STRAIGHT HEDGES
Grounds Maintenance

117 Lansdowne Road, Leicester, LE2 8AT
  07783 492 037
customercare@straighthedges.com

 
Pressure Washing Hard Surfaces - Driveways, Patios and Paths Block Paving, Concrete Pavers, Yorkstone, Sandstone, Concrete & Resin Surfaces
 

Remember how amazing your block paving driveway looked when it was first laid? No wonder, the driveway to a house is one of the most prominent features of any property.

` You carefully chose the pattern and colour scheme - silver grey, mistral granite, or perhaps curragh gold. It was a significant investment, but ultimately, worth it.

That finished driveway was stunning, drawing admiring glances from passers-by and envious comments from neighbours.

Every time you came home you felt the quiet satisfaction of knowing that you' had both enhanced the appearance of your home and increased the value of your property.

However, a few years on and that pristine look has vanished. Now the blocks look soiled and stained, dull and greyed.

The original kiln-dried sand has vanished from the gaps and been replaced by soil, moss and weeds. Frankly, your driveway makes the front of your house look tired and rather shabby.

Not to worry! For a fraction of the cost of the initial outlay you can restore your driveway or patio to that new pristine look once again.

With our high-powered petrol - engined pressure washers we can blast away all those years of dirt and grime. As you can see from the accompanying video, this is a serious piece of industrial kit. It should not be confused with the do-it-yourself electric versions so popular with homeowners. A Karcher can improve, but it will not restore surfaces the way a high pressure industrial grade petrol washer can.

 
 

Within a few hours we can restore the colours and texture of the original surface. Once again you can enjoy the admiring glances and comments of friends, neighbours and passers-by. Once again you can enjoy that quiet satisfaction of coming home to a pristine driveway.


3 Reasons Why Now Is the Right Time to Pressure Wash Your Driveway
1. Heath & Safety - Slips and Trips

During the autumn and winter the ideal conditions of damp and shade mean that moss and algae quickly take hold on hard surfaces.

They spread quietly across block paving and slabs, forming an unsightly green film that becomes a dangerous slip hazard during wet periods.

But the warmer months have finally arrived and the garden has again becomes available space. This is why now is the ideal time to clean and treat these hard surfaces making them both safe and beautiful for family, friends and visitors to enjoy. In particular the very young and the very old.

Our thorough deep clean clears away any winter build up, restores grip underfoot, and slows down the slimy regrowth that can make driveways and patios treacherous in wet conditions.

If moss, algae, lichen and slime are a persistent problem for you then we offer a post - clean biocide treatment that ensures that surfaces will remain clean and safe for months if not years.

Green slime build up creates a slip hazard

It's not just about keeping things tidy - it's about keeping everyone on their feet. Every year unlucky homeowners take an unnecessary tumble on what's basically a film of slime.

A quick deep clean now clears away dirt and grime, gets the outdoors ready for summer use, restores grip underfoot, making your driveway safer for you, your family and anyone delivering to your door. It's not just about appearances; it's about avoiding the kind of accident that can ruin a perfectly good Sunday.


2. Unsightly Weeds and Moss

Weeds, moss and algae often begin to appear in the joints between paving slabs and block paving over time. Damp conditions, shaded areas and the gradual build-up of dirt and organic debris create the perfect environment for unwanted growth.

On block paving, weeds typically grow in the kiln-dried sand between the blocks, while on patios and other hard surfaces they establish themselves within the mortar or resin joints. Left untreated, this growth can quickly make otherwise attractive paving look neglected and poorly maintained.

Our professional pressure washing process removes built-up grime, moss and surface weeds while restoring the original appearance of the paving beneath. We carefully adjust our cleaning methods depending on the surface type to avoid unnecessary damage to joints or surrounding areas.

For block paving, we recommend re-sanding the surface once cleaning has been completed. Fresh kiln-dried sand helps stabilise the blocks and restore the integrity of the joints.

Where required, we can also advise and quote on re-pointing or re-jointing areas where mortar has deteriorated over time.

The result is cleaner, safer and more attractive paving that instantly improves the appearance of your property.

 

3. Brighten up your home for Summer

Winter often leaves gardens looking drab and lifeless. Under grey skies and constant damp, borders lose their colour, plants die back, and outdoor spaces can feel dull and uninviting for months on end.

