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.
