Most hard surfaces, at the right pressure. A few should never see a lance, and knowing which is the whole skill.
Concrete, block paving, natural stone, porcelain, brick paviors, decking, steps and most driveways can all be washed — each at a pressure suited to it.
Tarmac and resin bound need low pressure only. Gravel is not washed at all. And render, soft mortar and some painted surfaces are better left alone.
| Surface | What to watch |
|---|---|
| Indian sandstone | Porous; excessive pressure leaves permanent lance marks |
| Limestone and soft stone | Marks easily; low pressure and technique |
| Old flagstones | Often the best result of all, done gently |
| York stone and reclaimed paving | Valuable; treat conservatively |
| Decking | Timber damages readily; gentle only |
| Tarmac | Scars under a lance held too close |
| Resin bound | Aggressive washing lifts the surface |
| Imprinted concrete | The sealed coating can be stripped |
| Mortared joints | Old, soft mortar can be blown out |
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
An established garden frequently has paving that predates the current owner and sometimes the house's last few owners. Old flagstones, York stone, reclaimed setts and worn steps all clean beautifully with a gentle approach — and all mark permanently under an impatient one. If your hard surfaces are old, say so at quotation. It changes the approach, and it is worth more than a slightly faster job.
| Soiling | Result |
|---|---|
| Green algae | Excellent |
| Moss | Excellent; joints then need re-sanding |
| Black spot lichen | Good, with the right approach |
| General grime and ingrained soil | Excellent |
| Oil and grease | Improved; may not fully clear |
| Rust marks | Variable; may need treatment |
| Paint | Usually not, without stripping |
| Cement or mortar splashes | Difficult once cured |
See what our power washing service covers in Henleaze, or read more about the service across the areas we work in.
Concrete, block paving, brick paviors, natural stone, porcelain, decking, steps and most driveways — each at a pressure suited to it.
Porous stone like Indian sandstone, limestone, old flagstones, York stone and reclaimed paving, plus decking, tarmac and resin bound.
Yes, gently — and it often gives the best result of all. But it marks permanently under an impatient approach, so say if your paving is old.
Gravel, loose or failing pointing, low-level render, painted surfaces you want to keep, and asbestos cement roofing — which releases fibres.
Yes, at low pressure only. It scars easily under a lance held too close, which is where most driveway damage happens.
Green algae, moss, black spot and general ingrained grime. Oil and rust improve but may not fully clear, and cured cement is difficult.
Steps above all, plus the front path, bin store areas, patio edging, and on a large garden a terrace or path at the far end.
On block paving, yes. Mortared patios may need repointing where the joints have failed.
Need tree surgery, hedge maintenance, fencing, garden clearance, turfing or power washing? Complete the form and tell us what work you require.
