If you have brick, paving stones, or paving slabs in your garden, patio, or yard, you will need to clean them occasionally to keep your landscaping looking good. Power washing, when done once or twice a year, can remove grime and prevent the growth of algae or mold, leaving your paved area looking great. This is especially important if you are a business owner and want your business to remain attractive and inviting to customers. 

You may think you can rent a power washer and clean your paved areas on your own. While this is possible, it is not a great idea unless you are an experienced landscaper. Below are four reasons you should hire a professional instead. 

There Is Such a Thing as Too Much Pressure 

Often novice paving cleaners make the mistake of assuming that if pressure washing is good, washing with more pressure is better. However, using too much pressure can erode sealants on your paving, weakening them. Additionally, using the wrong kind of pressure, like a sand blaster as opposed to water, can etch your paving stones, destroying the coloring or texture of the surface. 

A trained landscape technician will have the experience to know how much power can be used on your particular paving to get the best results without damaging the paving. 

You Need to Choose the Right Chemicals for the Job

Did you know that sometimes ordinary bleach may be the best chemical to clean your paving? It can be a low-cost, powerful solution. However, if you use it on the wrong kind of paving, it can ruin coloring. Additionally, the runoff from the bleach can damage plants, and, if it isn't rinsed well, it can be a hazard to animals or young children. In these cases, you may need a specialized compound that is safe for the environment or gentle on your type of paving. Alternatively, if your paving is in a high-traffic area, you may want a detergent that includes a sealant to protect your paving from damage between washes. 

A professional can assess your property and determine the best chemicals to clean your paving. They may assess factors you might not consider and make sure that the chemicals used are within your budget, effective, and safe for your particular situation. 

Even Appropriate Washing Can Erode the Filler Between Your Paving 

If you have sand or dirt between your stones or slabs, it is possible for a gentle washing with the appropriate chemicals to wash away some of the filler. Over time, these gaps can cause your paving to shift, creating gaps and cracks. 

A professional can spot this problem and fix it after washing your paving. Knowing that it is a good idea to replace the filler material will allow a professional to clean more thoroughly without worrying about creating gaps because they will fill them at the end of the session. 

Your Outdoor Space Should Be Treated As a Whole

Your paving is part of your greater landscape, which includes your plants and planters, the exterior of your building, and any outdoor furniture. A landscape professional is used to assessing a landscape as a whole, so they will be more likely than a novice to spot issues with cleaning techniques that may affect the rest of your landscaping. In addition, they will be able to provide cleaning and maintenance solutions that will make your entire landscape shine instead of just cleaning your paving, which can make your paving look out of place in your landscape. 

While you may be able to clean your paving on your own if you are an inexperienced gardener, it may be a good idea to consult with a professional the first few times and better understand the risks involved with cleaning your paving. Contact a company like KANSAS CLEAN PROPERTIES to learn more.