FAQ

a high pressure wash This is where we crank things up a notch to remove stubborn moss and mould or to remove loose paint for pre-paint preparation. This method is also great for cleaning driveways, slippery steps,removing oil stains from concrete, cleaning gutters and spouting and removal of unwanted plant growth from the gaps in paving and patio areas. We have a range of nozzles that provide a gentler clean when needed for use on softer materials like a wood fence.

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We use a chemical wash when a little bit of oomphis needed to remove heavier build ups of grime, allege and mould. The processis similar to a soft wash only a stronger chemical is used.

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Soft washing is the gentlest method for removing mould and grime using bio degradable MAF approved detergent.  The detergent leaves a wax coating to repel mould growth and leave a sparkly shine.The wash is carried out using a nozzle on the water blaster gun that ensures a low pressure application of water in conjunction with turning down the power on the water blaster. When required we also use a water broom to loosen grime. This service is perfect for routine cleaning every 4 to 12 months.

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Yes we do treat for spiders, flies and other bugs.

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Yes we clean shade sails andcanopies. Most shade sails come up looking really nice and clean however thereare some fabrics that seem to trap the dirt and grime and these will not alwayscome up clean.

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Yes we can water blast most outdoor furniture. We have a variety of different nozzles we can use, and we can also adjust the pressure to ensure a soft gentle wash.

We wash commercial windows however we do not wash residential windows. We have a residential window washer that we often use and can recommend to you.  

It depends where the property is located. We charge 40cents per km from the outskirts of Whangarei as defined by google maps. If the property is in Auckland please make contact so we can discuss if there will be a charge or not.

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The cost of a roof wash is dependent on how many square meters the roof is, how steep the pitch is, how accessible it is and how dirty it is. An alternative option is for to treat the roof instead which it's much quicker for us to do and therefore often a cheaper option.

If you are on tank water we will disconnect the tanks so that none of the dirt or cleaning product we use gets into the tank. You will need to leave your tanks disconnected until you have had 25 mm of rain.

If you have skylights we can also wash these while we're washing the roof. We have specialised brushes to gently wash skylights.

If you can let us know how big the roof is, where the property is located, and what the roof is made out of we will be able to give you a price.

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There are a lot of factors that determine the cost of a house wash for example the size of the house to be washed, whether it's split level, single level or multi-level and how accessible the house is. Another factor that we take into consideration is how dirty the house is, and what sort of mould is on the House. For example, pink mould can take a lot longer to clean off than other moulds.

Also taken into consideration is if the job includes water blasting concrete around the house, washing a garage, decks, patios and porch roofs. We price these things separately So make sure you let us know if you want any of these items priced and washed.  

Low water pressure will also affect the price as this can mean the job takes a lot longer to complete. If we quote a job and then find that the water pressure is not very good we will need to adjust the price. When this happens, we always contact the person who engaged us to complete the job to let them know the change in price and to check they would still like us to proceed.

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Fill out our online form to request a quote

To get an accurate price it's best to ask us to quote as there are quite a few different factors that we consider when we are pricing, a gutter clean. This page gives you a bit of an indication of cost and the types of things we consider when we are pricing a gutter clean.

If you are having your gutters flushed out and you are on tank water, the tanks should be disconnected while we complete the freshwater flush and reconnected afterwards.

Our gutter clean is an internal gutter clean which we do by hand and generally from a ladder. Some customers request that we also flush the gutters out which involves an additional technique and tools as we apply a soft wash using one of our water blasters. We can also offer a more premium gutter clean, which involves soft washing the outside of the gutters as well as an internal clean of the inside. It is a good idea to discuss your requirements with us prior to getting us to create a quote. We quote the internal gutter clean separately from the external gutter clean so that you can decide if you would like us to do both or just one of the services.  When we unblock gutters we clear out all the debris and take it away from your property or alternatively you can use it as compost for your garden.

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Roof Treatment versus a roof wash. There are a couple of options for getting a roof clean, and the option that will suit you depends on your end goal. Are you planning on having the roof painted after the wash? Or do you want to wash it because it is due for a clean?  

If it is the latter, a roof treatment could be a much better option for you as it's cheaper than a roof wash. Some of the other benefits are that it's quicker and less labour intensive. It's also gentler on roofing materials and uses much less water. You might find this helpful as it provides some information on what a treatment involves, the process and the benefits of a roof treatment vs a wash.

