Here’s a scene you might recognize — it’s spring in Vancouver, the rain finally let up, and you’re standing outside looking at your cedar siding. What once looked rich and natural is now dull, maybe even streaked with moss, mildew, or grime.
The first thought?
“Should I pressure wash this?”
And the answer is…
Maybe. But be careful.
Cedar Siding = Beautiful but Sensitive
Cedar siding is a classic West Coast favorite — especially in Vancouver where we love that natural, earthy aesthetic. It’s durable, eco-friendly, and holds up well in damp climates… but only when maintained properly.
The thing is, cedar is a soft wood, and high water pressure can be really hard on it. We’ve seen cases where homeowners tried to pressure wash their siding, and instead:
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Etched permanent lines into the wood grain
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Blasted off layers of finish
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Caused splintering or wood fibers to rise
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Left the cedar looking fuzzy or patchy
So while pressure washing might seem like a fast fix, it can easily go wrong — fast.
❌ Why High PSI and Cedar Don’t Mix
PSI, or pounds per square inch, is what gives pressure washers their cleaning power. But when you’re working with a soft material like cedar, too much PSI is a recipe for damage.
You’ll find gas-powered pressure washers with 3,000+ PSI being rented all over Vancouver. That’s great for concrete.
But cedar siding? Not so much.
For cedar, anything above 800–1,000 PSI can start causing issues — especially if the wrong nozzle or washer tip is used.
And that’s what most people don’t realize — you don’t need brute force. You need the right technique.
How Quick Sidekick Safely Cleans Cedar Siding
At Quick Sidekick, we’ve cleaned hundreds of cedar-sided homes across Vancouver, North Van, and even rain-heavy areas like Deep Cove or Westwood Plateau.
Here’s what we do differently:
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Soft washing, not pressure washing
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Use of low-pressure rinse systems
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Application of gentle, eco-safe cleaners to break down dirt, mildew, and roof moss runoff
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Hand brushing for tougher stains (when needed)
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Rinse with wide spray washer tips to avoid streaks or fiber damage
And most importantly, we don’t treat every home the same. Some cedar is sealed or stained. Others are weathered and bare. We assess it before we touch it.
Need your gutters or fascia cleaned too? We can bundle gutter cleaning and roof moss removal for full exterior refreshes.
🛠️ What Can Go Wrong If You DIY?
We’re not saying you can’t clean your cedar siding yourself. But if you’re using a rental pressure washer and a little guesswork… it might not end well.
We’ve seen:
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Peeling stain or sealant
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Grey, fuzzy patches of stripped cedar
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Water sprayed under shingles or trim
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Inconsistent cleaning patterns (looks worse after!)
And then, homeowners have to call us anyway — but now with repair work.
Why Vancouver Homes Need Special Care
Our coastal climate is rough on siding. Constant moisture leads to:
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Moss growth in shaded areas
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Streaking from roof runoff
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Black mildew spots near gutters
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Discoloration from pollution or leaf stains
That’s why we offer specialized exterior cleaning for homes in the Vancouver area. Whether it’s cedar siding, wood decks, or patios, we tailor every job.
Need help with handyman repairs too? We can replace any boards or trim pieces that are already damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only if you use low pressure and the right technique. Otherwise, it can damage the wood.
Keep it under 1,000 PSI — ideally closer to 600–800 for a safe clean.
A wide-angle tip (40° or more) reduces risk of surface damage.
Yes — with soft wash solutions and gentle brushing. Pressure can cause splintering.
If the finish is stripped or worn, yes. We recommend sealing cedar every few years.
Call us. We offer handyman services and can replace damaged panels or boards.
Absolutely. We regularly clean cedar siding and metal roofs on the same service call.
Most homes take 2–4 hours depending on the size, condition, and access.
Don’t worry — we can assess it and advise on repair or refinishing options.
Yes! We serve Vancouver, Burnaby, North Van, Richmond, and more.
