Pressure Washing in Delta

High-pressure washing damages most roof coverings — it strips granules from asphalt shingles, cracks and dislodges tiles, and can force water under the covering. Roof cleaning should be done by soft washing or manual moss removal plus a biocide treatment. If a company proposes blasting your roof at full pressure, choose someone else.

Driveway cleaning in Delta is usually priced by area and condition. A standard single-car driveway sits at the bottom of the local range; a large or heavily stained double driveway with weed growth and oil marks can cost two to three times more. Ask whether resealing or re-sanding block paving joints is included — that is often a separate line item.

Renting a machine costs a fraction of a pro visit, but consumer machines are slower, and the main risks are damage (etched concrete, stripped paint) and injury — a 3000+ PSI jet can cut skin. DIY makes sense for a small, flat concrete area. Hire a pro for two-storey walls, roofs, timber, render, or anything needing ladders or chemicals.

Safe at high pressure: concrete, block paving, natural stone (with care), brick in good condition, metal fences and gutter exteriors. Needs low pressure or soft washing: painted surfaces, render, timber decking, vinyl or fibre-cement siding, roofs, and old or repointed brickwork. Never pressure wash: single-glazed windows at close range, electrical fittings, or asbestos-containing materials.

Four things drive the spread: surface area and condition (heavy staining doubles the time), access (upper storeys, tight side passages), method (soft washing with chemicals costs more than a quick rinse), and what is bundled (resealing, weed treatment, gutter clear-out). A cheap quote is often just a rinse with no pre-treatment — clarify the scope before comparing numbers.

Yes. Too much pressure or the wrong nozzle can etch concrete, blast mortar out of brick joints, splinter timber decking, strip paint, and force water behind siding or render. Roof tiles are especially vulnerable. Ask the pro what PSI and nozzle they plan to use per surface, and whether they soft wash delicate areas.

Roughly April to October in most provinces — pros stop when temperatures approach freezing because wet surfaces become ice hazards and equipment can freeze. That short season means spring slots book out weeks ahead; fall is often easier to schedule.

A typical single-storey house wash runs roughly $250-$500, and driveways $130-$400 depending on size and staining. Expect quotes 10-20% above US prices in dollar terms, with Toronto and Vancouver at the top of the range.