Pressure Washing in the Lower Mainland
Driveways, patios, walkways and concrete that have gone green, grey and grimy over a wet coastal winter — brought back to the colour they were when they were poured.
Concrete here doesn't just get dirty — it grows things
The Lower Mainland gets the bulk of its rain between October and April, and shaded or north-facing concrete can stay damp for months at a stretch. That's ideal conditions for algae, moss and lichen, which is why so many driveways here turn a dull green-black rather than simply getting dusty.
That film isn't only an appearance problem. Biological growth on concrete is genuinely slippery when wet, and moss holds moisture against the surface, which accelerates weathering and works into any existing cracks. Pressure washing strips all of it back to bare concrete.
Surfaces we pressure wash
- Concrete driveways, walkways and stairs
- Exposed aggregate and stamped concrete
- Paver, brick and flagstone patios
- Retaining walls and concrete steps
- Cedar, pressure-treated and composite decks (at reduced pressure)
- Fences, garage floors and carports
- Strata walkways, entryways and parking areas
How we do it
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Walk the property first
We look at what we're actually dealing with — surface type, how bad the growth is, oil staining, and any spalling, loose mortar or cracked pavers we should work around rather than through.
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Protect what shouldn't get wet
Garden beds get rinsed and covered where needed, and we take care around exterior outlets, low-voltage lighting and anything else that doesn't want a direct hit.
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Pre-treat the stubborn areas
Oil and rust get a degreaser. Heavy moss and lichen get a biocide and time to dwell, so the growth is killed at the root instead of just knocked off the top.
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Clean with a rotary surface cleaner
This is the part that separates a professional job from a rented machine — see below.
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Detail the edges by hand
Edges, stairs, corners and anywhere the surface cleaner can't reach get finished with a wand so there's no untouched border framing the clean area.
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Rinse down and walk it with you
Debris gets rinsed clear of the surrounding area, and we go over the finished work with you before we pack up.
Why the surface cleaner matters
If you've ever seen a driveway with faint stripes across it after a cleaning, you've seen what happens when the whole job is done with a pressure wand. A wand cleans in an arc, and where the arcs overlap you get slightly more cleaning than where they don't. The result is the wavy "zebra striping" that's very hard to fix once it's there.
A rotary surface cleaner keeps the nozzles at a fixed height and spins them at a constant rate, so every square inch gets the same treatment. It's slower to set up and it's a more expensive tool, but it's the difference between concrete that looks evenly restored and concrete that looks like it was cleaned in strips.
What affects the price
We quote every property individually because the variables genuinely matter. The main ones:
- Area. Square footage is the biggest single factor.
- Surface type. Exposed aggregate and pavers take longer than flat broom-finish concrete, and pavers may need sand re-swept into the joints afterward.
- How long it's been. Concrete that hasn't been touched in five years needs pre-treatment and a second pass. Annually maintained concrete is quick.
- Staining. Oil, rust and tannin stains from overhanging trees need specific treatments beyond water alone.
- Access. Backyard patios reached through a narrow side gate take longer to set up than an open driveway.
Send us a couple of photos with your quote request and we can usually give you a solid number without needing to visit first.
When pressure washing is the wrong tool
High pressure is excellent on hard, sound surfaces and genuinely damaging on soft ones. We won't use it on vinyl or Hardie siding, stucco, painted wood, or roofing — high pressure forces water behind siding, strips the granules off asphalt shingles and can carve lines into stucco.
Those surfaces get soft washing instead, which uses low pressure and a cleaning solution to do the work chemically rather than mechanically. If your quote covers both concrete and siding, expect us to use both methods on the same visit.
Sealing afterwards
Pressure washing opens the pores of concrete, which makes the day after a clean the ideal time to seal. A sealed driveway resists oil, keeps moss from re-establishing as quickly, and holds its colour through the winter. It's optional, but it's the single best way to make a cleaning last — more on our driveway sealing page.
What customers say
“Had an amazing experience with Pacific Exteriors. I had all of my windows and my driveway washed for a great deal. Arman was very professional and easy to work with. Definitely would recommend going with Pacific Exteriors for pressure washing and window washing needs.”Dhruv Padhiyar · Google review
Frequently asked questions
Will pressure washing damage my concrete?
Not when the pressure is matched to the surface. Sound concrete handles high pressure easily. Older, spalling or poorly finished concrete needs a lighter touch, and we test an inconspicuous area first. Softer surfaces like cedar decking and painted wood get significantly reduced pressure.
Can you remove oil stains from a driveway?
Usually, yes. Fresh oil comes up readily with a degreaser and a hot rinse. Old stains that have soaked deep into porous concrete may lighten substantially rather than disappear entirely — we'll tell you honestly what to expect before we start rather than promise a perfect result.
Do you use my water and power?
We use an outdoor tap for water, which is standard across the industry and adds only a few dollars to a typical utility bill. We bring our own power. If your outdoor taps aren't working or are shut off, let us know when you book.
How often should a driveway be pressure washed here?
Once a year suits most Lower Mainland properties. Our wet winters let algae and moss re-establish quickly, especially on shaded or north-facing concrete. Spring is the most popular time, once the heavy rain has passed.
How long does it take?
A standard two-car driveway is typically one to two hours. A full package of driveway, walkways, patio and stairs is usually a half day. Heavily soiled surfaces needing pre-treatment and dwell time take longer.
Other services
Ready for a clean driveway?
Free, no-obligation quotes across the Lower Mainland. Send a few photos and we'll get you a price quickly.