What stains and problems show up on driveways and sidewalks in Reading?
Berks County weather leaves a clear mark on hard surfaces. The most common problems are:
- Winter salt film. Road salt and de-icer leave a pale, chalky layer that gets tracked onto drives and walks all season.
- Green and black algae. Humid summers and shade feed growth that makes concrete slick, especially on north-facing drives and in the tight spaces beside rowhouses.
- Oil and grease. Drips from parked cars soak into concrete and usually need a pre-treatment before washing.
- Rust spots. Metal furniture, planters and some fertilizers leave orange marks.
- Leaf tannin. Oak and maple leaves left on damp concrete can leave brown shadows.
Some stains lift fully and some only fade. Oil that has sat for months can leave a ghost mark. A fair crew will say so before the job instead of promising a perfect result. In many Pennsylvania towns the owner is responsible for the sidewalk in front of the property, so a slick walk is worth cleaning. Check with your township or the city if you are unsure about the rules where you live.

