You’re standing in your backyard in Vancouver. The rain’s let up for once, the birds are chirping, and your deck or patio? It’s looking a little… green. Moss. Mildew. Maybe a mysterious stain or two.
You pull out your phone and Google: “Should I pressure wash this thing?”
And now here we are.
Let’s talk about the risks and rewards of pressure washing decks and patios — and how to do it right without tearing up your wood, pavers, or concrete.
❌ The Problem: Not All Surfaces Love Pressure
Here’s the thing:
Pressure washing can absolutely damage your deck or patio if you’re not careful.
We’ve had clients call us in a panic saying,
“I tried to clean the patio myself and now it looks worse!”
That’s usually because of:
Too much PSI
Wrong spray tip
Spraying too close to the surface
Not knowing the material type
For example, wood decking (especially softwoods like cedar or pine) can splinter, gouge, or strip finish with high-pressure water. Paver patios can get grout lines washed out, and concrete might be left with etch marks or stripes.
What PSI Is Safe for Decks and Patios?
Great question — and one we get a lot from Vancouver homeowners.
For wood decks, we recommend staying between 500–1,200 PSI.
For concrete patios, you can go a bit higher — up to 2,000 PSI, but cautiously.
For composite decks, always use the lower end to avoid surface damage.
And don’t forget the washer tip matters too. A wide-angle tip like a 40° is best for gentle, even cleaning.
Vancouver Weather = Grime Build up
Vancouver’s rain-heavy climate creates the perfect environment for:
Moss and algae on shady decks
Slippery green film on concrete
Dirt and leaf staining in corners and grout lines
You want to clean it — but without making things worse. That’s why we always encourage soft washing or controlled pressure washing, based on the surface.
If your deck also has siding nearby, be extra cautious — or ask about our aluminium siding cleaning services too.
Quick Sidekick’s Approach to Deck & Patio Cleaning
We don’t just blast and go. Our Vancouver-based team uses a tailored approach for each surface:
We assess the material (wood, stone, composite, concrete)
We select the right PSI and washer tip
We use eco-friendly cleaners to lift moss and grime
We clean evenly and rinse properly to avoid stripes
We avoid damaging surrounding landscaping or paint
And yes — we also do roof moss removal and gutter cleaning in Vancouver, so you can bundle up for a full exterior refresh.
What About Patios with Loose Pavers or Grout?
This is important:
If your pavers aren’t sealed or the grout is weak, pressure washing can blast it right out.
We’ve seen patios where someone thought they were cleaning, but ended up needing a full re-jointing job. Don’t go there.
Instead, we:
Use low-pressure wash + cleaning solution
Avoid spraying between joints
Offer grout-safe patio cleaning that protects structure
Need help with patio repairs too? Our handyman team in Vancouver has you covered.
Quick Sidekick = Local, Safe, and Moss-Free
Here’s why so many homeowners in Vancouver trust us:
Local team who knows West Coast grime
Customized cleaning plans for every material
Affordable, upfront quotes — no surprises
Always clean, courteous, and insured
Whether you’re in Kitsilano, East Van, North Van, or out in Burnaby — we’re ready to get your deck or patio back to beautiful.
