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Are you planning to do your own pressure washing in the near future? If so, you need to make sure you have the correct expectations for the work. If you think you’re going to have a cakewalk when you pressure wash your property, you’ll probably wind up disappointed. That’s because there are many challenges of pressure washing that you’ll have to overcome—and if you don’t prepare yourself appropriately, you’ll experience even more difficulty than necessary. In this blog, Brite Exterior Solutions will teach you five of the biggest challenges of pressure washing. Discover what makes this process so tough. Then, learn what you need to know to overcome each of these challenges! Challenge #1: Finding Enough Time For the Work Out of all the challenges of pressure washing, perhaps the biggest one is finding enough time for the work. Let’s face it: DIY pressure washing is tough. This is especially true if you’ve never done the work before. Cleaning your surfaces and learning how to use your equipment are all going to require a time investment. The question is: how much time do you have to spare? Does your weekly schedule even allow for DIY pressure washing? This is one of those cases where “your mileage may vary”. If you don’t have much room in your schedule, perhaps you’re better off scheduling professional services. On the other hand, if you have time to spare, why not give DIY pressure washing a try? It could be a good fit for you. Challenge #2: Purchasing the Right Equipment If you have decided that you are going to pressure wash your property on your own, that’s great. However, you obviously can’t do this work without the right equipment. So, what will you need? We’ve provided you with a checklist with everything required for most pressure washing projects, which you’ll find below: Challenge #3: Preparing the Area For Pressure Washing Once you have everything you need for pressure washing, you can’t just leap into the work. You’ll need to prepare the area for pressure washing first. But what exactly does this require? First and foremost, have you moved your belongings out of the way? You’ll need to relocate your outdoor furniture, decorations, and vehicles before you begin pressure washing. That way, you don’t have to navigate around any obstacles. What about your flower beds and gardens? Be sure to cover them with tarps or drop cloths before your project. That way, these delicate plants are shielded from potential damage. Challenge #4: Choosing How Much Water Pressure to Use Next, you’ll need to figure out how much water pressure to use during your project. If you thought you could use the same amount of water pressure no matter what you’re washing, think again! You’ll have to choose carefully depending on what exactly you plan to clean. For example, if you’re cleaning an asphalt roof, low-pressure water is required. On the other hand, you can use significantly more water pressure when cleaning concrete. Here is a simple list of different surfaces, as well as how much water pressure to use when pressure washing them. Don’t see yours here? Consult a search engine of your choice. Challenge #5: Actually Removing All Debris When pressure washing your surfaces, your goal should be to wash away all debris. After all, if you fall short of this objective, what was the point of pressure washing in the first place? However, removing all surface debris is sometimes easier said than done. If you find that some grime won’t wash away no matter how hard you try, perhaps it’s time to use sodium hypochlorite to bust these messes for good. Here’s a simple guide for using sodium hypochlorite. First, apply a thin layer of this substance to the area with unwanted debris/stains. Then, wait fifteen minutes for this debris to be broken down. Finally, pressure wash the area again, and you’ll discover that grime that was once too tough to remove vanishes before your eyes. How convenient is that? Additional Challenges of Pressure Washing So, are those all the challenges of pressure washing? Far from it. There are a significant number of other problems you could face during your project, including: To avoid all the challenges of pressure washing effortlessly, you are always welcome to schedule an appointment with a professional business. For example, at Brite Exterior Solutions, it would be our pleasure to completely pressure wash your surfaces so you don’t have to. With our help, you’ll completely avoid the DIY process for a reasonable price. Our Professional Pressure Washing When you schedule an appointment with Brite Exterior Solutions, you completely avoid the challenges of pressure washing. What you’ll pay is based on the overall size of the project. The more surface area you have for us to clean, the more you can expect to pay. There are never hidden fees or surcharges. Get started today by contacting us online and letting us know how we can serve you! We look forward to learning more about your appointment and restoring your property’s beauty. You’ll love what Brite Exterior Solutions has to offer you.