Now the sunshine is back, the garden has come back to life. Flowers are in bloom, colour has returned, and everything outside feels brighter and more vibrant.

This makes it the perfect time to bring your hard surfaces up to the same standard. Driveways, patios, and block paving can still be holding onto the winter build-up of moss, algae, dirt and grime, which can leave them looking tired compared to the rest of the garden.

Professional pressure washing restores these surfaces, revealing the natural colour of the stone beneath. The result is a clean, fresh finish that matches the energy and brightness of your summer garden.

Coming home to a bright, clean driveway is an instant mood boost - a small, simple restoration project that makes a big visual impact when the rest of the garden is asleep. It's practical, it's rewarding, and it turns your driveway from drab to delightful.

It compliments and completes the transformation of your outdoor spaces, tying everything together so your home looks welcoming and cared for, inside and out.

 

The 10 Steps to a Sparkling Like-New Driveway or Patio
Step 1: The Initial Site Survey

An initial site survey is the essential first step in the process.

Of course, we will measure up and calculate the price for the work and check that that outside tap has sufficient pressure to adequately supply our machine. But we do much more than that.

It is very important to look for any potential problems or snags. We inspect the surfaces for any weak points, such as cracked or deteriorating mortar in the gaps. Some sandstones are prone to delamination. Any potential risks from high-pressure washing will be identified and clearly communicated to you.

Our boast is that your driveway will look like new - or your money back. And we like to honour that pledge. However, reality dictates that there are some circumstance in which that outcome cannot be guaranteed. If we don't feel that we can hit that goal, we will tell you beforehand.

We need to make sure that your expectations are met. To make clear what can and cannot be achieved on the day. In some cases we have even advised against pressure washing a surface !

On completion of the survey we can give you a ball park figure for the cost of the clean. This will be followed up within 24 - 48 hours with the accurate written estimate, the works agreed to be completed and your guarantees. This will be sent to you by email. Assuming you are happy with this the work can be booked in.

Booking the pressure wash does not mean taking precious time off work or making inconvenient rearrangements to your normal schedule. Since we only need access to an outside tap and the area to be cleaned you don't even have to be home during the clean.

We are totally self-sufficient, needing neither electric power or access to your house. Just leave the side gate unlocked and make sure the driveway is free of cars !

Of course, if you can be home that's good too. Remember that we also take bookings at the weekend - at no extra cost.

 



Step 2: Pre-Treatment Weed Kill - Free of Charge

Hard surface areas often suffer from weed infestation, particularly in the gaps between block or concrete pavers. Although strimming and pressure washing removes these weeds, they may leave root material behind.

These roots often regenerate over time and the weeds reappear after a few weeks. To avoid this problem we apply glyphosate weed killer to the area if there is weed infestation present.

Glyphosate based products kill to the root. The weed killer is absorbed through the leaf and then transported to the root system. Once this has occurred the death of the plant is inevitable. This guarantees that any pieces of root that may remain after cleaning will not regrow in the future

Since it takes at least 24 hours from application until the glyphosate is absorbed by the plant, it is our practice to apply the product during the site survey. This service is entirely FREE OF CHARGE, and does not obligate you to accept our estimate or proceed with the work. It simply makes sense to provide this service at this point in time.




Drainage channels are cleaned out
Step 3: Pre-Cleaning Preparation

Any tall weeds will be strimmed down. The area will be cleared of leaf and other debris with a cordless vacuum blower.

The covers on gully drains on driveways and patios will be removed, leaf debris blown out and any silt removed.

Leaf and other debris swept up.

Pots and garden furniture that can be moved away from the cleaning area will first be photographed in their original positions for later replacement.




Step 4: The Initial Pressure Wash

We clean the area systematically and methodically, paying careful attention to edges, corners, and stubborn patches. Patience and concentration ensure no missed spots.

The Rotary Surface Cleaner

On all but the smallest jobs the usual practice is to tackle the larger areas with the rotary surface cleaner. This efficient time saving device cleans away the vast majority of the soiling from an area.

An added bonus is that the rotary cleaner is less aggressive than the jet wand so reducing the amount of kiln sand displaced from between the block pavers, saving on kiln sand replacement costs..

