Pressure Washing in Newcastle

Move cars off the driveway, clear pots, furniture, and toys from the work area, close all windows and doors, and cover or flag anything fragile like garden lights. Point out hairline cracks, loose pointing, or flaking paint in advance — pros will work around known weak spots but cannot see them under grime.

Look for local Newcastle companies with recent photo evidence of before/after work on your surface type, public liability insurance, and itemised quotes. Compare at least two or three quotes on the same scope. Be wary of door-knockers offering same-day deals — legitimate operators are usually booked days ahead in peak season.

It is one of the cheapest kerb-appeal upgrades before selling or renting out a property. Estate agents consistently list exterior cleaning among the highest return-on-cost pre-sale jobs because it changes first impressions for a few hundred, not a few thousand. It will not fix structural issues, but it makes photos and viewings noticeably better.

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.

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.

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.

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.