Are you a business owner in the Midlothian, VA community? Our area is home to a wide variety of stores, restaurants, hotels, banks, and other commercial properties. For these businesses to do their best, they need to appeal to potential customers. One of the ways you can draw in more customers is with commercial power washing! In this blog, we’ll review the many benefits of commercial power washing. As you are about to discover, there are more upsides to this service than you may have originally thought. Need full-service commercial power washing? We’ve got you covered. Reach out to Brite Exterior Solutions, and we will happily do all the hard work for you. Why Commercial Properties Need Pressure Washing You might ask, “What makes commercial power washing so necessary?” A good question. First, you need to understand that the outside world is a dirty place by nature. What this means is that your business’s exterior surfaces are likely to become messy over time. In fact, you might find a wide range of unwanted substances on these surfaces, including: You might not notice this debris creeping up at first. However, the longer it is allowed to accumulate, the more obvious the problem will become. Eventually, your business’s exterior surfaces will be so dirty that you can’t ignore the issue any longer. That’s when you’ll need to make a commercial power washing plan! Improve Your Business’s Appearance As a business owner, drawing in new customers should be one of your highest priorities. That’s because increased foot traffic leads to increased revenue—and that gives your business more opportunities to grow! So, how can you attract visitors to your business? With commercial power washing, you’ll significantly boost your property’s beauty, making it easier to charm passersby and convert them into paying customers. Put yourself in the shoes of one of your customers, and it will be easy to see why commercial power washing is so effective. Would you rather go to a bright and clean restaurant, or one that is visibly grimy? Obviously the former, and that’s exactly how your community feels, too. So power wash your commercial property’s exterior and reap the benefits. Boost Worker Productivity It’s not just your customers who will appreciate a cleaner business environment. Your employees will be positively impacted by the change, too. In fact, cleaner workspaces are known to be more productive workspaces, too. But why is that? The reason is actually rooted in human psychology. Have you noticed that you feel more energetic on a sunny day than a rainy day? That’s a natural part of who we are—it’s like Mother Nature is saying, “Take some time to lie low and wait for this to pass.” Incidentally, by creating brighter, livelier workspaces, we tap into this effect and put ourselves into “work mode”. Inspire your employees to do their best and reach new milestones with commercial power washing! Help Exterior Surfaces Last Longer Every business owner has a budget they have to keep up with. Going over budget is a warning sign, and it shows that you need to be careful—or else you won’t be able to afford necessities. While it’s true that commercial power washing comes with a price tag, it also has a hidden benefit. By power washing your property, you’ll actually save money in the long run! Why is this? Because commercial power washing removes harmful debris from your business’s exterior surfaces. Rinsing this grime away prevents surface damage, and that prevents the need for costly repairs down the road. This could mean thousands of dollars of savings in the long run, and that’s not a number that you should take lightly. Improve Business Hygiene It’s important that your business is a healthy place to be. It goes without saying that you don’t want your customers to get sick; not only does this reflect poorly on your business, but it also renders them incapable of a return visit in the near future. Fortunately, you can do your part to make your business a more hygienic place with commercial power washing. By power washing exterior surfaces, you can get rid of any moss, mold, and algae growing on them. This prevents these organic growths from releasing spores that could interfere with eyes and lungs. You can also use commercial power washing to kill bacteria and viruses, especially on outdoor furniture and playground equipment. Reduce the risk of infection and keep your customers happy and healthy! How Often Should My Business Be Power Washed? How frequently will you need commercial power washing? Your mileage may vary. At the bare minimum, you should at least have your business power washed once per year. Otherwise, it will become noticeably dirty, and your property may even sustain some surface damage. At Brite Exterior Solutions, many of our clients schedule commercial power washing anywhere from two to four times per year. This is especially important if your business gets dirty easily (for example, if you own a gas station or parking garage). DIY Vs. Professional Services Some business owners actually power wash their businesses on their own. However, this might not be the best fit for you. It depends on your schedule, as well as your willingness to do the work. Are you prepared to invest hours of your time into the process? If not, you may want to reach out to a professional power washing company instead. For instance, it would be our pleasure to serve you at Brite Exterior Solutions! We are proud to be Midlothian, VA’s first choice for commercial power washing, and we look forward to serving you next. Simply contact us online and let us know about your project. That way, we can provide you with a free cost estimate. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will be there to serve you in the near future! It won’t be long before we’ve made your business look its best again.

Every well-maintained home and business has rain gutters. These rain gutters also require maintenance if they are to function properly—but why? What are the reasons why gutter cleaning is important, and why should you consider gutter cleaning sooner rather than later? In this blog, discover the top five benefits you’ll enjoy from gutter cleaning. Then, consider scheduling an appointment with the professionals at Brite Exterior Solutions! We are Midlothian, VA’s first choice for gutter cleaning services, and it would be our genuine pleasure to restore your gutters so you don’t have to. 1) Improve Your Property’s Curb Appeal As your gutters become dirty, they will affect your property’s overall appearance. This is because particles of debris will accumulate on your gutters’ exterior surfaces. The longer this is allowed to happen, the darker and duller your gutters will become. This compromises your property’s beauty, making it much less appealing to passersby and guests. This is particularly disastrous if you are a business owner. Less attractive businesses draw in fewer customers—reducing your overall profits. Instead of letting this happen, prioritize gutter cleaning! It restores your gutters’ beauty, and this is one of the biggest reasons why gutter cleaning is important. Reach out to Brite Exterior Solutions to bring beauty back to your property with ease! 2) Eliminate Gutter Clogs If left unattended, your gutters will eventually become clogged. But why is that? Over time, your rain gutters collect all sorts of unwanted debris. This includes leaves, sticks, bird nests, and even garbage blown in by the wind. All these items will create large clogs that prevent the flow of rainwater through your gutters. Since this water has to go somewhere, though, it overflows from your gutters, potentially causing moisture damage to your property’s exterior. This is why gutter cleaning is important—it will eliminate these clogs and restore the proper flow of water. When water is passing through your gutters correctly, it is channelled to the ground, where it is absorbed by the soil. We’re certain you’d rather rainwater go there instead of gathering on your property’s exterior surfaces. 