Next phase uses the jet lance which gets all the areas that the rotary surface cleaner couldn't reach. This includes edges, corners, stubborn areas, as well as the tops of low garden walls and fences if these have been included in the work schedule.




Step 5: Tackling Remaining Lichen and Algae Marks

After the initial pressure wash is completed there may still be tough lichen, algae, or moss areas left. Our secret weapon - a sodium hypochlorite solution is applied, and allowed to dwell for at least 15 minutes. This product is a bleach and kills and breaks down algae and moss and helps remove any heavier soiling.

Once the hypochlorite has broken down the organic matter and staining it is simply a matter of pressure washing or rinsing the product away.

Sodium hypochlorite also brightens the stonework so ensuring a superior finish. A second application will be included, if required, at no extra cost.




Step 6: The Final Rinse Down

During the cleaning process it is inevitable that the pressure washing will cause dirt and grit to splash up and over adjacent surfaces, such as walls, windows, doors and fences.

The Water Fed Pole System

Whilst cleaning is in progress it is our habit to periodically wash down any such surfaces in the area of work as we progress. This is for 2 primary reasons.

Firstly, allowing grit and dirt to dry out on surfaces, particularly on hot days, only makes removal more difficult as they bind more strongly to the surface.

Secondly, peace of mind. It could be that the window cleaner only just came around yesterday and now those lovely clean windows are covered in muck. By washing them down occasionally the client is assured we are not going to leave them in that state!

And once all the high pressure work is finished we do a final rinse down. All surfaces, including gully drains, walls, fences, doors, and windows, are rinsed to remove splash marks.

To finish off we use our Gardiner Back Pack and water fed pole system to leave all your ground floor doors and windows in a pristine condition. Basically you get a free window clean thrown in!




Biocide treatment of a garden wall
Step 7: Biocide Treatment (Optional Extra)

AlgoClear Pro prevents the regrowth of moss, lichen and algae.

It is applied to the treated surface and agitated with a brush to help penetration and coverage. It inhibits the regrowth of organic matter for up to five years or more under ideal conditions.

It can be used on many surfaces including patios, driveways, walls and fences.

The product is not toxic, but it is advised that small children and pets should stay clear of the treated until the product has dried.




Step 8: Finishing Touches

We aim to leave the site in a clean and tidy state when we have finished. We will ensure that no silt, muck or debris is left on the driveway, public pavement, or blocking your drains.

All drainage channels will be left clear, empty and clean and the covers replaced carefully.

All garden furniture, pots and plants will be returned to their original positions where practicable.




Step 9: Fresh Dried Kiln Sand

If you have block paving and have opted for us to replace the old displaced kiln sand with fresh sand then this is the final step.

Once the surface is dry, we return to brush in fresh kiln-dried sand into all cleaned gaps in the block paving. And to make sure that you are totally satisfied with the work !

Only then will you be invoiced and you have a further 30 day money back guarantee and 30 days credit before any monies are due.

Kiln Dried Sand Mix



Step 10: Review & Satisfaction Guarantee

Only once you are completely satisfied do we invoice. We offer 30-day credit and a 30-day money-back guarantee to ensure your confidence in the work we've completed.

This is how the 30 Day Money Back Guarantee Works - If there is any aspect of the service that you are not happy with you have a full 30 days to notify us. We will not ignore your calls or emails. We aim to provide the highest level of service for the best clients.

Whatever the problem is we shall try to rectify it, free of charge. If you are still not satisfied we shall agree a full or partial refund with you. Satisfied clients are of utmost important to us.

Our primary aim is that the client should experience the most thorough clean ever. We want happy clients and no call backs. It is to our benefit to make sure that the job has been completed to the client's total satisfaction.

 
 

Protect Your Loved Ones From Potential Slip & Trip Hazards This Winter

Come Home To A Pristine Driveway That Brightens Up Your Winter Home

Additional Biocide Treatment Available - Stay Moss, Lichen and Algae Free For Months if not Years


Our 10 Step Process guarantees that your driveway or patio will look like new.



Start the process - pick up the phone now and dial or text on 07783 492 037.

Clearly state your name, address and phone number and ask for your initial site assessment.

You will be contacted within 24 hours to arrange a site visit and hard area inspection.

07783 492 037