Any architects/farmers/builders/materials experts ...

[meenaghman]

I have a rather large Concrete yard. its great - I think at least 7 kids have learned to cycle on it, and we have some wonderful football matches, bike obstacle courses etc.. The concrete surface is flat - ie there's no small ridges which sometimes one sees on large concrete surfaces.
Every year it needs cleaning - I do have leaves blow onto it (but this problem lessened by use of chainsaw) , but there's other dust and dirt that just accumulates. From time to time, I do a dry sweep up, but come winter time I normally have to power wash it, and its a 3-4 day job to do that. Yes it is a big yard. I'm wondering if anyone in the building trade may know of a product that might
a) make the jetwashing easier - I live rurally so anything that runs off would have to be non-toxic - I've seen people say to use dilute bleach and leave it for a while and this will help lift dirt, but worried about the amount of bleach I'd need.
b) anything that can be sprayed on the yard to stop dirt build up - I was thinking about trying some PVA sealer in part of the yard to see if it made a difference (and whether it would cause problems with grip). In theory anyway it should work, but don't want to go to expense of applying it everywhere and then ending up jetwashing as frequently anyways.
Just wondering if anyone has come across any other products that might work.

 

[Dayvo]

Instead of cleaning it, have you considered polishing it?

Might be expensive with the initial outlay, but afterwards it shouldn't need much/any work at all.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5210050_polish-cement-floor.html

 

[Archie_tect]

That's a lot of Mr Sheen Dayvo.

Surfaces outside are intended to weather- why not just let it 'mature' naturally- as long as it's swept now and again- does it matter if it gets a bit of algae or ingrained dirt in it?

 

[meenaghman]

yes but trouble is it gets very slippery with algae/dirt/scum coating . I notice some acrylic bonding material for use externally and internally ( I have large sheds where I was looking to cut down on dust production from the floor - initially thought paint with garage paint, but this sometimes chips and can lead to more problems). Thought there might be some 'wonder' material which would save me a bit of time.

 

[PK99]

I
Just wondering if anyone has come across any other products that might work.

http://www.thompsonsweatherproofing.co.uk/products/product.jsp?id=3

or

http://www.thompsonsweatherproofing.co.uk/products/product.jsp?id=8

 

[Archie_tect]

Perhaps what you need is to do is roughen the surface mechanically or bond a layer of carborundum to the concrete for grip.

 

[Dayvo]

Or alternatively, you could build a roof and walls over and around it!

 

[Archie_tect]

Never get planning approval!

 

[Dayvo]

Never get planning approval!

Is that advice or a statement?

 

[meenaghman]

Well its got the wall already (about 8 foot high)... My young lad has asked for a 3G pitch.. (to include the lawn in this also). Personally I think he's seen how long it takes to mow and is thinking about the low maintenance option. I suppose at the moment the jet washing takes very high pressure - I have a number of different jets but it requires a 15 degree (Which would paint strip a car) to clean it...a 25-30 fan jet would remove more at once.. I'm just worried that if I treat the concrete, come next wash the layer gets removed and its back to square one. Now if I could run a scrubbing deck off the ride on mower.. shame it doesn't have a PTO to enable that. Then I could get one of the kids to run around once a month or so.

 

[Mozzy]

I have two rather mahoosive patio areas. One for the annexe where Mum lives does not get much sun and I cannot afford for her to chance a slip. It does get like slippery eels. Three methods then for consideration.

1. Armillatox; originally conceived to treat honey fungus but now used widely by LA's as an algae remover. Very good, works well, drizzle on by watering can fine rose on a non sunny day. Does indeed do what it says on the cannister. Downside is it stinks ten times worse than Jeyes fluid and stays for days. Cannot vouch for contamination of water courses though.

2. GOOD pressure washer with patio cleaning wand. Blasts very quickly through and lasts until .... fast, can cover a huge area very quickly indeed. Plain water only.

3. Purchase a second-hand 110v rotary scrubbing machine (like a floor buffing machine). Slow speed, around 175rpm, just wet surface as you go, run machine over surface (use a brush attachment not pad). Very very fast, does an excellent job and when complete simply rinse away with a hose.

Bleach is a huge no no.

Hope this helps.

 

[biggs682]

i am an engine parts specialist if that helps !