What level of stain does your natural stone have?
Your backyard is special and can be your private escape, your own personal slice of the greenbelt, surrounded by towering oaks, pecans and guarded by dense cedars. Not only is your diverse vegetative landscape incredible, but also the elaborate natural stone structures that add value to your home and make it so unique.
In Austin, we are blessed to readily have such availability of both vegetation and natural stone. From elaborate limestone decks and walls sourced from local quarries, to rich slate, quartzite, and flagstone varieties paving poolside. From treetop balconies lined in travertine to Saltillo tile and Chicago brick courtyards, natural stone structures are more than beauty, they are also major investments. All of these materials are delicate and porous, and it is important to maintain them correctly. For example, sealing your natural stone after it gets pressure washed is a proactive way to prevent returning contamination. Unfortunately, besides the seasonal allergies, our abundant vegetation can also disrupt the cleanliness and durability of these structures.
When natural stone is left untreated and susceptible to the elements, they become contaminated by living bio-organisms, with layers of organic growth. It starts when these highly trafficked areas become blanketed in dirt and debris. When trees pollenate or shed their leaves on the soiled surface, they breakdown, and create tannin stains. Mother nature also plays a large role in the formation for organic growth. Each time it rains, water becomes a catalyst to drive decay deeper into the porous stone creating a perfect environment for more destructive organic growth to flourish.
The beginning species of heavy organic growth are mold and mildew followed by strands of green algae. Although the species aren’t cosmetically pleasing and make for a slippery surface, they don’t pose much of a structural compromising threat. On the other hand, they are sources of allergy irritants and become precursors for more destructive species. The first being a black airborne algae, known as Gloeocaspa Magma, which feeds on the calcium deposits within the stone. The second and most corrosive species is lichen, a combination of algae and fungus appearing as green or black dime sized dots, typically among shaded areas with existing organic stains. Lichen has acidic properties that root themselves deep into a substrate’s pores, and when untreated, can cause permanent discoloration and significant cracking.
How much pressure and solution is required?
Heavily contaminated, delicate stone surfaces always pose a predicament for even the most trained pressure washing companies. If excessive pressure is applied on soft stone, the process can result in damage such scarring, also known as etching. If the technician decides to soft wash the surface by applying chemicals, surrounding vegetation could also potential be harmed. At Clean Green Power Washing, we have experience working with every type of natural stone, and fully understand each’s physical properties. In order to get the job done right without damage, we use a hybrid method, and utilize the best of both worlds. We start restoring natural stone by using our top of the line surface cleaners, equipped with adjustable pressure gauges so that our technicians know exactly how much pressure to use. This process doesn’t only safely remove all topical organic growth deposits, but also open the stones pores so that we can apply half the amount of our eco-friendly solution to lift the roots of the remaining heavily embedded organic growth.
Concerned about your plants?
We get it. We have made it our mission to be more than a “spray and pray” company and keep your plants top priority! This motto stems from our roots, as we are gardeners ourselves, and understand just how much time, energy and love goes into keeping your plants healthy. We are certified in organic stain recognition and carry non-hazardous solutions that are bio-degradable and specifically designed to target mold and mildew. Lastly, after a period of solution dwell time sufficient to lift heavy organic growth, our team works together and goes the distance to thoroughly rinse your natural stone surface with pressure equivalent to a household garden hose. We believe, and have made it our policy to always rinse, rinse, rinse! This final process not only ensures your patio, pool, or deck is left decontaminated of deep dwelling fungi but also completely free of our eco-friendly cleaning solution.
Natural Stone Cleaning Services in Austin, TX
You’ve made your personal paradise unique, from elaborate limestone decks and walls sourced from local quarries to rich slate, quartzite, and flagstone varieties paving poolside. From treetop balconies lined in travertine to Saltillo tile and Chicago brick courtyards, natural stone structures are more than beauty, they are also major investments. At Clean Green Power Washing, we have experience working with every type of natural stone, and fully understand each’s physical properties. In order to get the job done right without damage, we use a hybrid method and utilize the best of both worlds. When looking for a pressure washing company in Austin to restore your natural stone, trust Clean Green Power Washing; specialists in keeping your backyard getaway healthy and clean.
For pristine pressure cleaning services, send us a message or give us a call at (512) 662-8422!