Let’s talk about something every Vancouver homeowner deals with eventually: dirty aluminium siding. Whether you’ve just had a rainy winter, a mossy spring, or your house is near trees that love to shed their grime, your once-shiny siding now looks… not so great.
So here’s the big question we get all the time at Quick Sidekick:
“Can I just pressure wash this myself? Or will I end up wrecking it?”
We get it. A pressure washer is satisfying. You blast the dirt, and poof — clean surface. But with aluminium siding, it’s a little trickier than just grabbing your 3000 PSI washer and going to town.
Let’s dive into when pressure washing is a smart move, when it’s risky, and how we help Vancouver homeowners clean their siding — safely.
❌ The Problem with Pressure Washing Aluminium Siding
Here’s what most people don’t realize: aluminium might sound tough, but it’s actually kind of delicate.
If you use the wrong pressure setting, or the wrong washer tip for aluminium siding, you can:
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Dent the panels
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Strip off the paint
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Create streak marks
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Blow water under the panels (which can lead to mold)
We’ve had people call us saying, “I tried to clean it myself, and now the paint’s peeling and I think I dented it.”
Yikes.
That’s because high PSI (pounds per square inch) levels — especially anything over 1,500 — can cause permanent damage. And once that happens, it’s either repainting or full panel replacement.
✅ So… Is Pressure Washing Still an Option?
Yes — but it has to be done right. At Quick Sidekick, we use low-pressure soft washing methods that are ideal for aluminium siding. Instead of blasting it with water, we:
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Use a soft washer tip
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Keep the PSI low and even
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Pre-treat with eco-friendly solutions
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Gently rinse, avoiding pressure on edges or seams
This way, you get that satisfying “just-cleaned” look — without the dents or peeling paint.
🧽 This is especially useful for homes with older siding that might already be weathered.
Need more than just siding cleaned? We also offer full exterior house cleaning in Vancouver — a great combo if your siding, roof, and windows all need some TLC.
🏡 But What About Roof Moss and Metal Roofs?
Good question. If you’re seeing roof moss, especially around where your siding meets your eaves or fascia, you might also need a roof cleaning service to go along with your siding clean-up.
For homes with metal roofs, the cleaning process is similar — but again, pressure can be risky. We treat moss growth and stains with soft wash solutions that work without harsh scrubbing or high pressure.
Many of our clients bundle siding and roof services together — especially in moss-heavy areas like East Vancouver or North Van.
🔧 Common Mistakes DIY Pressure Washers Make
If you’re thinking of renting a pressure washer this weekend, here’s what we want you to know first:
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Too high PSI: Like we said — this can dent or strip paint from your siding.
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Wrong nozzle: A narrow spray tip can act like a knife on soft surfaces.
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Spraying upwards: Water can get behind siding or under soffits.
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No pre-treatment: Just water won’t break down algae, moss, or mold.
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Not checking the siding material: Not all siding reacts the same way to water pressure.
These are the most common reasons people call us after trying the DIY route — and we’re always happy to help, but sometimes the damage is already done.
💡 Why Vancouver Homes Need Special Care
Vancouver’s climate is a perfect storm for build up — rain, humidity, shade, and coastal air all combine to encourage moss, algae, and grime. That’s why we also provide:
Whether it’s aluminium siding, vinyl, or wood, Quick Sidekick has experience with it all — and we always treat your home like it’s our own.
🙌 The Quick Sidekick Difference
When you hire us, you’re not just getting someone with a pressure washer — you’re getting a trained local team that:
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Knows Vancouver’s neighbourhoods and building types
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Uses safe PSI levels and soft wash methods
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Has experience with metal roofs, moss, and mildew
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Offers affordable, honest pricing and free quotes
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Is fully insured and equipped for any project
Want to see examples? Check out our portfolio of exterior cleaning work — the results speak for themselves.
📞 Ready to Clean Your Siding Safely?
Don’t risk damaging your home with high-pressure DIY cleaning. Whether you’re in Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, East Van, or beyond — Quick Sidekick is here to help.
👉 Call us today or request a free quote online.
Let’s get your home looking fresh again — without dents, damage, or stress.
