FAQ

NoNot usually for an exterior treatment, provided we have clear access around the property. Someone must be available if we need access to locked areas or aNot usually for an exterior treatment, provided we have clear access around the property. Someone must be available if we need access to locked areas or an interior treatment is booked. People and pets must remain away during application and until treated surfaces are dry.n interior treatment is booked. People and pets must remain away during application and until treated surfaces are dry.t usually for an exterior treatment, provided we have clear access around the property. Someone must be available if we need access to locked areas or an interior treatment is booked. People and pets must remain away during application and until treated surfaces are dry.

Yes. Choose an interior treatment, an exterior residual barrier or complete protection inside and outside. The two treatments use different application methods and are quoted according to the areas being treated.

‍

Hot water blasting uses water heated up to 100°C, which is highly effective for removing grease, oil, chewing gum, food waste, and stubborn grime — especially in commercial, industrial, or food prep areas. It sanitises as it cleans, all without harsh chemicals.

Outside, we treat exterior walls, eaves, window and door frames, entry points, foundation areas, cracks and crevices. Inside, we target suitable entry, travel and harbourage areas. Tell us about recurring problem spots when requesting your quote.

‍

Yes, the exterior treatment should be applied after washing. Washing first removes dirt, old webs and egg sacs. Once the surfaces are clean and dry, we apply BugBlock before spiders have time to rebuild. A house wash is recommended when the exterior is dirty, but BugBlock can also be booked as a standalone service.

‍

BugBlock is our professional insect-treatment service for Northland homes and businesses. Choose an exterior residual barrier, an interior fine-mist treatment or complete protection. The product keeps working on treated surfaces when listed insects land on them or cross them.

‍

We clean the full surface of your deck, including railings, steps, and corners. Once clean, we apply a mould inhibitor to any problem-prone areas like shaded corners or damp zones. This helps extend the life of the clean and reduces regrowth.

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.

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

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.

‍

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

We do not water blast or pressure wash them we instead soft wash and treat shade sails and canopies. to get them clean. Most shade sails come up looking really nice and clean however there are some fabrics that seem to trap the dirt and grime and these will not always come up clean.

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.

Yes. The exterior of windows is included in every house or building wash as part of our standard soft wash. This removes grime, dust, and cobwebs from the glass and frames. Note that a soft wash is not a blade clean, minor spotting can occur due to minerals in the water. For a streak-free finish, we offer pure water window cleaning as a separate service for commercial buildings and some residential properties.

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.

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

Fill out our online form to request a quote

Most homes benefit from a clean once or twice a year, especially if you have overhanging trees or collect rainwater. We can advise on the right schedule for your property

Yes. If we notice cracked seals, corroded fixings, or anything that needs attention, we’ll take photos and report back. That way, you can address minor issues before they become major problems.

No. As long as we have safe access to your roof and the gates are unlocked, you don’t need to be there. We’ll send you reminders, take before-and-after photos, and leave everything tidy.

Yes, though this does take more time and care. Let us know when you book so we can allow extra time and adjust the quote accordingly.

We don’t disconnect downpipes as standard. We ask homeowners to disconnect them if they’d like them flushed. If you're unable to do so, just let us know and we can assist. It’s important to us that your whole system is working as it should.

We hand-clear the inside of your gutters, removing all leaves, debris, and blockages. The debris is bagged and taken away, so there’s no mess left behind. This helps your gutters function properly and prevents water overflow and damage to your roof, walls, or foundations.

Most roof washes take between 6 to 12 hours depending on the size, access, and condition of the roof. We usually send a two-person team and take care of any runoff, including rinsing down gutters and downpipes if needed. You don’t need to be home, but we do ask that access is clear.

Heavy lichen, black mould or more established growth will usually need a dual treatment. This means the whole roof, or the heavily affected areas, receives a second application during the same visit.

For extremely heavy growth, we may also recommend a gel treatment that remains on the affected areas for longer.

We assess the roof before starting and confirm the recommended treatment with you. The cost depends on how much of the roof needs the additional treatment.

Yes, absolutely. This service is ideal for pre-sale presentation, real estate photography, open homes, and painting prep. It improves the appearance of your home instantly and can significantly boost curb appeal and buyer impressions.

There is no fixed timeframe. Regrowth depends on shade, nearby trees, airflow, roof pitch, roofing material and local conditions. After washing a suitable roof, we apply a follow-up treatment to help deal with remaining biological growth and slow its return. Some roofs need attention every year or two, while others may remain clear for three years or longer. We can recommend a maintenance interval after assessing the roof and its surroundings.

A wash removes the visible growth, but it doesn’t kill the spores buried deeper in the surface. That’s why we always apply a follow-up roof treatment after every wash. This helps prevent moss and mould from coming back quickly and gives you longer-lasting results from your investment.

A roof wash gives you instant results. It removes visible moss, mould, grime, and lichen right away using a soft wash system. A roof treatment, on the other hand, is sprayed on and works gradually with the sun and rain over time. The roof wash delivers a dramatic visual improvement on the day, while the follow-up treatment we include helps prevent regrowth.

