Garage floors and driveways are especially susceptible to stubborn oil and rust stains that can cause permanent damage to the concrete surfaces at your home or business. These parking areas and work spaces attract the worst grime build-up from oil, grease, and other chemicals and are very prone to common rust stains from standing or dripping water. The curb appeal of your home depends on spotless garage floors and driveways as much as interior design and landscaping. Dirty and stained exterior concrete immediately conveys a negative image of your entire property. Due to the purposes that garages and parking areas are used for, avoiding stains is very difficult. These tough stains require professional cleaning with properly designed equipment and cleansers.
Rust and oil stains on your concrete surfaces are not as simple to clean as it might appear. Water does not entirely run off of concrete as it is very porous and absorbs water efficiently; especially inside garages and interior spaces that do not regularly carry any runoff water. Concrete soaks up oils and chemicals deep into the surface structure, leading to stains that can become permanent. Stained concrete also holds water along with metal materials that can rapidly rust. Concrete manufacturing and construction materials are designed to increase the absorption power of finished concrete as to prevent excess water runoff.
For the types of stains and rust found on concrete surfaces, professional high-pressure applications of properly selected degreasers and detergents are needed to clean the entire concrete surface thoroughly. Typically, professional rotary washers working at 3,000 psi or greater and more significant than normal water flow are necessary. Professional expertise is needed to determine if your stains and rust require oxidizing, alkaline, acidic, or other environmentally responsible cleaning agents, and which are best used for any particular job. Cleaning that you attempt on your own will not provide the needed pressure or cleansers required to get the job done right.
Dirty concrete loses its power to absorb water and retains the water causing rusting. This same moisture provides a suitable habitat for mold and mildew growth. The spores that grow are health hazards to anyone with allergies or compromised immune systems or respiratory problems. Even concrete that does not appear dirty can promote mold and mildew growth.
It has become trendy in recent years to coat and seal concrete surfaces with urethane coating, and when properly installed, they are very attractive and easier to keep clean. If you are considering using a modern sealing application on your garage floor or other concrete surfaces, it is essential to remember that you need professional deep cleaning and removal of stains and rust from the concrete before sealing. It would be very disappointing to go to the expense and work involved in sealing a concrete surface if any oil or other chemicals are sealed below the urethane only to bubble up later or cause other subsurface damage to your concrete.
Contact Coast All Clean LLC for a free estimate for your garage floors and other concrete surfaces subject to rust and oil staining. Our unmatched customer service makes us the go-to professional cleaning company across the entire Myrtle Beach metropolitan area. We will examine and evaluate your concrete surfaces and go over the best cleaning plan for your property with you.