Should I power wash my concrete driveway in New Brunswick?

Yes, power washing your concrete driveway is good maintenance in New Brunswick -- but use the right technique and pressure to avoid damaging the surface, and plan to reseal after washing.

NB driveways accumulate a tough combination of road salt residue, dirt, algae (especially in shaded areas that stay damp), vehicle fluids, and oxidized organic matter. A good power wash in spring removes the winter's salt and grime buildup and lets you inspect the concrete surface for any new cracking or spalling damage that occurred over the freeze season.

Pressure and technique matter. Use a pressure washer in the 2,000-3,000 PSI range for a concrete driveway. Consumer gas pressure washers in this range are widely available for rental from NB equipment rental shops at around $60-$100 per day. Use a 25-degree or 40-degree fan tip rather than the 0-degree (pencil) tip -- the narrow jet from a 0-degree tip at close range can etch and damage the concrete surface, especially on older or softer concrete.

Keep the nozzle 6-12 inches from the surface and maintain a consistent distance and angle to avoid leaving wash marks. Work in the direction of the slope so water drains away from the house foundation. Pay attention to control joint lines and edges where algae tends to accumulate.

For moss, algae, and mildew (very common in shaded NB driveways, particularly on properties near Riverview's tree-lined streets or Moncton's older neighbourhoods), apply a concrete-safe algaecide or diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water), let it dwell for 10-15 minutes to kill the growth, then power wash off. This is far more effective than pressure washing alone, which can scatter spores without killing them.

After power washing, allow the concrete to dry fully -- 24-48 hours in warm weather, longer in cool spring conditions -- before evaluating whether the surface needs sealing. Power washing strips the surface and temporarily opens the pores, making it an ideal time to apply sealer once dry. If you have not sealed in the past 2-3 years, plan to seal immediately after the post-wash drying period.

Do not power wash in temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius. In early spring NB, nights can still drop below freezing into May in some years. Water left in surface pores or cracks from power washing that then freezes overnight can worsen existing cracking. Wait for a confirmed warm stretch before washing.

Annual spring washing combined with regular sealing every 2-3 years is the most effective maintenance routine for extending the life of an NB concrete driveway.