Hard Surface Services in Tecoma

Hard Surface Services in Tecoma: Local Conditions

The combination of steep concrete driveways, persistent canopy shade, and annual rainfall above 1,000 mm creates fast biological growth on hard surfaces throughout Tecoma. Algae and moss colonise poured-concrete driveways and brick-paved paths within a single winter, and on gradients of 1:5 or steeper, which is routine on the upper residential streets above Burwood Highway, moss-covered concrete is genuinely hazardous during morning dew conditions. The standard job here involves a pressure wash using a surface spinner attachment to avoid streaking on older concrete, followed by a sodium hypochlorite application to kill the spore-forming organisms at the surface rather than just dislodging the visible growth. Timber decking adjacent to tree-fern or gully plantings needs lower-pressure fan-tip work to avoid raising grain. Re-treatment intervals in Tecoma are typically 12–18 months on north-facing or open driveways, but shaded south-facing concrete near overhanging canopy may need attention annually. The steeper driveways require chipper-wheel chocks or a self-propelled pressure unit that can be positioned without trailer wheels on a slope. Bluestone steps are found on some of the older terraced properties and need careful pressure treatment. The stone is dense but the mortar in older pointing is often degraded, and high-pressure work directly on joints will accelerate cracking.

Working in Tecoma