Cracked concrete is not only displeasing to look at, but it can become dangerous to walk and drive on as the cracking increases over time. Taking action early is vital to protecting your investment.

Why Does Concrete Crack?

Concrete is one of the most durable building materials available, but it's not immune to damage. The most common reasons concrete develops cracks include:

• Water and freeze-thaw cycles — Water seeps into small pores, freezes, expands, and breaks the concrete from within. Memphis winters may be mild, but temperature swings are enough to cause damage over time.
• Tree roots — Roots grow under slabs and push upward, creating uneven surfaces and cracks that grow with the roots.
• Heavy loads — Driveways weren't all designed to support heavy trucks or equipment. Repeated heavy loads stress the slab beyond its design limits.
• Poor drainage — Water pooling under a slab washes away the supporting soil, leaving the concrete unsupported and prone to cracking under its own weight.
• Age and weathering — Even well-installed concrete gradually weakens from UV exposure, temperature cycling, and general wear over decades.

How Pressure Washing Helps

Regular pressure washing removes the dirt, algae, moss, and organic material that hold moisture against your concrete surface. Moisture is the number one enemy of concrete longevity. A clean surface also makes it much easier to spot new cracks early — before they become expensive problems.

At Clean Sweep, we use the right pressure and techniques for concrete — enough to thoroughly clean without blasting away the surface layer. Many DIY power washers use too high a setting and actually accelerate surface damage.

Protecting Your Concrete

After a thorough cleaning, applying a concrete sealer is the single most effective thing you can do to extend the life of your driveway or patio. A good sealer blocks moisture intrusion, resists staining, and gives the surface a clean finished look. We recommend sealing every 2–3 years in the Memphis climate.

Ready to give your concrete the attention it deserves? Contact us for a free estimate on pressure washing and concrete care.

In general, houses should be power washed at least once a year any time between March and November. As it gets later in a calendar year, the weather becomes less predictable and the timing less ideal — but there's more to it than just the calendar.

Spring Is Prime Time

The ideal window for washing your home's exterior is late March through May. Here's why spring works so well:

• Winter grime, mildew, and algae built up over the cold months can be removed before it does further damage
• Temperatures are warm enough for surfaces to dry quickly but not so hot that cleaning solutions evaporate before doing their job
• You set your home up looking great for the entire spring and summer season
• Pollen season is ending — a wash removes all that yellow coating from every surface

Summer Considerations

Summer washing is perfectly effective, but there are a few things to keep in mind. On very hot days, some cleaning solutions can dry too quickly on dark surfaces, leaving residue. Early mornings or cloudy days are the best time for summer washes. The heat actually helps surfaces dry faster after cleaning, which is a plus.

Fall — Before the Holidays

Fall is actually an underrated time to pressure wash, especially in Memphis. Washing in September or October removes summer buildup and gets your home looking great for the holiday season. It also happens to be when we start booking Christmas light installations — a freshly washed house looks even better lit up for the holidays.

What to Avoid

Avoid washing when temperatures are below 40°F. Water can freeze in cracks and on surfaces, causing damage. Also avoid washing in direct strong sunlight on very hot days for the reasons mentioned above.

The bottom line: any time between March and November works. Spring and early fall are ideal. And at Clean Sweep, we work around your schedule — get a free estimate today.

While some home improvement projects lend themselves to the do-it-yourself community, others should be left to professionals. When it comes to pressure washing, the gap between a DIY job and a professional result is significant — and the risks of getting it wrong are real.

The Equipment Difference

Consumer-grade pressure washers from hardware stores typically run at 1,500–2,000 PSI. Professional equipment runs at 3,000–4,000 PSI with hot water capability and specialized nozzles for different surfaces. That's not just more power — it's the right power for each situation. More importantly, professionals know when not to use high pressure. Soft washing — using lower pressure with professional cleaning solutions — is actually the right technique for roofs, siding, and painted surfaces.

The Damage Risk

This is where DIY pressure washing goes wrong most often. Too much pressure on the wrong surface causes:

• Etched or pitted concrete that becomes permanently rougher and harder to clean
• Stripped paint from wood siding or trim
• Damaged window seals and caulking
• Forced water intrusion into wall cavities, leading to mold
• Lifted or cracked roof shingles

We've seen all of these firsthand — often called in to clean up after a DIY job went wrong. In several cases, the damage cost more to repair than a professional wash would have cost in the first place.

The Time Factor

A typical homeowner washing their house for the first time will spend a full day or weekend on the project, including equipment rental, setup, the actual work, and cleanup. Our team handles an average residential job in 2–4 hours. Your time has value.

When DIY Makes Sense

For small, simple surfaces — a single concrete patio, a garden path, a small deck — a DIY wash with a quality consumer machine is perfectly reasonable. The risk and effort is proportional to the size and complexity of the job.

For anything involving your home's siding, roof, multi-story areas, or large commercial surfaces, professional service pays for itself. Get a free estimate from Clean Sweep and compare — you may be surprised how affordable professional results are.