3) Avoid Costly Repairs Gutter cleaning is an important part of preventing property damage. There are a handful of reasons for this. For one, debris erodes your gutters over time, slowly damaging their surfaces. Gutters that are clogged are more likely to sag and bend, and overflowing water can even cause moisture damage to your home or business. None of these problems is cheap to fix, and if you want to avoid costly repairs, you’ll want to take preventative measures. We highly recommend annual gutter cleaning. By cleaning your gutters, you’ll remove problematic debris and keep your property safe. Reach out to Brite Exterior Solutions if it’s been longer than a year since your last gutter cleaning appointment—it would be our pleasure to serve you! 4) Keep Pests at Bay When your gutters are filled with debris, they actually attract pests. This is because clogged gutters provide water, food, and shelter to unwanted guests of all shapes and sizes. Mosquitos and flies will lay their eggs in gutters, and when they hatch, you’ll have to deal with an extreme population boom. Dirty gutters can even attract rodents. This is because gutter debris is a fantastic nesting material, helping mice and rats raise their young. Prevent this from happening with gutter cleaning. With this service, you’ll remove all debris from your gutters, giving pests fewer reasons to stick around. That way, you don’t inadvertently bring on a dramatic increase in their population. 5) Prevent Mold and Algae Growth Have you discovered mold or algae growth on your gutters? If so, you’ll want to take corrective action sooner rather than later. That’s because these substances will spiral out of control if given the chance. After establishing themselves, mold and algae will release spores, lowering the air quality around your property. These spores can also land on surfaces and germinate, potentially triggering exponential growth. Brush your gutters, eliminate spores, and help your property stay attractive and hygienic! Getting rid of mold and algae is one of the reasons why gutter cleaning is important. So, if your gutters are visibly covered with organic growth, you’ll know it’s time to take action sooner rather than later. Should I Try DIY Gutter Cleaning? Now that you understand why gutter cleaning is important, you’ll need to figure out the best way to do the work. One of your options is DIY gutter cleaning. This is when you purchase your own equipment and invest your own time and energy into the gutter cleaning process. For some property owners, this is a fantastic choice for the project. On the other hand, if you already have a busy schedule, doing your own gutter cleaning might not be the right path for you.  If you lack the time and energy for gutter cleaning, consider scheduling an appointment with Brite Exterior Solutions. We are Midlothian, VA’s first choice for gutter cleaning services, and it would be our pleasure to serve you whether you are a residential or commercial client. Cost of Gutter Cleaning Services If you schedule our gutter cleaning services, how much can you expect to pay? At Brite Exterior Solutions, we determine the cost of each appointment by the number and size of your gutters. Bigger projects cost more than smaller projects. There are also no hidden fees at Brite Exterior Solutions because we believe in honesty and transparency. At this point, you understand why gutter cleaning is important. So, if you are interested in what we have to offer, why wait to get in touch? Contact us online, and you can schedule an appointment with our professionals today. Let us know about your rain gutters, and we will get back to you with a free cost estimate. If you like our asking price, just choose a time and date for your appointment, and we will be happy to help you then. We will see you in the near future!

Do you have some sort of concrete on your property? Chances are, yes! From sidewalks and driveways to parking lots and parking garages, there are countless surfaces and structures that are made of concrete. It’s a ubiquitous substance, and because of this, it pays off to know how to clean it. In this blog, we’ll review how to pressure wash concrete. Learn all the steps, see how the technique works, and decide—do you want to DIY or schedule a professional concrete cleaning appointment with the team at Brite Exterior Solutions? Why Concrete Cleaning Is Important Before we dig into how to pressure wash concrete, let’s discuss why you should bother learning to do so in the first place. Concrete (and all exterior surfaces) gather debris over time. This is unavoidable, and that’s because the outside world is a dirty place. What sorts of unwanted substances will you find on your concrete? A few examples include dirt, moss, mold, algae, and pollen. As this debris piles up, it will detract from your concrete’s beauty—and negatively affect your property’s visual appeal as a whole. This isn’t the only downside of letting your concrete stay dirty. Did you know that dirty concrete is also more likely to become damaged? This is because debris erodes concrete, and although this process is gradual, you will notice the negative effects over time. Prevent this from happening with annual concrete pressure washing. Is your concrete already overdue for cleaning? Then take action sooner rather than later. Considering DIY Concrete Cleaning? Are you thinking about learning how to pressure wash concrete on your own? If so, bear in mind that there are challenges lying ahead of you. You’ll need to find enough time for the work. You’ll need to use your energy to do the physical labor. And finally, you’ll need to purchase all the necessary equipment (or borrow it from someone who already owns it). If these potential hurdles give you some pause, maybe DIY concrete cleaning isn’t the right choice for you. However, if you’re confident you can overcome these challenges, keep reading and learn how to pressure wash concrete with our pros! We’ll teach you everything you need to know. Necessary Equipment For Concrete Cleaning To learn how to pressure wash concrete, you’ll have to gather the correct gear. The question is, what does this include? We have included a bulleted list of all the necessary items below. Preparing Concrete Surfaces For Pressure Washing Before you can learn how to pressure wash concrete, you’ll have to make a few preparations. First and foremost, you’ll want to move your belongings off the concrete, assuming there are any. For example, furniture and decorations need to be scooted off your concrete patio, and vehicles need to be parked away from your concrete driveway. Don’t worry—you can put them back as soon as the work is complete.  You’ll also want to sweep the concrete before you try to pressure wash it. Why? Because if you don’t, large pieces of debris (e.g., pebbles) can be launched by water jets. In the worst-case scenario, they can fly into a window or windshield and break it. Avoid the need for expensive repairs and take a few minutes to run a broom! The Concrete Pressure Washing Process Now that you’ve gotten this far, it’s time to learn how to pressure wash concrete—the hands-on way! First, prepare your pressure washer and choose an appropriate amount of water pressure for the project. For concrete cleaning jobs, this will be anywhere between 3,000 and 3,500 PSI. Concrete is a highly durable material and will be able to withstand this force without any issues.  We highly recommend washing your concrete in a row-by-row pattern. Start at one of the corners, and rinse an entire “strip” of the surface clean. Then, overlap it slightly as you make your next pass. This helps you ensure that no square inch of the concrete is left unwashed. Put the work in and ensure flawless results! If you come across any stubborn debris, don’t worry because you can break it down with cleaning solutions! At Brite Exterior Solutions, we swear by sodium hypochlorite for these sorts of projects. Simply apply a thin layer of this chemical to your concrete, wait fifteen minutes, and wash all tough grime away. (And don’t let the word chemical scare you—sodium hypochlorite is safe for the environment and will break down naturally after your project.) Consider Professional Concrete Cleaning Learning how to pressure wash concrete is a challenging process, and not every property owner is up to the task. If you are in this position and don’t want to bother DIYing, reach out to a professional pressure washing company instead! At Brite Exterior Solutions, it would be our pleasure to serve you. That way, you can take some time to relax while a team of experts handles all the hard work on your behalf.  All we ask in return for our services is a reasonable amount of money. How much you’ll pay is based on the overall surface area you need us to clean. For instance, a small concrete patio will cost less than a large parking lot. We invite you to contact us online to request a free cost estimate. Then, if you like our asking price, choose a time and date for your appointment! We look forward to bringing beauty back to your concrete so you don’t have to.

