First impressions often last a long time. When you look at a building, driveway or terrace, a clean, well-maintained concrete speaks volumes about the care and attention to detail of the owners or managers.
Over the years, concrete has become more and more widely used in construction, due to its strength and versatility. However, it requires special care in order to continue to look good and stay strong. What does it take to maintain and clean this common material?
In this article, our industrial plant cleaning experts explain why it’s important to clean your concrete, and the equipment and techniques that can be used to do so.
What does concrete cleaning involve?
Widely acclaimed for its strength and durability, concrete is found everywhere in modern infrastructure. However, its unique texture, which is both solid and porous, makes it vulnerable to many types of dirt and damage. Understanding the concrete cleaning process is therefore essential for anyone seeking to preserve the integrity and appearance of their concrete structures. Let’s examine what cleaning concrete actually involves.
- Identifying types of dirt:
Before any work is carried out, you will need to correctly identify the type of dirt or stain on the surface. From oil stains, discoloration and mold, to efflorescence (white deposits caused by the migration of soluble salts), each type of soiling requires a unique approach.
- Surface pre-treatment:
Depending on the type of dirt, pre-treatment may be necessary. This can involve the application of specific detergents or solutions designed to treat problems like efflorescence.
- Mechanical cleaning:
Usually via high-pressure water blasting, this stage aims to dislodge dirt embedded deep within the pores of the concrete. Pressurized water acts like a brush, but with far greater efficiency, to guarantee a thorough cleaning.
- Post-cleaning treatment:
After cleaning, it may be necessary to apply further treatments to protect the surface of the concrete. Specialized sealants, for example, will form a protective barrier against moisture and stains, while still allowing the concrete to “breathe”.
- Regular inspection and maintenance:
Once cleaned, concrete still requires regular maintenance to maintain its appearance and integrity. This involves periodic cleaning and the application of protective products where necessary.
Professional solutions for effective cleaning
Industrial cleaning companies have specialized tools and techniques that will guarantee optimal results when cleaning surfaces like concrete. Let’s take a closer look at what these experts do.
Specialized industrial equipment
Concrete cleaning professionals arm themselves with a wide selection of state-of-the-art industrial cleaning equipment designed specifically to handle concrete. Their tools range from high-pressure cleaners to sandblasting machines, industrial vacuum cleaners and mechanical sweepers.
The advantages of professional high-pressure cleaners
Unlike standard high-pressure cleaners, those used by professionals are designed so that users can adapt the pressure and water flow rate to the porous nature of concrete. This makes it possible to extract deeply embedded dirt without damaging the concrete’s surface. What’s more, the ability to adjust the pressure allows cleaners to adapt their tools perfectly to any situation.
Professional cleaning techniques
Mastery of equipment isn’t everything. Technicians specializing in concrete cleaning have an in-depth knowledge of different types of concrete surfaces and any associated problems. Thanks to rigorous training, they can identify the challenges specific to each project and apply the appropriate methods, such as degreasing, stripping or removing chemical residues.
The advantages of a professional cleaning service
In addition to advanced equipment and proven expertise, hiring a concrete cleaning professional offers several further advantages. Professionals can guarantee impeccable results which will extend the life of your concrete, and you will be certain to save unnecessary expenses that could result from cleaning errors. An expert will also be able to advise you on post-cleaning treatments for enhanced surface protection.
Choose Trexo for concrete cleaning
Faced with the complexities of cleaning concrete and other industrial surfaces, it’s important to rely on cutting-edge techniques. Trexo embodies professional industrial cleaning excellence, combining advanced technology and specialized skills to guarantee impeccable, long-lasting results every time.
Your assets deserve the best treatment. When you choose Trexo, you choose expertise, quality and peace of mind. Trust our team to bring your industrial spaces and equipment back to life. Contact us today and get the Trexo experience.