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:
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Moss and mould
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Dirt and grime
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Lichen
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Cobwebs and insect nests
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Sand and dust
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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:
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Adjustable PSI settings (from soft to strong)
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Rotary surface cleaners for even cleaning on large areas
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Fan and turbo nozzles for detail work or stubborn grime
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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:
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House soft washing
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Gutter cleaning
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Deck and fence washing (soft wash only)
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Window cleaning
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Moss treatment for roofs or shaded areas
Ask about package pricing — we can clean your full property exterior in one efficient visit.
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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.