Chances are, you have a driveway on your Richmond, VA property, and driveways are the unsung heroes of our homes and businesses. These structures are sturdy, typically made of concrete or asphalt, allowing them to withstand friction and weathering. The driveway is also the first surface your guests will encounter when they visit your property. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure your driveway is in impeccable condition—that way, you can make a good first impression! Driveway sealing will help you keep your driveway the best it can possibly be. In this blog, we’ll review the benefits of driveway sealing. That way, you understand what you have to gain. At any point, if you decide you need professional driveway sealing, reach out to us! Brite Exterior Solutions is not only prepared to teach you more about the process but also do the work for you if need be. What Is Driveway Sealing? So, what is driveway sealing anyway? We’re glad you asked! Driveway sealing is the process of adding a protective layer to your driveway’s surface. By adding this protective layer to your driveway, you’ll effectively shield it from damage—and enjoy many other benefits on top of that. There’s a reason driveway sealing is beloved by home and business owners throughout the Midlothian, VA community.  How does driveway sealing work? First, a layer of liquid sealer is brushed onto your driveway. Then, the sealer dries over the course of the next forty-eight hours. Finally, the protective layer is formed, shielding the driveway for years to come. Prevent Driveway Damage Out of all the benefits of driveway sealing, preventing driveway damage is the best. To illustrate this point, consider a driveway that hasn’t been sealed. Over time, this driveway will encounter endless sources of damage. Rain, snow, and hail will cause moisture damage over time. The driveway will be at greater risk of absorbing oil from spills. Even friction from cars driving on the surface will damage the driveway over time! All these different sources of damage will add up to trouble over time, ultimately resulting in the need for expensive repairs. We can only imagine that you don’t want to pay for these costly repairs. The good news is that you don’t have to thanks to preventative maintenance—and when it comes to preventing driveway damage, it doesn’t get better than driveway sealing. Protect your driveway, mitigate damage, and save money in the long run! Maintain Your Driveway’s Appearance One of the benefits of driveway sealing is that it can actually maintain your driveway’s beauty. Think about all the various forms of debris that can appear on your driveway over time. Dirt, pollen, bird droppings, moss, mold, algae, and oil stains are a few examples. It goes without saying that these substances don’t do your driveway any favors. As a matter of fact, they will steal away your driveway’s beauty over time. The question is, what role does paver sealer have in keeping your driveway visually appealing? The answer is that it’s generally easier to remove debris from sealed driveways than unsealed ones. This is because sealer forms a non-porous surface. Because of this, rinsing debris off this surface is easy. Compare this to an unsealed driveway. Debris fills the pores of the concrete or asphalt, making it much more difficult to rinse away. Reduce the risk of permanent staining with driveway sealing and keep your driveway beautiful! Prevent UV Staining Do you remember being told to wear sunscreen by your parents? If so, you’re already aware of the dangers of ultraviolet light. While most UV light is blocked by the atmosphere, some bleeds through, potentially causing skin damage. Here’s what you might not have known: UV light can actually damage your driveway, too. Over time, it will stain its surface, giving it a discolored appearance that leaves you less than satisfied. While there’s no such thing as sunscreen for driveways, you can have the next best thing. That would be none other than driveway sealing! Driveway sealing effectively protects your driveway from sun-related damage. When ultraviolet light beams down on your driveway, the sealer absorbs it, rendering it null and void. This means your driveway will avoid UV staining and retain its beauty for a long time to come. Continue Enjoying Benefits With Resealing In order to enjoy the benefits of driveway sealing, the layer of sealer needs to be in good condition. Unfortunately, sealer doesn’t stay this way on its own. Over time, it will take damage during its mission of protecting your driveway. This will cause sealer to slowly deteriorate. Eventually, it will chip and peel away to the point that the driveway itself is exposed again. Resealing is necessary at this point if you want to prevent damage. The good news is that driveway resealing is easy. Simply remove the original layer of sealer with a sealer-stripping chemical and pressure washing. Then, once the driveway has dried, it can be completely resealed. That way, you can keep enjoying the benefits of driveway sealing for a long time to come! Schedule Professional Driveway Sealing If you want to experience the benefits of driveway sealing but don’t want to do the necessary work, what should you do? Reach out to Brite Exterior Solutions because we have the professional driveway sealing services you need! Our experts are prepared to seal your driveway so it can look its best and last longer. And since we’ll do all the work for you, you can just sit back and relax as we go through all the necessary steps. What’s not to like? To get started, contact us online and let us know how we can serve you. The more information you give us about your project, the more accurate our cost estimate will be. Like our price? If so, choose a time and date for your appointment, and we’ll be there in a flash to lend you a helping hand! Expect high-quality work for a reasonable price—no hidden fees attached.