If your situation requires a roof wash instead, 9 times out of 10, we do not require scaffolding. Our guys will use a fall arrest system with harnesses and strops to wash the roof. They are fully trained at Working at Heights and using the fall rest systems. Here is some information about roof washes.

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A roof treatment uses a product to clean the roof as opposed to a water blaster. The product gets sprayed onto the roof surface and is designed to kill lichen and moss. The rain and sun gradually break down and remove the dead lichen and moss. This process can take up to 12 months and generally results can be seen in the first month.

The alternative to a roof treatment is a roof wash. In some cases, this can be done from the ground. Alternatively,we get up on the roof using our harnesses and safety gear and gently wash the roof using low pressure. If you have a tile rood we generally recommend a roof treatment.

Yes in most cases yes we can fix your broken gutter.

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When we unblock gutters we clear out all of the debris and take it away from your property. If you are on tank water we will disconnect the tanks and will complete a freshwater flush of the gutters after we have cleaned them out.

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If you are on tank water for your drinking water, then the answer is yes, it is provided the downpipes are disconnected from the water tank and stay disconnected until there has been 25 ml of rain. Before reconnecting the tank, you can check the water coming off the roof has no smell or foaming. If smell or foaming occurs do not connect the tank until the water runs, clear. 

If we have only washed the roof but not applied a treatment the tanks can be reconnected straight after the wash.

We definitely wouldn’t advise pressure washing or water blasting the house as this could cause damage. 

The method that we use and recommend is a soft wash using a water blaster and specialised nozzles, which allow pressure control and prevents damage to the cladding. We also use a cleaning solution to remove dirt, grime, mould, mildew, and other contaminants.

A pre-paint wash, using the above soft wash technique removes also removes any surface grime and is the first step in pre-paint preparation.

Check out our cost guide here

To wash the exterior of a brick house, you can follow the below DIY general 8 step guide:

1. Prepare the area by clearing any objects or furniture near the walls that may obstruct the cleaning process. Cover plants, shrubs, or sensitive areas with plastic sheets to protect them from water or cleaning agents.
2. Gather the necessary tools and materials. You'll need a hose with a spray nozzle, a stiff-bristle brush or broom, a bucket, a garden sprayer or pump sprayer, a mild detergent or brick cleaner, safety goggles, and protective gloves.
3. Start by thoroughly wetting the brick surface with water using a hose with a spray nozzle. This will help loosen dirt and debris.
4. Prepare the cleaning solution in a bucket, mix water with a mild detergent or a brick cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid using harsh chemicals or high-pressure washers, as they can damage the bricks.
5. Apply the cleaning solution useing a garden sprayer or pump sprayer to apply the cleaning solution to the brick surface. Start from the bottom and work your way up, allowing the solution to dwell on the bricks for a few minutes.
6. Scrub the bricks useing a stiff-bristle brush or broom to scrub the bricks gently. Focus on any areas with stains, mildew, or moss growth. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as it may damage the bricks or mortar.
7. Rinse the bricks after scrubbing thoroughly with clean water using a hose with a spray nozzle. Ensure that all the cleaning solution is removed from the surface.
8. Repeat if necessary: If there are still stubborn stains or areas that require further cleaning, you may need to repeat the cleaning process.

Allow the bricks to air dry naturally. Avoid using excessive heat sources or direct sunlight for drying, as they can cause the bricks to fade or crack. If you would rather use a water blast to soft wash the brick cladding read our blog on how to soft wash a house in 5 steps.

Remember to prioritize safety during the process by wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes and using gloves to shield your hands from any chemicals or abrasive substances. If you're unsure about any specific cleaning agents or techniques, consult a professional or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

The roof treatment and moss and mould product we use. 

The treatment product we use is 100% water-soluble and will not damage the surface. Our product is also bleach-free, non-acidic and phosphate-free. You can buy DIY products from hardware stores however check the labels as a lot of these products are quite diluted so often do not work as well.

The house wash chemicals we use:

There are various chemicals that can be used to wash the exterior of a house, depending on the specific cleaning needs and the type of surface being cleaned. Here are a few commonly used chemicals for house washing:

Water: Water is the most basic and widely used chemical for cleaning the exterior of a house. It can effectively remove dirt, dust, and some mild stains.

