Pressure Washing in Rolleston

A proper quote lists: each surface and its approximate area, the method per surface (high pressure vs soft wash), pre-treatments or chemicals used, weed and moss removal, rinsing and tidy-up, and whether resealing or re-sanding is included. It should also state who supplies water and power, and what happens if rain forces a reschedule.

Fresh oil mostly comes out with a degreaser pre-treatment plus hot-water pressure washing. Old oil that has soaked deep into concrete may only fade, not disappear — an honest pro will tell you this before quoting rather than promising full removal. Ask specifically whether stain treatment is included or extra.

Most pros charge either by the hour or by surface area. A single driveway or patio is typically a 1-3 hour job at the low end of a pro's minimum call-out, while a full house exterior wash costs several times more. Get the quote broken down by surface (driveway, walls, deck, roof) so you can drop items to fit your budget.

Once a year is the common rhythm for driveways and house exteriors in temperate climates. Humid or coastal areas may need it every 6-12 months because algae, mould, and salt build up faster. Waiting longer than 2-3 years lets organic growth bind to the surface, which raises the price of the eventual clean.

Light rain is usually fine — surfaces are already wet. Pros avoid freezing temperatures (ice risk on cleaned surfaces and damaged equipment) and heavy storms. In hot dry regions, local water restrictions can limit or ban high-volume outdoor cleaning during drought periods, so check the current rules before booking.

Common products are sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solutions for organic growth, degreasers for oil, and biocides for moss and algae. Used properly they are rinsed off and diluted, but they can harm plants, pets, and ponds during application. Ask the pro how they protect garden beds and where the runoff drains — dirty water should not go into surface-water drains in many jurisdictions.

NZ's damp, temperate climate grows mould, lichen, and algae on cladding fast, and many paint and cladding warranties require an annual wash to stay valid. A yearly soft wash is cheaper than repainting years early, which is why house washing is a bigger routine market in NZ than in most countries.

A single-storey 3-bedroom house wash typically runs $250-$450, two-storey homes $400-$700. Driveways add roughly $120-$400 depending on size. Auckland and Wellington sit at the top of the range.