Are you preparing for a pressure washing project? If so, you are probably looking forward to the countless benefits of pressure washing. However, be careful because there are countless pitfalls you might come across during the exterior cleaning process. If you don’t know what to look out for, it’s very possible that you’ll make one of these common pressure washing mistakes for yourself. In this blog, we’ll review these mistakes—that way, you’ll be able to completely avoid them during your pressure washing project. Who are we? We are Brite Exterior Solutions, the go-to pressure washing company in Richmond, VA. We are happy to be your guide today, and if you decide you need professional pressure washing, don’t hesitate to call us and schedule an appointment. Mistake #1: Skipping Pressure Washing Altogether The worst of all common pressure washing mistakes is choosing not to clean a property’s exterior at all. It could be that you don’t understand the technique’s benefits, or you might want to avoid the work. Whatever your motives, we highly recommend that you don’t skip pressure washing because it means your home or business’s exterior will accumulate debris indefinitely. This will result in the diminished beauty of your property and ultimately surface damage that will cost money to repair. On the other hand, pressure washing will remove this debris from your property’s exterior, improving its appearance and helping it last longer. We highly recommend that you pressure wash your property once per year to enjoy these benefits. Has it already been longer than a year? Then you know what to do! Mistake #2: Not Clearing Surfaces Before Cleaning If you have decided to pressure wash a surface, we think that’s a great choice. However, you need to make the correct preparations first, and one of these preparations is clearing off the surface. For example, if you are going to pressure wash a deck, remove all furniture and decorations from the structure. Similarly, if preparing for driveway pressure washing, relocate all vehicles before you begin the work.  What makes it so important to clear surfaces before cleaning? There are two key reasons. Firstly, you don’t want any items to get in the way of your work. Secondly, you don’t want to accidentally damage them with pressurized water, either. Mistake #3: Not Putting Safety First Pressure washing is effective because it uses high-pressure water to restore exterior surfaces. This water effectively slices through debris and rinses it away with ease. However, beware as highly pressurized water isn’t all fun and games. It’s a powerful tool that needs to be treated seriously because it can actually injure you if you use it incorrectly. To prevent injury, we highly recommend you do the following: Mistake #4: Skipping Tough Stains Pressure washing is renowned across the world for its stunning results. However, one of the most common pressure washing mistakes is skipping tough stains simply because they’re more difficult to remove. We highly encourage you not to give up so easily during your exterior cleaning project. If you find stubborn debris that doesn’t rinse away so easily, there are alternative means of weakening it. For example, we highly recommend sodium hypochlorite, a specialized cleaning solution! Using sodium hypochlorite is easy. At Brite Exterior Solutions, we simply apply a thin layer of this cleaning solution to any dirty surfaces. Then, we wait fifteen minutes for debris to be broken down. Finally, we pressure wash the surfaces clean, and debris that was previously too stubborn to remove will rinse away with ease. Mistake #5: Not Giving Yourself Enough Time If this is your first time pressure washing, it stands to reason that you’re not completely familiarized with the process. In fact, you won’t have a fuller understanding of pressure washing until you’ve made it through your first project. What this means is that you’ll need time to get used to pressure washing and its quirks. So make sure you give yourself enough time for the work. That way, you don’t have to rush through your project! Generally speaking, the larger your project, the more time you will need to complete it. We suggest giving yourself about two hours to pressure wash a small patio. On the other hand, pressure washing a large parking lot could take five or six hours. Plan accordingly so you don’t put yourself in a stressful situation. The last thing you want is to wind up in a frustrating “time crunch”. Consider Professional Services As you’ve discovered in this blog, there are many common pressure washing mistakes waiting to be made. With the correct precautions, you’ll be able to avoid all these pitfalls and have a spectacular pressure washing experience. However, if you are still worried about making crucial mistakes, reach out to Brite Exterior Solutions, and our team of experienced pros will happily do all the work for you. We are a locally owned and operated business, and it’s always our pleasure to serve home and business owners in the Richmond, VA community. That way, you don’t have to do your own pressure washing (or make any common pressure washing mistakes). Instead, you can sit back and relax while our professionals handle this project on your behalf. To get started, contact us online and let us know about your pressure washing needs. We will get back to you as soon as possible with a free cost estimate. There are no hidden fees at Brite Exterior Solutions.