Detergent or Soap: Mild detergents or soaps are often used along with water for general house washing. They help to break down dirt, grease, and grime, making it easier to rinse them away.

Bleach: A diluted solution of Chlorine bleach composed of water and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is commonly used to remove mildew, mould, and algae from exterior surfaces. Bleach is effective in removing dirt and moulds and restoring the appearance of the house. It can also help in removing stains caused by these growths. The sodium hypochlorite in bleach acts as a disinfectant and sanitizer, eliminating bacteria and microorganisms.

It is a good idea to wash your house or commercial building at least once a year to extend the life of your paint 20 to 25% longer. Many clients opt to have their properties washed 2 or 3 times a year to keep them looking good and to eliminate spider webs.

If however you live in a coastal area you should look to have your property washed at least 2 times a year or more depending on how close you are to the sea. This assists with any coastal breeze erosion.

It is also important to note if any of the materials used to construct your house or building have a warranty. If so, these materials must be washed according to the warranty specifications so that the warranty does not become in valid

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Yes washing once or more a year will increase the life expectancy by 20 to 25%. Paint manufacturers have carried out many studies to back this up. And it is much cheaper to get a regular wash than repaint more often you need to.

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Water blasting to strip paint is not something we recommend. However, we do recommend and offer a pre paint wash which will loosen and remove any paint flakes making it easier for the pre paint preparation. A lot of residential and commercial house painters will use our services prior to them starting the job.

Water blasting alone will not kill and remove Moss mould and lichen. We apply a solution that is 50% stronger than most over-the-counter products and will keep the surfaces free of moss, mould and lichen for longer.

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Make sure there is no washing hanging on the line, if you have pots and plants or furniture that is likely to get in the way please move it out of the way. If you have a dog, please ensure the dog is contained.

If you are in an older house with wooden joinery it is a good idea to put towels down on the inside of the windowsills.Please also ensure that all windows and doors are shut.  

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We have many absentee owners and are more than happy to take before and after photos at your request. We are also more than happy to do a pre and post wash report on any damage we notice for example broken gutters or down pipes, rusting roof. This can be particularly useful in areas which cannot be seen easily from the ground and if an issue is caught early enough it can save thousands in damage.

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No you do not have to be home when we wash your house or property. Just remember to close all your windows and move anything away from the house that you do not want to get wet.

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Yes we will definitely provide a discount if you have more than one property you want washed.

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When we quote to wash a house, the wash includes exterior walls which are washed from ground level to gutter including joinery, entrance alcoves, eaves, exterior gutters, spouting and downpipes.

The following is not included in a house or building wash: If you would like other items washed such as the roof, decks, driveway, paths, patios, garage or other detached buildings we price these separately.

Clearing out gutters also gets priced separately.

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We sure do. Pete was a dairy farmer for over 20 years and so Loves an excuse to get back on the farm

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Yes we can flush windows after we have washed a house or building and in most cases we will do this as part of a house wash.

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The paint will only chip off if the surface that is being washed has a bad paint finish. This is because we never use a high pressure wash on painted or natural wood surfaces. The nozzles we use are different to that of a domestic water blaster and enable us to do a much gentler wash. We also apply a cleaning product to the surface prior to doing a soft wash which loosens any dirt, grime and mould.

We apply a wash-down product before the wash that does a lot of the work and loosens girt, grime and mould. We then use special nozzles when we wash cladding, enabling us to do a soft wash. We will apply a slow-release agent to the areas on the cladding where the paint is peeling or looks fragile instead of a wash. This means that it will not look clean in these areas after they finish, but the mould etc, will disappear. Sometimes it can take a few weeks till it cleans up, depending on the type of mould and the severity.

We cannot guarantee that no paint will chip as it depends on the paint's integrity, but we take significant measures to avoid it from happening. If a bit comes off in an area, this is when we stop washing and treat the area instead. 

Paint that is old and has been compromised by mould or other factors will often have stains that we cannot remove.

No, if the operator has had the correct training in washing techniques and using the machinery and tools correctly. Using commercial grade purpose-built equipment combined with the correct low pressure is important to ensure there is no damage. We also have a variety of nozzles that we use and change for different surfaces. All our guys are thoroughly trained in the correct washing techniques and how to operate the gear.

