Exterior Cleaning5 min read

Pressure Washing Your Patio: What to Expect

A realistic guide to patio and driveway cleaning — what it can and cannot do, and how to get the best results.

A professional patio or driveway clean is one of the most visually dramatic improvements you can make to your property. In a single visit, years of algae, moss, and grime can be removed to reveal the original colour and texture of the surface. Here is what to expect.

What makes patios and driveways dirty?

The main culprits are biological: green algae is the most common, followed by black spot fungus and moss. These organisms thrive on hard surfaces that retain moisture — particularly in Norfolk's damp climate. General atmospheric dirt and tyre marks compound the problem on driveways.

Algae and moss are not just cosmetic issues. They make surfaces slippery and, left untreated, gradually break down the surface material.

What a professional clean achieves

On most surfaces, a thorough professional pressure wash removes virtually all biological growth and general grime, restoring the original colour of the paving. The transformation can be remarkable — surfaces that looked grey and neglected often turn out to be an attractive buff, charcoal, or warm sandstone colour underneath.

What it cannot do

Pressure washing cannot remove oil or fuel stains from tarmac driveways (though specialist degreasers help significantly). It also cannot fix damaged or displaced paving — cleaning reveals what is there, including existing cracks or missing jointing sand.

Block paving: re-sanding after cleaning

Pressure washing block paving removes the jointing sand from between the blocks. This is normal and expected. We can re-sand the joints after cleaning to prevent weeds and stabilise the surface. We also offer a sealant application that significantly inhibits future weed growth and algae return.

How long do the results last?

Without treatment, most surfaces will show some regrowth within 12–18 months in Norfolk's climate. With a biocidal treatment or sealant applied after cleaning, results typically last 2–3 years.

Preparation

Move any furniture, pots, or ornaments from the area to be cleaned. We handle the rest — and we clean up any mess from the process before we leave.

Let us take cleaning off your to-do list

Professional, reliable, and thorough — we make every surface shine. Get your free quote today.