When your property’s exterior becomes dirty, you’ll find yourself in a frustrating predicament. One way or another, you’ll have to clean those surfaces because if you don’t, there can be serious consequences. The question is, what’s the best technique for the work? Should you pressure wash or soft wash surfaces? And what is soft washing anyway? We’ll answer these questions—and many others—in this blog.  At Brite Exterior Solutions, cleaning exterior surfaces is our specialty. We understand the pressure washing and soft washing processes, and we will teach you what we know below. We also invite you to schedule an appointment with us if you need professional assistance! Why Exterior Cleaning Is Necessary What is soft washing? What makes it different from pressure washing? Before we answer these questions, it’s important to understand why exterior cleaning is necessary at all. Over time, your property’s exterior will accumulate debris. This debris—which includes substances such as dirt, moss, mold, algae, and pollen—will have a negative impact on your property’s overall appearance. If your house loses its beauty, you won’t feel as welcome whenever you are home. Additionally, less appealing businesses are less likely to draw in customers. Another important reason for exterior cleaning is that it prevents surface damage. If debris is left to accumulate on property exteriors, it will gradually wear them down. This is because particles of debris grind against surfaces and erode them. The longer this is allowed to happen, the more obvious this damage will become. We recommend annual pressure washing/soft washing to prevent this from happening. Pressure Washing Versus Soft Washing So, what is pressure washing, and what is soft washing? Pressure washing is a specialized technique that uses high-pressure water to restore exterior surfaces. High-pressure water is powerful and allows stubborn debris to be easily washed away. We highly recommend pressure washing when you need to clean durable materials, such as hardwood, asphalt, and concrete. Soft washing is similar to pressure washing, but with one key difference. Soft washing uses significantly less water pressure than pressure washing. Pressure washing uses as much as 3,500 PSI; on the other hand, soft washing typically stays within the range of 150 to 500 PSI. This makes soft washing the superior choice for easily damaged surfaces, such as softwood and vinyl. Soft Washing and Cleaning Solutions Soft washing is essential for cleaning delicate surfaces without causing damage. However, soft washing is inherently less powerful than pressure washing. Does that make it less effective at removing debris? Technically, yes—but that’s why soft washing makes heavy use of cleaning solutions. These helpful substances break down stubborn debris so it can be more easily removed. That way, even low-pressure water is enough to make surfaces clean. There are a variety of cleaning solutions available for use during soft washing. At Brite Exterior Solutions, we rely on sodium hypochlorite. This substance rapidly weakens grime, allowing for its easy removal. Sodium hypochlorite won’t harm surfaces, nor will it harm the environment. It decomposes naturally and doesn’t cause any pollution. Surfaces That Should Be Soft Washed As stated above, some surfaces will be damaged by pressure washing. So, which ones should you avoid pressure washing? What is soft washing best applied to? There are many examples, but we have listed the most common ones below for your convenience. DIY Soft Washing If you need to soft wash your property’s exterior, you could always try doing this work on your own! You’ll just need to gather the correct equipment. A pressure washer is essential; this device includes an adjustable dial that lets you turn down the water pressure to a suitable level. Don’t forget a cleaning solution, like sodium hypochlorite, and protective equipment. You will want to wear goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes while soft washing to minimize the risk of self-injury.  After you’ve made all the necessary preparations, the soft washing process may begin. First, you’ll want to verify that your pressure washer is set to the correct level of water pressure. (This varies depending on the surface you are cleaning; we recommend searching for the specific material online.) Next, apply your cleaning solution of choice to the surface. This can be done using your pressure washer’s detergent tank or with a spray bottle. Finally, wait fifteen minutes before thoroughly rinsing the surface, leaving it debris-free and as good as new again! Consider Professional Soft Washing “What is soft washing?” At this point, you’ve discovered the answer to this question. You’ve learned about pressure and soft washing, and you’ve reviewed the steps that go into this work. If you have made it this far and decided you’re not cut out for do-it-yourself soft washing, what should you do? Look no further than Brite Exterior Solutions for the professional services you need.We are a locally owned and operated business, and it is always our pleasure to serve the Richmond, VA community. Contact us online and let us know about the surfaces you need us to clean! That way, we can determine if pressure washing or soft washing is the best strategy, as well as provide you with a free cost estimate.

Your driveway plays an important role on your Richmond, VA property. It welcomes visitors whenever they come by, and it also bids you farewell every time you leave. Chances are, you use your driveway each and every day! This is why it’s so important to keep your driveway in good condition. With driveway sealing, you’ll be able to do exactly that. So, how do you seal a concrete driveway?  In this blog, you’ll discover how to seal a driveway, as well as the many benefits of doing so. We are Brite Exterior Solutions, your local driveway sealing experts, and we’re happy to be your guide on this journey! Why Should You Seal a Driveway? How do you seal a concrete driveway? Before we discuss that, we have to answer another question—why should you seal a driveway? To illustrate this, let’s take a look at what happens when you don’t seal your driveway. At first, the effects will be minimal. However, as more time passes, it will become clear that your driveway is becoming damaged. This damage comes from multiple sources. For example, particles of debris may grind against your driveway and erode it. Additionally, your driveway will fall victim to moisture damage because of rain, hail, and snow. By sealing your driveway, you’ll establish a protective barrier around it, shielding it from damage. This will maintain your driveway’s beauty and help it last longer. That way, you don’t have to spend as much money on expensive driveway repairs. Preparing Your Driveway Before you can seal your driveway, you’ll need to get it ready for the work. Of course, you won’t be able to seal your driveway if all your vehicles are parked on it. So, be sure to find a place where you can temporarily relocate them. Curb-parking is an option, or perhaps you could leave your cars on the lawn if you are comfortable with that. Additionally, you should consider pressure washing your driveway before sealing it. That’s because, more likely than not, it is covered with various forms of debris. Common culprits include dirt, mud, moss, mold, and algae. If you seal your driveway while it’s still dirty, all this filth will be sealed in with it. So consider pressure washing your driveway ahead of time. You can either do this work on your own or schedule an appointment with us.  