Pressure Washing in Johannesburg

Driveway cleaning in Johannesburg 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.

Pressure washing uses high-pressure water and suits hard surfaces: concrete, pavers, brick. Soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution and is the right method for painted render, siding, roofs, and timber, where high pressure would strip paint, gouge wood, or crack tiles. A good pro will recommend soft washing for delicate surfaces without being asked.

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.

A single driveway or small patio takes 1-3 hours. A full house exterior typically takes half a day to a full day depending on size, number of storeys, and how much pre-treatment the surfaces need. Add drying time of a few hours before you walk on sealed or treated surfaces.

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.

It depends on the municipality's current restriction level. Cape Town's higher restriction levels have banned hosing paved surfaces with potable water, while low-volume high-pressure equipment or non-potable water may still be allowed. Ask the contractor to confirm compliance for your municipality before booking.

Expect roughly R350-R750 per hour for a crew with equipment, R500-R1,800 for a standard driveway, and R1,500-R5,000 for a full house exterior depending on size. Johannesburg and Cape Town sit at the top of the range.