Here’s the science behind the freeze/thaw cycle and how Pristine Clean can help protect your concrete from its damaging effects
By Mitch Allen
When I was a kid, I read a book about a little boy who cracked open an iron ball by filling a large hole in the ball with water, welding it shut, and freezing it. It was a science story about the power of the freeze/thaw cycle. When water freezes, it expands with such force and determination it can shatter mountains.
It can also shatter your driveway.
“Concrete looks solid, but it’s actually porous,” explains Ken Wilson, founder of Pristine Clean, who (other than a handful of structural engineers) probably knows more about protecting concrete than anyone around. “When water enters these pores and freezes, it expands by 10%, which shatters the concrete. The force can cause cracking, flaking, and spalling. It’s why concrete roads in Northeast Ohio become filled with potholes every winter.”
The Concrete Clean & Seal
Using high-tech walk-behind cleaning units, the techs at Pristine deep clean your concrete to clear it of dirt and contaminants. Then they apply a sealer made of silane-siloxane, which chemically reacts to create a “hydrophobic barrier.”
The right sealer is essential.
“The holes in the porous concrete vary in size, and each has to be dealt with in a different way,” Ken explains. “We use the unique silane-siloxane combination because silane fills the small spaces, and siloxane expands into the bigger spaces. Our sealer not only protects your concrete from the freeze/thaw cycle, it also mitigates staining and protects against further contaminants, such as oils and road salt.”
In addition to its Concrete Wash & Seal service, Pristine Clean also power washes homes and cleans and revitalizes roofs. If you haven’t had your home power washed this year, you can still get that done, too, and not have to look at the built-up grime, algae and moss all winter long.
Get an Over-the-Phone Quote
Unlike home improvement companies that quote a high price and hope you don’t negotiate, Pristine employs a single low, flat-rate price based on the square footage of the job. And you can get an over-the-phone quote because the customer service pros can see your home on a Google Earth-style software program and give you an accurate quote on the phone. “We save homeowners money by not having to make two trips to the house—one to give the estimate and one to do the job.”
When the frost is on the pumpkin this October, many homeowners will suddenly realize winter is coming and will want to schedule a Concrete Clean & Seal. You can avoid the rush by calling now and getting on the Pristine Clean schedule.
Annual Membership Plan - Save 20%
With Pristine Clean’s new Annual Membership Plan, you can enjoy 20% off the cost of services each and every year.
“This puts home maintenance on autopilot,” Ken says. “And it’s 100% flexible. You don’t have to do the same service every year. You can do siding one year, concrete the next, roofing the next, and still earn your discount. The choice is yours.”
BONUS: Add Years to the Life of Your Roof
Pristine Clean’s soft-wash services include cleaning winter grime from your siding, cleaning and sealing your concrete surfaces, and giving your exterior windows a spot-free shine. But the company can also clean your roof and add five to 15 years to its life.
“Our Roof Renew service is a soy-based, eco-friendly application which works by restoring lost oils to the shingles, increasing their flexibility and durability,” Ken says. “The application also waterproofs the surface of your roof and reduces the effects of oxidation and bacteria growth. After a Roof Renew application, your roof will look virtually brand new.”
Headquartered in Berea, Pristine Clean beautifies homes throughout Northeast Ohio. The company is highly rated on Google, Facebook, and HomeAdvisor, and is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. Call 440-454-7041 to arrange for a free estimate or visit PristineClean.com. All technicians are bonded, insured and certified by the Power Washers of North America.