Not all quotes for water blasting services are created equal. While choosing the lowest price for your Auckland or Northland property is tempting, many homeowners and businesses have learned that cheaper water blasting options don’t always mean better results

Here are real examples of what happens when inexperience is involved or corners are cut—and how we stepped in to fix the damage.

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The concrete corner and cost-cutting that cost 4 times the $$

We were recently brought in by a third-party building and construction company to quote a pre-paint wash and a concrete wash for their large concrete parking area, driveway and paths. 

They had been using another company, and we had been recommended to them as they were not overly happy with the results.  They were finding that the mould was back on the concrete and parts of the building within a couple of months, and it looked worse than before as it had wash streaks all over it.

Why? The contractor did not apply a post-wash treatment, something many water blasting companies do not do. This allowed mould spores to survive and return rapidly. 

On top of that:

🚨 Ugly wash marks were left all over the concrete. At first, there were not many, and they were faint. After a few months, more and more showed up, and they intensified. When treatment is applied, it works for several weeks to continue cleaning the concrete (making it look even better) and ensuring an even finish.
🚨 A $845.50 job needed to be done four times a year to keep it looking good and prevent it from becoming slippery and dangerous.
 

How We Fixed It:

✔️ We washed the concrete and properly treated the surface post-wash to prevent regrowth.
✔️ We eliminated the streaky wash marks, restoring an even, professional finish that looked the cleanest it had been since it was newly laid.
✔️ We gave the client longer-lasting results, saving them time and money. Before engaging us, they were getting the concrete washed 4 times a year. With our solution, they only needed us once a year.

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The costly mistake of unnecessary roof washing when a roof treatment would have done the trick

We were asked to quote a building and roof wash for a large commercial property in Whangarei. During our discussions with the building owner, we discovered something surprising:

They had been paying another water blasting company $7,217 yearly to wash their relatively new roof. The problem? It wasn’t necessary.

A yearly roof wash was overkill, and worse, unnecessary high-pressure washing can cause long-term wear and tear on a roof, especially on a new one, as the protective coating gets slowly compromised by pressure washing. 

When we explained this to the building owner, they were shocked. Instead of an annual wash, we recommended a yearly roof treatment to keep the roof clean and in excellent condition without excessive washing. Importantly, this approach also aligned with the roof’s warranty requirements, ensuring its validity and protection against premature damage.

Proven results, massive savings

To reassure the owner, we shared examples of other large commercial buildings in Auckland and Whangārei that we’ve been treating for years—some for over 12 consecutive years. The result? Those roofs were in pristine condition, without the need for excessive pressure washing.

The cost difference?
💰 Annual roof wash from their previous provider: $7,217
💰 Annual roof treatment with us: $2362.81

That’s a saving of $4854.19 per year—without compromising the cleanliness or longevity of the roof.

This client is so happy with our recommendation, approach and workmanship that they gave us all their other commercial building wash-down work. 

The takeaway? 

Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the best way. This building owner was unnecessarily spending thousands of dollars because no one had taken the time to explain a better, more cost-effective solution. If a roof wash is required, we also apply a post-wash roof treatment afterwards to kill all the mould spores and ensure the roof stays clean for longer. The company they had been using was not doing a post-wash treatment.

Sadly, we also encountered a solo mum from One Tree Point who had been led to believe that her roof needed a yearly wash and was paying another company to carry this out. She heard about us and now gets us in to treat her roof every 3 years at our recommendation, as that is all that is required given its steep pitch.

💡 If you’re paying for regular roof washing, it might be time to rethink your approach and get a quote for a roof treatment to keep your roof clean. A tailored, expert-backed solution could save you thousands while keeping your property looking its best.

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When the wrong water blasting tools ruin your property.

A homeowner in Kensington, Whangārei, recently hired a cheaper water blasting service to wash their character bungalow. 

Unfortunately, the contractor used the wrong nozzle, excessive pressure, and poor technique, resulting in:

🚨 Stripped paint on the cladding
🚨 Damaged decking—the timber became feathered and rough
🚨 Frustration because the home owner had to repaint the cladding and put up with feathered decking

The homeowner initially requested a quote from us but opted for the lower price. Unfortunately, they ended up having to repaint the cladding and replace sections of the decking—a job that could have been completely avoided with the right expertise.

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Here’s what we did differently when they got us in next time.

✔️ We applied a specialist treatment to the old decking instead of washing, ensuring no further damage.
✔️ We used the correct nozzle and soft wash pressure on the cladding paired with our wash-down product, making it shine.
✔️ We provided a long-term solution so this wouldn’t happen again.

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The roof that should never have been washed

A few years ago we were called to quote a range of soft washing work on a beautiful 1900s character in Mairtown, Whangarei. During our walkthrough with the homeowner, they shared their concerns about potential damage—not only because of the age of the property but also due to a previous experience with another contractor.

