten rather than disappear
• Rust: from sprinklers, fertilizer or metal furniture, treated with a rust-specific cleaner
• Tire marks and dirt: usually lift with the surface cleaner
• Algae and mildew in shaded areas: pretreated with a cleaning solution, then washed

We tell you at the estimate which stains are likely to come out fully and which will only fade.

Driveways drain to the street, and that matters

Most driveways slope toward the curb, and the curb gutter leads to a storm inlet. Aurora City Code Section 138-439 makes it unlawful to discharge material that is not entirely stormwater into the storm drainage system, and Section 138-436 lists detergents, soil and sediment as polluting materials. Because concrete cleaning produces exactly that kind of runoff, we plan for it: a temporary berm across the path to the inlet, directing water onto lawn where it can soak in without pooling or running off, or recovering water and disposing of it where the city or utility allows, depending on the site. Penalties under Section 138-444 can reach $5,000 per day, as the code reads. Watering sidewalks or streets is also listed as water waste under Aurora's Stage 1 drought rules.

Winter grime and de-icers

Winter leaves sand, grit and de-icing residue on driveways and walks. A spring cleaning removes that layer and makes it easier to see cracks and spalling that may need repair. If the surface is already flaking, we lower the pressure to avoid making it worse and point out the damaged areas.

Pavers and stamped concrete

Pavers and stamped or colored concrete need more care than a plain broom-finished slab. Joint sand can wash out of pavers under high pressure, and some sealers can be dulled by strong cleaners. We adjust pressure for pavers, and if joint sand is lost during cleaning we tell you so you can decide on re-sanding.

Sealing after cleaning

Cleaning is the first step if you plan to seal. Concrete and pavers need to be clean and fully dry before a sealer goes on, so allow at least a day after washing, or longer in cool weather. We can schedule the wash with your sealing plans in mind.