High-Pressure Water Blasting for Auckland Hard Surfaces – What to Clean and What to Avoid

Water blasting is one of the fastest and most effective ways to remove built-up grime from exterior surfaces. It’s powerful, satisfying to watch, and incredibly useful — when used correctly.

But here in Auckland, where buildings range from heritage villas to high-spec modern homes, not all surfaces are safe to blast. High pressure can damage cladding, paintwork, and even concrete if misused.

At Metro Water Blasting Auckland, we use high-pressure water blasting to safely clean a wide range of hard surfaces — and we know when not to use it.

This guide explains what water blasting is, where it works best, and when you’re better off with a gentler soft wash approach.


What Is Water Blasting?

Water blasting (also called pressure washing) uses high-pressure jets of water — up to 4000 PSI — to remove:

  • Moss and mould

  • Dirt and grime

  • Lichen

  • Cobwebs and insect nests

  • Sand and dust

  • Loose paint or flaking coatings

It’s ideal for non-painted, non-porous, and hard-wearing surfaces where force won’t cause damage.


What Surfaces Are Safe to Water Blast in Auckland?

Here are some of the most common hard surfaces that respond well to high-pressure water cleaning:

✅ Concrete Driveways and Paths

Remove moss, lichen, and grime to make paths safer and more attractive.

✅ Pavers and Brickwork

We clean outdoor patios, courtyards, and garden paths — restoring colour and removing buildup between joins.

✅ Retaining Walls

Eliminate mildew and dirt from stone, block, or concrete retaining walls.

✅ Tiled or Pebbled Pool Surrounds

We use adjustable pressure to clean safely around pools and leisure areas.

✅ Outdoor Steps and Entrances

Reduce slip risk on tiled or concrete steps — especially in shaded areas.

✅ Carparks and Commercial Surfaces

Large-scale water blasting for public accessways, drive-thrus, and common areas.


What Should NOT Be Water Blasted?

While water blasting works wonders on hard surfaces, some materials are too delicate for high pressure. These include:

❌ Painted House Cladding

High pressure can strip paint, force water into gaps, and damage seals — especially on older weatherboard or plaster homes.

❌ Timber Decks or Fences

Pressure can splinter timber, remove protective oils, and damage joins.

❌ Roofs (Tiles, Colorsteel, Decramastic)

Blasting can lift tiles, damage coatings, and cause leaks — we use roof treatment instead.

❌ Sealed or Stained Surfaces

Pressure may remove sealants or protective coatings unless done very carefully.

❌ Composite or Soft Stone

Surfaces like sandstone or composite decking can erode or pit under pressure.

That’s why we always assess your materials first and choose the right method — whether soft wash or water blast.


Our Water Blasting Equipment

We use commercial-grade equipment designed for flexibility, safety, and consistent results:

  • Adjustable PSI settings (from soft to strong)

  • Rotary surface cleaners for even cleaning on large areas

  • Fan and turbo nozzles for detail work or stubborn grime

  • Wand extensions for hard-to-reach zones

We don’t just blast blindly — we match the pressure and approach to the surface.


Auckland Locations We Commonly Water Blast

 

Surface Common Suburbs
Driveways Albany, Henderson, Manukau, Stonefields
Commercial paths Newmarket, Takapuna, Penrose
Concrete patios Flat Bush, Ellerslie, West Harbour
Brick courtyards Howick, Ponsonby, Mission Bay
Entry stairs Grey Lynn, Greenhithe, Mt Eden
Shared accessways Blockhouse Bay, East Tamaki, Beach Haven

How Often Should You Water Blast?

 

Surface Type Suggested Frequency
Concrete driveways Every 12–18 months
Patios and pavers Annually
Commercial footpaths Quarterly to annually
Carparks and common areas 1–2 times per year
Steps and shaded walkways As needed for slip safety

We also recommend water blasting before painting or sealing concrete to ensure proper adhesion.


Real Client Story: Shared Drive in Howick

A group of homeowners in Howick contacted us about their shared concrete accessway. Over time, moss and mildew made the slope slippery and unsightly.

We used a rotary surface cleaner and edge wand to restore the surface in a single morning. Residents noticed improved traction and appearance — and one neighbour scheduled their private driveway for the following week.


Soft Wash vs Water Blast – Choosing the Right Method

 

Surface Best Method
Painted house walls Soft wash
Timber deck Soft wash or light rinse
Concrete paths Water blast
Paved patio Water blast
Roof Chemical treatment
Signage or delicate trims Soft wash

If you’re unsure — we’re happy to inspect and recommend the safest, most effective solution.


Add-On Services for the Full Package

Most clients bundle water blasting with other exterior services like:

  • House soft washing

  • Gutter cleaning

  • Deck and fence washing (soft wash only)

  • Window cleaning

  • Moss treatment for roofs or shaded areas

Ask about package pricing — we can clean your full property exterior in one efficient visit.


Custom CTA (Tailored Format)

Surface grime? Slippery paths? Time for a clean break.
We’ll safely blast away years of buildup and leave your hard surfaces looking like new.

📞 Call our Auckland crew at 0800 997 997, or
💻 Request a quote online at Metro Water Blasting Auckland

No streaks. No gouges. Just smart, powerful cleaning — done right the first time.

Request A Quote