What Equipment Do I Need For Driveway Sealing? How do you seal a concrete driveway? Maybe you’ve decided that the answer is on your own. By doing this work on your own, you won’t have to schedule an appointment with a professional team. This means you’ll save money. However, don’t get too excited because you’ll need to spend some of this cash on equipment. What exactly will you need for the work? We’ve made a bulleted list for your convenience below. Sealing Your Driveway Now that you’ve made all the correct preparations, how do you seal a concrete driveway? First, pour a generous amount of liquid sealer into your paint tray. Then, wet your brush, but don’t soak it to the point of dripping. Finally, put a thin layer of sealer on the driveway’s surface. Make sure sealer is evenly applied across the entire structure because an uneven layer is more likely to crack, chip, or otherwise become damaged in the long run. Once your driveway is sealed, all you have to do is wait for the sealer to dry. Be warned—this typically takes as long as two days. Be sure to avoid using the driveway until then. The last thing you’ll want to do is interfere with the drying process. This could cause sealer to chip, peel, or crack. Do Driveways Need to Be Resealed? Your newly sealed driveway will serve you well for years to come—but how many exactly? We find that a layer of sealer typically lasts three to five years. During that time, your sealer will protect your driveway from damage, but the price is that the sealer takes damage instead. Be sure to keep an eye on your driveway as the years go by. Is the sealer beginning to visibly peel, flake, or crack? If so, it may be time to consider driveway resealing. How do you seal a concrete driveway a second time? The first step in successful resealing is removing the original layer of sealer. This is accomplished with a special sealer stripping chemical. Apply a thin layer of this substance to the driveway; then, wait a few minutes for it to break down the sealer. Next, pressure wash the area to restore your driveway to its original state. At this point, it can be re-sealed using the same steps we detailed earlier in this blog. Need Professional Driveway Sealing? If you want to seal your driveway but don’t want to do the work on your own, what should you do? Instead of forcing yourself into a difficult DIY project, you can always reach out to us. After all, if you’re searching phrases such as “How do you seal a concrete driveway?”, chances are, you lack the necessary experience to do the work flawlessly. At Brite Exterior Solutions, we are always proud to serve our community, so expect quality results from us whether your driveway is big, small, or anywhere in between. That way, your driveway can last longer, and you can avoid costly repair bills in the long run. To schedule your appointment, contact us online and let us know how we can serve you. We’ll even give you a free cost estimate for your convenience. 

Do you like hanging out on your Richmond, VA property’s deck? If so, you probably appreciate how clean the structure is… assuming it’s clean at all. A dirty, unwashed deck will be visually unappealing, discouraging you and your guests from hanging out in the area. So what should you do? Accept the fact that your deck is in dirty condition? Instead of doing this, reach out to one of the many deck cleaning companies near you. For example, Brite Exterior Solutions will be happy to help you revitalize your deck for a reasonable price that you will love. In this blog, we’ll tell you about the benefits of deck cleaning and how local deck cleaning companies can help with this process. Then, consider reaching out to Brite Exterior Solutions for an appointment. It would be our pleasure to serve you.  How Decks Become Dirty Over Time If only decks would stay clean on their own. Unfortunately, this is nothing more than a daydream. Since your deck is part of the outside world, it is prone to collecting various forms of debris. For example, moss, mold, and algae can grow on your deck, spreading across the surface and eventually taking over the whole structure. Additionally, dirt, mud, bird droppings, and dead insects can smother the deck at an alarming rate. Eventually, your deck will be visibly filthy, causing it to lose whatever beauty it had before.  Why should you have your deck pressure washed by deck cleaning companies? If you don’t have it cleaned, it will stay dirty, meaning it will never reclaim its beauty. However, there are many other reasons to reach out to deck cleaning companies in addition to this. For example, the dirtier your deck is, the more slippery it will be, increasing the risk that you will take a tumble. Additionally, surface debris damages decks over time; the longer you let this happen, the more severe the damage will be. Eventually, this will lead to the need for expensive repairs. Consider Deck Pressure Washing Of course, it isn’t good for your deck to let it stay dirty. In fact, at Brite Exterior Solutions, we recommend that you have your deck cleaned once per year. The question is, what is the best way to clean your deck in the first place? We highly recommend pressure washing. Pressure washing is a specialized cleaning process that uses pressurized water to remove debris from your exterior surfaces. This makes it easy to restore decks made of various materials, including wood, composite, metal, etc. Different kinds of decks need to be pressure washed with different amounts of water pressure. That’s because each material has its own limits. So, what PSI should be used for what kind of deck? We have included some examples below: Preparing Your Deck For Pressure Washing So, how can you prepare for an appointment with one of your local deck cleaning companies? The first thing you’ll want to do is choose an appropriate time and date. If you won’t be available that day, you won’t be able to schedule an appointment because your presence is required shortly upon the team’s arrival. (However, at Brite Exterior Solutions, we will let you leave the property as soon as you accept our upfront quote. So, we’ll only need a few minutes of your time. Keep that in mind!) Another important part of preparing for deck cleaning is removing all items from the deck’s surface. It’s very likely that your deck hosts a wide variety of objects, including furniture, decorations, and maybe even a grill. If these items aren’t moved before pressure washing, they could potentially become damaged. They will also block areas of your deck from being cleaned. Simply choose a safe location to relocate them to; after your appointment, you can put them back where they belong.  The Deck Pressure Washing Process Now that all the correct preparations have been made, the process of pressure washing the deck can begin. How do deck cleaning companies go about this work? In many cases, they begin by pre-treating the deck with cleaning solutions. At Brite Exterior Solutions, we often use sodium hypochlorite to break down stubborn debris. By applying this cleaning solution to dirty areas and letting it rest for a few minutes, we will significantly weaken debris so it can be more easily removed. Next, deck cleaning companies pressure wash the deck in a methodical, meticulous manner. Our technique of choice at Brite Exterior Solutions is washing the surface in rows. We overlap each pass as we go to ensure stunning results. By the time we have finished our work, your deck will be sparkling clean, and you will have a wide smile on your face. Deck Cleaning Companies Vs. DIYing Is it possible to pressure wash your own deck? Absolutely! By doing this work on your own, you’ll save a considerable amount of money because you won’t have to pay a team of experts to do the work for you. However, bear in mind that this advantage comes with its fair share of disadvantages. You’ll have to perform all the manual labor, and you’ll have to purchase your own equipment, too. Whether DIYing or scheduling professional services is the right choice for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Would you prefer to save money? If so, do it yourself. Want to save time and energy? In that case, reach out to us because our team of professionals would love to lend you a hand. If you decide that you’d like to schedule an appointment with our professionals, why wait to get started? We would love to learn more about your deck so we can provide you with a free cost estimate. Just contact us online with information about your project today! If you want, you can even choose a time and date for your appointment. We’ll be there soon to give your deck a stunning visual transformation.

