New Construction Driveway, Red Clay! Help!

[sprayman 1]

I am new to the area (Moved down from NY), and this red clay is something new for me. Ive recently got in with a custom home builder, who calls me frequently to take care of the newly built homes. The driveways are always absolutely covered in this red clay, and its nothing short of a b**** to get cleaned. The first house I "cleaned" for him, was an absolute disaster and the driveway was still stained. I quickly learned about the beloved muriatic acid. Ive done many new homes for the company since using the acid. They have all came out okay looking.

I am able to get the driveways cleaned, however it is a very slow process, and I believe it still comes out looking like.. poop. I use a "weed sprayer" I picked up at Home Depot. You can kinda see the lap marks where I spray the acid.. 18:1

I pre-wet the concrete, keep it well saturated, spray small sections at a time, use the fan tip and go back and forth at a respectable distance.

I recently picked up the Original X-Jet, and I want to try it on the next upcoming job. Using it to obviously apply the acid in small sections, but hopefully it has a more even spread and you will not be able to see the application marks.

Any recommendations from someone who has experience with red clay on new concrete? Do you use the muriatic acid? How do you apply it? Should I be mixing stronger? What should I be doing differently?

Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!! 

[Beth n Rod 1,279]

New Concrete should be test spot pressure washed first off. You could damage the cream if the cure is not complete. Usually about 6 months to a year from time poured.
Otherwise, the damage to the cream from washing is irreversible.

Muratic is very strong and may be part of the reason for the uneven result.
Try phosphoric acid based detergents instead. Deitrich Technologies is a great place to start.
http://www.diedrichtechnologies.com/

 

Rod & Beth

[blizzy 28]

Hi Sprayman,

Your process is good enough, don't hit the concrete with any pressure think " glorified rinse"

The material though, muriatic is no good.

Muriatic should only ever be used for the purpose of etching for coating prep.

Muriatic is hydrochloric acid.

Use something a bit more detergent, Prosoco Vanatrol or as rod says diedrich  new masonry cleaner or NMD-80.

 

[blizzy 28]

Thinking on this a bit.

There is another option. This builder is custom homes, correct? Higher end, Yes?

Order a different mix. Generally, the mix is various grades of ugly plain crush.

He can spend a bit more, order a blend mix with mixed aggregates.

Then when you wash at the end you can peel off the crème and wow.

For this the HCL is perfect.

Exposed aggregate. Charge extra.

[josephbunny 1]

Setting out for construction is a critical phase, especially when dealing with materials like red clay for a new driveway. Properly marking boundaries and levels ensures the driveway's stability and durability, preventing common issues such as erosion and uneven surfaces. Accurate setting out is essential to address the unique challenges posed by red clay, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting construction process.

More Info:

[josephbunny 1]

Dealing with a new construction driveway in red clay can be tricky, but it’s definitely manageable! Red clay can be tough on driveways due to its stickiness and potential to cause erosion. A proper base and drainage system are key to making sure your driveway holds up long-term. Consider materials like gravel or concrete for better stability. If you’re in Doonside, NSW and need professional help, Innova Homes specializes in durable, high-quality construction for duplex homes. Learn More about our services and how we can assist with your project!

[sheraz3387 0]

The X-Jet can make your application more uniform and cut down the formation of lap marks. Just be sure you take proper precautions when using more potent mixtures and to test different dilution rates on your unique scenario. If you need more tips, there are pressure washing forums out there or websites like The Pressure Washing Institute. Hopefully that helps — Best of luck & wishing you what you want to produce from this effort.