How should you approach washing your house? The answer is more complex than you might think. Soft washing and pressure washing are two very different techniques — and choosing the wrong one can cause real damage to your property.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing uses highly pressurized water — typically 2,000–4,000 PSI — to blast away dirt, grime, and stains from hard surfaces. The mechanical force of the water does most of the cleaning work. It's fast, effective, and satisfying to watch.

Best for: Concrete driveways, sidewalks, brick, block walls, stone patios, and heavily soiled hard surfaces that can handle aggressive cleaning.

What Is Soft Washing?

Soft washing uses much lower pressure — typically around 500 PSI or less, similar to a garden hose — combined with professional biodegradable cleaning solutions. The chemicals do the work, not the pressure. The solution kills mold, mildew, algae, bacteria, and other organic growth at the root level, then the low-pressure rinse carries it all away.

Best for: Roof shingles, vinyl siding, painted wood, stucco, EIFS, cedar shake, and any surface that could be damaged by high pressure.

Why This Matters for Your Home

Your home's exterior has multiple different surface types, each requiring a different approach. A professional cleaner doesn't just point a pressure washer at everything — they assess each surface and choose the right technique.

• Roof: Always soft wash. High pressure removes granules from shingles and voids manufacturer warranties.
• Vinyl siding: Soft wash. High pressure can force water behind panels and into wall cavities.
• Painted wood trim: Soft wash or very low pressure. High pressure strips paint and can embed water in the wood grain.
• Concrete driveway: Pressure wash. Concrete is built to handle it, and high pressure is what gets years of motor oil and tire marks off effectively.
• Brick: Medium pressure, with care around older mortar joints.

At Clean Sweep

We use both techniques, choosing the right approach for each surface. That's what 20+ years of experience looks like in practice. Request a free estimate and we'll walk you through exactly what approach your property needs.

Your driveway is the true entrance to your home, and it deserves the same care as the house itself. Diligently maintaining your driveway, patio, and other concrete surfaces isn't just about appearances — it's about protecting a significant investment and preventing costly repairs down the road.

Clean It Regularly

The single most important maintenance step for outdoor concrete is regular cleaning. Dirt, leaves, and organic material hold moisture against the surface, accelerating deterioration. Oil and chemical spills penetrate the surface and weaken it from within. A professional pressure wash once or twice a year keeps your concrete in the best possible condition and removes staining before it becomes permanent.

Deal With Stains Quickly

Concrete is porous, which means liquids can penetrate deeply if left to sit. The most common problem stains include:

• Motor oil and transmission fluid — Act quickly with an absorbent like cat litter or sawdust, then clean with a degreaser before pressure washing.
• Rust stains — From metal furniture, tools, or iron in water. Oxalic acid-based cleaners work well, but professional removal is often more complete.
• Tire marks — Hot tires from braking leave rubber deposits that bond to concrete. High-pressure hot water washing is the most effective removal method.
• Mold and mildew — Dark stains in shaded areas. Soft wash with appropriate biocide solution eliminates both the stain and the organism causing it.

Seal the Surface

After cleaning, sealing is the best investment you can make in your concrete. A quality penetrating sealer or film-forming sealer creates a barrier against moisture, chemicals, and staining agents. In the Memphis climate, we recommend sealing every 2–3 years. Signs that your concrete needs resealing include water no longer beading on the surface and increased staining or discoloration.

Address Cracks Early

Small cracks are inevitable in any concrete surface over time. The key is addressing them before water gets in. A small crack fills with water, freezes and expands, and becomes a large crack — sometimes very quickly. Clean out small cracks, fill with appropriate concrete crack filler, then seal over the repair. For structural or large cracks, consult a professional.

Improve Drainage

If water pools on or near your concrete, it's working against you constantly. Grade soil away from concrete edges where possible, and consider adding drainage channels if persistent pooling is an issue.

Clean Sweep offers professional concrete cleaning and can recommend the right maintenance schedule for your specific surfaces. Get a free assessment today.

We created this post to answer all the questions commonly asked about whether certain items or surfaces can be power washed or pressure washed. The short answer is: most outdoor surfaces can be cleaned with water under pressure, but the technique varies enormously by surface type. Getting it wrong damages what you're trying to clean.

Surfaces That Are Safe to Pressure Wash (High Pressure)

• Concrete driveways and sidewalks — Yes. High pressure is ideal. Use a surface cleaner attachment for even results without streaking.
• Brick and block walls — Generally yes, with medium pressure. Avoid targeting mortar joints directly, especially in older construction.
• Stone patios and walkways — Yes, with medium pressure. Natural stone varies — test an inconspicuous area first.
• Metal fencing and railings — Yes. High pressure removes rust scale, paint chips, and biological growth effectively.
• Vehicles and equipment (fleet washing) — Yes, with appropriate distance and pressure settings. Hot water significantly improves results on grease and oil.

Surfaces That Require Soft Washing Only

• Asphalt shingle roofs — Never high pressure. Soft wash only. High pressure removes protective granules, shortens roof life dramatically, and voids most warranties.
• Vinyl siding — Low to medium pressure maximum. High pressure forces water behind panels. Soft wash with appropriate solution is preferred.
• Painted wood surfaces — Low pressure only. High pressure strips paint and drives water into wood grain.
• Stucco and EIFS — Soft wash only. These surfaces are highly vulnerable to water intrusion from high pressure.
• Cedar shake siding — Soft wash only. High pressure causes splitting, splintering, and raised grain.