They had hired a company to wash their old iron roof. Instead of carefully assessing its condition and recommending a gentle, cost-effective roof treatment, the contractor went ahead with high-pressure washing. The result?

🚨 Water leaks due to damage caused to the old, weakened iron panels
🚨 Further deterioration of rusted areas, accelerating roof damage and the casue of leaks when it rained
🚨 A massive repair bill—the homeowner had to replace sections of the roof and wet insulation

This roof should never have been washed in the first place. If the contractor had the right expertise, they would have discussed safer alternatives instead of causing thousands of dollars in unnecessary damage—costs the homeowner couldn’t afford to fix at the time.

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How we would have handled it

✔️ Assessed the roof’s condition and advised against washing, preventing damage.
✔️ Recommended and quoted a roof treatment instead—a safer and more effective option that would have cost a fraction of the price of the roof wash.
✔️ Proposed a specialised treatment to neutralise and slow rust development, protecting the roof without pressure.
✔️ We always prioritise long-term solutions over quick fixes, ensuring homeowners get the best value and safest outcome.

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Success story: a client who chose right the first time

One of our regular clients, a property manager, learned early on that investing in quality pays off. They used to hire the cheapest contractors—until repeated poor results, property damage, and tenant complaints made them rethink their approach.

Since switching to us, they’ve:

✅ Reduced maintenance costs because our work lasts longer
✅ Had zero complaints from tenants about streaky driveways or damaged exteriors
✅ Saved time by avoiding rework and costly call-backs

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Not all quotes are created equal: a side-by-side comparison

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The long-term cost of cheap work

💰 Hidden repairs & rework: What seems like a cheap deal can quickly double or triple in cost when damage has to be repaired.
🚨 Structural damage: Improper technique can lead to water intrusion, broken tiles, bent gutters, or cracked surfaces that require expensive fixes.
⚠️ Voided warranties: Incorrect cleaning techniques, especially for solar panels, can void manufacturer warranties, leaving you with expensive replacements.
⏳ Short-lived results: Without the right post-treatment, mould and grime return faster, meaning you’ll be paying for another clean much sooner than expected.

Of course, it’s worth noting that these risks aren’t exclusive to water blasting of soft washing. Any exterior cleaning method—if done without care or the right technique—can cause damage. The key isn’t avoiding water blasting altogether, but choosing an experienced provider who understands how to work with different materials and conditions.

The bottom line: cheap can cost you more

We understand that price matters, but we also know that quality saves money in the long run. With over 12 years of experience, 8,000+ buildings cleaned, and thousands of happy customers, we’re here to do the job right—the first time.

Thinking of booking a water blasting service? Before you decide, ask:

✔️ What happens if I’m not happy with the results? (We offer a 100% Love Clean Guarantee.)
✔️ Do they use the right technique and products for my surfaces? (We tailor every job to protect your property.)
✔️ Will the results last, or will I be paying for another clean in a few months? (Our post-wash treatments keep surfaces cleaner, longer.)

Exterior cleaning—whether it's water blasting (power washing), soft washing, or other specialised methods—can be a powerful, safe, and long-lasting solution when done right. The horror stories we hear aren’t because the services themselves are inherently risky, but because someone cut corners or lacked the right know-how. Like any trade, the quality of the result lies in the hands of the expert. A careful, knowledgeable approach makes all the difference.

👉 Need expert advice? Get in touch for a quote that prioritises quality, safety, and long-term results.

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We’re human – and we own it

We like to think of ourselves as superheroes when it comes to wowing our clients and making properties shine. While we have operational and quality control procedures in place, the truth is—we’re human. 

Every now and then (and it’s rare), miscommunication or mistakes happen.

But here’s the difference: when we get it wrong, we don’t just fix it—we make it better than right.

Our passion for happy, wowed clients led us to create our 100% Love Clean Guarantee—Love it, or you don’t pay.

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✅ Not completely satisfied? Let us know, and we’ll be back to make it right—free of charge.
✅ Still not happy? You won’t pay a cent.

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100% love clean guarantee in action (case in point)

We returned to a job after a communication breakdown left the customer unsatisfied. Instead of just “fixing” it, we went all in—rolling up our sleeves to exceed expectations.

Here’s what they had to say:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I have no trouble recommending this company. I applaud their integrity and the exemplary service they provided to us. If there were a 10 out of 10, they would certainly get it. I was most impressed with their genuine desire to ensure we were happy with the result of their work. This is often overlooked as a component of a large company's motivation and ideals."

— M. Fletcher

Remember, we are here for you every step of the way. Questions, concerns, or just a chat about how we can further tailor our service for you – we’re all ears!

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Here's to cleaner, happier spaces.

Clean looks good and makes you feel great