To answer this question, we will look at each of the individual items separately.

Plants - The cleaning product used can damage plants if the operator does not apply it in the correct manner. If you are concerned about your plants let us know. We can wet any plants close to the area that is being washed with water to dilute the solution to avoid any damage. We can also then gently rinse the plants afterwards and we can use a diluted mix of our wash down product.

Pets & people - Once again the answer to this is yes if the operator does not know what they're doing. It is important that the cleaning product is mixed at the correct ratio with water to ensure a safe dilution. All the Blast Away Guys team is thoroughly trained on how to do this.

Pool - No the product we use will not damage your pool. If we're cleaning around the outside of an in ground pool every effort will be made to stop debris from being washed into the pool.

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The answer to this question depends completely on the size of the building, the scope of work and how many people we put on the job. If you have a specific deadline, you would like the job completed by, let us know at the time of quoting so that we can do our best to ensure we can meet your needs. When we quote, we can also indicate how long we think the job will take.

We assess each commercial job individually to ensure we consider all aspects of health and safety relating to the job. Some of the things that we consider are: 

• Does WorkSafe needs to be notified
• Is traffic management required
• Are spotters are required 
• What are the safest times to complete the work for the public and people that work within the building 
• What access equipment may be required and what health and safety procedures need to be followed in accordance with the access equipment 
• What health and safety equipment will be required 
• How can we mitigate risks

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This will be considered, discussed and captured in our Job Safety Analysis. We also keep a Hazard and Risk Register, Incident and Injury Register, Chemical Register, Safe Operating Procedures and carry out Monthly Maintenance Checks

Our team of 10 means prioritising jobs based on urgency for clients. It also means we can get larger jobs finished in a shorter time, minimising disruption for business.

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We like to be as flexible as possible and prioritise work based on client needs. If you have a deadline, let us know, and we will see what we can do to prioritise your job. We also have contractors and partners who can provide other services should it be required.

This depends on where the business is situated and what other businesses or residential property are in the area that could be impacted by the work being carried out.

If a commercial property has busy main entrances and/or loading bays, we will often wash those areas before the business opens and then continue to complete the other areas once the business is open, provided it does not impact traffic or pedestrians.

Sometimes having a spotter at the main entrance while the business is open can work well, provided there is no heavy foot traffic.

If we need to have access machinery on the road, we will need to get traffic management to help ensure the public's safety. This work is almost always completed at night, and during periods when traffic is at it's quietest.

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We have 10,000,000 Public liability insurance

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Yes we provide window washing for commercial buildings.

Yes definitely.

Hot water blasting raises the temperature of the water to as much as 90c to cut through and remove chewing gum, grease, oils, cooking fats and other oily products by breaking them down.The results are much more impressive than cold water blasting.

Yes we do wash grease from Industrial plants and machinery. We have a hot water blaster which is amazing removing grease and grime.

Yes we do can clean oil stains,spills and grease. We use our hot water blaster and degreaser which is effective for oil stains and spills.  For oil spills we will often need to get a sucker truck to eliminate oil going down the drain and into the sea.

Yes, we do remove chewing gum form pavements. We have a special hot water blasting machine which makes an impressive difference and saves time and money. It offers some distinct advantages when you have a job where you really need some grunt.

Yes definitely. We will often wash just the front and signage three or four times a year and then complete a full wash of a building once a year.  

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Blast Away Guys is very committed to the Health and Safety of our team,clients and anyone else working on the sites that we are washing. Before we begin any site work we perform hazard identification, Worksafe NZnotifications, site specific emergency planning and other relevant planning and documentation.  We have in place regular safety meetings, audits and reporting. All our team also attend on-going training programmes.

SiteWise performed an independent assessment of Blast Away Guys and as a result  awarded us a green certification status for our health and safety procedures and systems. This means that have we demonstrated to SiteWise that we have quality health and safety systems in place.

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Yes we can definitely provide a post wash report this would include comments on the overall condition including pre wash state and problem areas such as heavy lichen and rust. We also report on the overall condition of the building and materials. This can be particularly useful in areas which cannot be seen easily from the ground. In many cases this has saved building owners thousands because issues are spotted before they cause expensive damage.

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