Surfaces to Approach With Caution

• Wood decking — Medium-low pressure, appropriate nozzle, always with the wood grain. Professional judgment is important here.
• Older brick with soft mortar — Low to medium pressure only. Old mortar can be washed out, requiring expensive repointing.
• Windows — Low pressure from a safe distance. Never direct high pressure at window seals or frames.

When in doubt, call a professional. A 20-year experienced team like Clean Sweep has seen what goes wrong with improper technique — and knows how to get the best result from every surface type. Get a free quote for your property.

The presence of algae on your roof is not only unattractive but can become a costly headache. Those dark streaks you see on roofs in Memphis neighborhoods aren't just dirt — they're a living organism actively feeding on your roof. Taking action to remove it is vital to protecting your home's most important structural layer.

What Is That Black Stuff on My Roof?

The dark staining most Memphis homeowners see on their roofs is typically Gloeocapsa Magma — a type of blue-green algae that feeds on the limestone filler used in asphalt shingles. It starts as small spots and spreads across the roof over time, creating the characteristic dark streaking pattern.

Memphis's warm, humid climate is ideal for algae growth. Shaded roofs or those with nearby trees are especially vulnerable.

Why It's a Problem Beyond Appearance

Algae on your roof is more than cosmetic:

• It shortens shingle life. The algae feeds on the limestone component of the shingle, gradually breaking down its structure.
• It increases energy costs. Dark algae staining absorbs heat that light-colored shingles would reflect, increasing attic temperatures and cooling bills.
• It attracts moss and lichen. Algae is often the precursor to moss growth, which is far more damaging. Moss roots penetrate shingles and lift them, allowing water intrusion.
• It can void warranties. Some roofing material warranties require the roof to be maintained free of biological growth.

The Right Way to Remove It

The only correct method for removing algae from shingles is soft washing — never high-pressure washing. Here's why this matters:

High-pressure washing removes the protective granules from asphalt shingles. These granules protect the asphalt layer from UV degradation and physical wear. Once they're gone, your roof ages rapidly. A roof washed incorrectly with high pressure may look clean for a season but will fail years ahead of its expected lifespan.

Soft washing uses a low-pressure application of a professional cleaning solution — typically sodium hypochlorite based — that kills the algae, mold, and bacteria at the root level. The organisms die, their attachment breaks down, and rainfall washes them away over the following weeks. Results last significantly longer than pressure washing because you're killing the organism, not just washing away its visible growth.

Prevention

After treatment, zinc or copper strips installed at the roof ridge release ions during rain that inhibit future algae growth. Many roofing manufacturers now offer algae-resistant shingles that incorporate these minerals directly.

Clean Sweep specializes in safe, professional roof soft washing for Memphis homes. Contact us for a free estimate — we'll assess your roof and recommend the right treatment.

The grind of cleaning and maintaining a commercial property is never ending. Commercial properties can quickly become rundown from constant foot traffic, vehicle exhaust, loading dock activity, and weather — and the appearance of your business tells potential customers something before they ever walk through the door.

First Impressions Are Made Outside

A customer's impression of your business begins in the parking lot and at the entrance, not inside. A dirty, stained, or algae-streaked exterior signals neglect — even if your interior is spotless and your product or service is excellent. Studies consistently show that the exterior appearance of a business affects customers' perception of quality and trustworthiness.

Memphis businesses have worked hard to build their reputations. Don't let a grimy exterior undermine that investment.

What Professional Commercial Washing Covers

• Building exteriors — Removing years of exhaust, pollution, and biological growth from brick, block, metal cladding, and EIFS.
• Parking lots and loading areas — Oil stains, tire marks, gum, and organic debris that accumulate from constant vehicle and foot traffic.
• Dumpster pads and enclosures — One of the most neglected areas of any commercial property, and one of the most noticed by customers and health inspectors.
• Sidewalks and entrance areas — High-traffic areas that show gum, staining, and biological growth fastest.
• Drive-throughs — Especially vulnerable to grease, food debris, and constant vehicle traffic. We've cleaned drive-throughs for major Memphis restaurant franchises.

The Clean Sweep Commercial Advantage

At Clean Sweep, we've been serving Memphis commercial clients for over two decades. Kyle Hart at Hart Tire Service has used us for more than a decade. David McLemore at McLemore Home Builders relies on us for new construction sites. Robbie McIntyre at United Airlines counts on our professionalism on every visit.

We work around your business hours, bring the right equipment for any size job, and never use subcontractors — so you always know who is on your property. Our team is insured, professional, and experienced with the specific challenges of commercial cleaning.

Regular Service Contracts

Many of our commercial clients are on scheduled service contracts — monthly, quarterly, or seasonal cleanings that keep their properties consistently well-maintained without the effort of scheduling each time. This is often more cost-effective than one-time cleanings and ensures your property always looks its best.

Ready to put your best face forward? Contact Clean Sweep for a commercial estimate — we'll assess your property and recommend the right maintenance schedule.