Pressure washing is the standard way to strip moss, algae and grime off exterior surfaces, and in Vancouver’s climate most properties need it at some point. A consumer pressure washer can reach up to 4,000 PSI, which is a lot of force to aim correctly on siding, shingles, windows or older masonry without experience. Getting a clean result without affecting the surface underneath comes down to matching pressure, nozzle and distance to what’s actually in front of you.
What pressure, nozzle and distance actually control
Surface condition. The pressure and nozzle angle that suit concrete are too much for siding, shingles or window glass. Assessing the material first — and adjusting pressure, nozzle and distance for it — is what keeps a clean job a clean job rather than a repair job.
Cleaning solutions. Pressure washing is often paired with cleaning solutions and detergents. These need to be applied and rinsed correctly to work as intended and to stay safe for skin, nearby plants and lawn.
Working at close range. A pressure washer’s spray carries real force at close range, which is why professional operators are trained on distance, angle and pressure settings before working on a client’s property.
Surfaces that call for the most care
Wood siding, electrical panels, hydro meters, air conditioning units, older painted surfaces and older mortar each call for their own pressure and technique — some shouldn’t be pressure washed at all. Knowing which is which comes from experience with the specific material, not a single setting that works everywhere.
What a professional visit looks like
Flat Mate starts every job with a walk-around of the property to identify materials and flag anything that needs a different method before any water touches the surface, and we work around your schedule rather than the other way around. We’re licensed, in good standing with WorkSafeBC, and carry $5 million in liability coverage.
If it’s been a while since your exterior surfaces were cleaned, a pressure washing visit is worth booking so the method gets matched to the surface from the start.