Do you own a residential or commercial property in the Richmond, VA and Midlothian, VA community? Property ownership is freeing and results in all sorts of privileges. At the same time, though, it also results in a great deal of responsibilities. Keeping the property’s interior tidy is difficult enough, but what about keeping its exterior clean? To do this, you’ll need to make a choice. You can either acquire your own equipment and do the work on your own, or you can schedule professional pressure washing near me. In this blog, we’ll review these two pressure washing options so you can decide which one is best for you. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons together! Why Pressure Washing Near Me? You may be curious about what makes pressure washing the best technique for cleaning your property’s exterior. What exactly is pressure washing, anyway? It’s a cleaning method that uses highly pressurized water to rinse exterior surfaces clean. As this water is sprayed onto your property’s exterior, stubborn debris will be rinsed away, resulting in bright and beautiful surfaces that bring out the best your home or business has to offer. It’s never been easier to restore your property’s curb appeal thanks to pressure washing near me! Pressure washing near me does more than improve the appearance of properties. It also helps their exterior surfaces last longer. That’s because debris will gradually wear down surfaces, and if this negative effect is ignored, it will eventually result in damage. Don’t let your property’s exterior deteriorate over time. Restore it with pressure washing—and avoid expensive repairs in the process. Keep more money in your wallet! Pros and Cons of DIYing When considering a pressure washing project, you always have the choice to do this work on your own. In fact, many do-it-yourselfers in our community do exactly that. There are a couple of advantages to this. By washing your home or business’s exterior on your own, you won’t have to invite any strangers onto your property. This allows you to maintain privacy if that is one of your priorities. Additionally, by doing your own work, you won’t have to pay someone else to do the physical labor for you. This could result in hundreds of dollars of savings. What else can you use that money for? It will ultimately be up to you. However, don’t be mistaken—there are some glaring downsides to DIY pressure washing. Namely, you’ll be responsible for every aspect of the project. You’ll need to obtain all the necessary equipment. You’ll also have to learn how to use it before you actually attempt to pressure wash anything. Last but not least, you must pressure wash your property’s exterior, meticulously rinsing away all debris in the process. This work is physically demanding and time-consuming, so if you don’t have time and energy to spare, DIY pressure washing may prove to be an impossible task. Pros and Cons of Professional Pressure Washing Are you considering professional pressure washing near me? By scheduling this service, you won’t have to worry about doing any physical labor. Instead, you’ll be able to take some time to relax while a team of experts does all the work for you. In fact, if you schedule an appointment with Brite Exterior Solutions, you can outright leave your property while we pressure wash its exterior surfaces. Run errands, visit friends, or take a walk. We’ll give you a call when we’re done so you can review the stunning final results. There are some disadvantages to professional washing services. (After all, nothing’s perfect.) If you want a team of experts to be at your service, you need to be prepared to pay. Professional companies have expenses to pay, including wages, insurance premiums, fuel costs, and more. Is it worth paying to avoid all the physical labor involved with pressure washing? That is ultimately your decision to make. Which Option Should I Choose? Are you struggling to choose between do-it-yourself and professional pressure washing near me? The right option for you depends on the sort of person you are. Are you always raring to go for the next big project and don’t mind working through your free time? Do you derive some sort of gratification from this sort of work? If so, DIY pressure washing is right up your alley. You’ll enjoy the challenges of your pressure washing project, and you’ll feel like a champ once you’ve finished your work and have a sparkling clean property to show for it. On the other hand, if you would rather relax during your free time, and you gain your gratification from leisure, the last thing you’ll want to do is DIY pressure washing. Reach out to a professional pressure washing business, and they’ll gladly do all the work for you. Of course, you’ll need to pay for this service, but in your position, the price is almost certainly worth being able to avoid this difficult physical labor.  Cost of Professional Services How much should you expect to pay if you schedule professional pressure washing near me? That depends on which company you choose for the job. For fair prices with no hidden fees attached, look no further than Brite Exterior Solutions, a locally owned and operated business. We are proud to serve our community, and we strive to be a reasonable fit for our customers’ budgets. What you’ll pay is based on the overall surface area you need us to clean. So, smaller projects will cost less, and bigger projects will cost more. It just makes sense. We also want to let you know that there are no hidden fees at Brite Exterior Solutions. The upfront quote you agree to at the beginning of your appointment reflects the final price. No surcharges. If you would like a free cost estimate, we encourage you to contact us online with information about your project today. We will get back to you as soon as possible, and if you like our asking