Pressure Washing: When It's Worth It (And When It Damages Your Property)

Pressure washing looks foolproof on YouTube — until it strips paint, gouges soft brick, or drives water behind siding. Here's how professionals decide PSI, distance, and technique for each surface.

PSI cheat sheet by surface

• Concrete driveway: 3,000+ PSI, 25° tip
• Vinyl siding: 1,300–1,600 PSI, 40° tip, downward angle
• Wood deck: 500–800 PSI, 40° tip, 12" distance
• Stained fence: 500 PSI or soft-wash only
• Brick: 800–1,200 PSI (soft brick) or 2,000 (hard brick)
• Roof: NEVER pressure wash — soft wash only

Soft washing vs pressure washing

Soft washing uses low PSI + biodegradable cleaner + dwell time to kill mildew and algae without physical force. It's the correct method for roofs, delicate siding, and any organic growth (which pressure alone doesn't kill — it just moves).

The damage pros see most

Wood siding grain raised, mortar washed out of brick joints, water intrusion behind vinyl, paint blown off shutters, and stripped deck stain. All from renting a machine and going too close, too high, or wrong angle.

When professional wins

Anything above 8 feet, anything painted, anything requiring chemistry (mildew, oil stains), and any surface you'd hate to replace. Rental machines get the driveway; pros get the rest.

Canadian pricing

Driveway (2-car): $180–320. Full house siding (2-storey): $380–650. Deck: $180–300. Includes cleaning agent and disposal. Our pressure washing service covers residential and commercial across the GTA and Lower Mainland.

Frequently asked questions

Do you use chemicals?

Only biodegradable, soap-based cleaners; nothing that harms plants or pets. All rinsed thoroughly.

Can you pressure wash a roof?

No — roofs must be soft-washed. Pressure washing removes shingle granules and voids warranties.

What about oil stains on driveways?

Special degreaser + hot water pressure wash removes 90%+ of automotive oil stains within 30 days.

Serving your area

We deliver this service across the GTA, Lower Mainland, and all major Canadian metros — including Toronto, Vancouver, Hamilton. See our full list of service areas or request a free quote.