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.

‍

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.

‍

Yes. We offer certified chimney sweeping across Northland, including Whangarei, Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, Mangawhai, and surrounding areas. Every sweep includes a full clean, a basic flue inspection, an insurance-ready digital report, and a chimney sweeping certificate. Chimney sweeping can be booked as a standalone service or bundled with a house wash, roof treatment, or gutter clear for savings.

We use around three months as a practical planning point. Sheltered areas may keep working longer. Heavy rain, strong sunlight, frequent washing, surface type and insect pressure can shorten the result, so we do not promise one timeframe for every property.

‍

We apply the product according to its label and safety data requirements. People and pets must stay away during application and until treated surfaces are dry. Tell us about fish tanks, ponds, edible plants, play areas and other sensitive areas before the visit.

‍

Exterior cleaning can be completed throughout most of the year. The best timing depends on the service, the surface and the weather. We avoid conditions that could make the work unsafe or reduce the effectiveness of a treatment, such as heavy rain or strong wind. If the weather affects your booking, we will contact you and arrange another suitable time.

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

‍

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.

‍

Our standard house wash includes your exterior walls, joinery, eaves, entrance alcoves, and the outside of your gutters and downpipes — everything from the ground up to the gutter line. We’ll also treat mould-prone areas as part of the wash (not as an extra) to help prevent regrowth and keep things looking good for longer.

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.

‍

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.  

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

The risk depends on the roofing material, age, condition and washing method. We assess the roof before recommending washing. Where washing is suitable, we adjust the equipment, pressure and nozzles for the surface. We generally recommend treatment rather than washing for clay, slate and concrete tiles because they may be loose, brittle or vulnerable to damage. If a roof is fragile or unsuitable for washing, we will explain the safer options.

Not at all. Most of our customers aren’t home during their service — we just ask that gates are unlocked, windows are shut, and pets are secure. We’ll send friendly reminders and a profile of the technician coming to your place so you know exactly who to expect and when.

Nope. We use a low-pressure soft wash system that’s designed to gently clean without causing damage. It’s completely safe for painted surfaces, weatherboards, and delicate cladding — even older homes. If we spot any vulnerable areas before we begin, we’ll treat them with care and adjust our approach to protect your property.

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.

‍

Yes. We provide photo documentation and can report on surface condition, drainage concerns, or issues requiring maintenance — useful for lease, health and safety, or compliance purposes.

Yes. Many property managers choose quarterly or six-monthly car park cleans. Routine cleaning reduces long-term maintenance costs and keeps your property looking well cared for.

Definitely. Removing moss, algae, and oil improves grip and reduces the risk of slips and falls. This is especially important in shaded or high-traffic areas where contaminants build up quickly.

Yes. We’re careful to avoid damaging painted lines, bollards, or traffic markings. We can also include an optional line brightening rinse if required to lift the look of faded markings.

Yes. We use hot water blasting (up to 100°C) to lift oil, grease, and chewing gum without damaging the surface. This method is ideal for commercial car parks, workshop forecourts, and retail centres.

We clean concrete and asphalt surfaces using commercial-grade pressure or hot water blasting, depending on the type of contamination. This removes oil, chewing gum, moss, algae, tyre marks, food spills, and general grime — making the space safer and more attractive.

Our primary focus is exterior windows, but we can provide interior window cleaning by request for certain commercial clients. Just let us know during your quote process.

‍

It depends on your exposure. Coastal and high-traffic areas often benefit from quarterly cleans, while some buildings need servicing just once or twice a year. We can tailor a plan to suit your needs and budget.

Yes. Because we don’t use soap or chemicals, there's no residue left behind for dirt to cling to. This means your windows stay cleaner for longer and are less prone to streaking or spotting after rain.

Yes. We’re certified for working at heights and can safely clean high windows, hard-to-reach glass, and multi-storey buildings using the correct access equipment. We ensure minimal disruption to your site and work within health and safety requirements.

We use pure water-fed poles combined with soft brushes to gently remove grime, salt, and mineral build-up from exterior glass. This system ensures no chemicals or detergents are left behind — just clean, streak-free glass with no residue.

Yes. We include before-and-after photos and can provide a simple condition report on the guttering system. If we notice rust, separations, or overflow points, we’ll document it so you can take action before it becomes a bigger problem.

Most commercial buildings should have their gutters cleared and flushed at least once a year, or twice annually in leafy areas. Blocked gutters can cause major structural issues and even void insurance if left unmaintained.

We work with offices, schools, warehouses, retail centres, and public facilities — essentially any commercial or institutional building with roof guttering. Whether you manage one site or multiple, we can provide a plan to help you stay on top of gutter health.

Yes, but this requires extra time and care. Please let us know if your building has gutter guard in place — we’ll reassess the scope and provide an updated quote. Gutter guard can hide debris that slowly accumulates and causes hidden issues, so periodic checking is still important.

Yes. We are fully trained and certified for working at heights. We use harness systems, roof anchor points, or access equipment depending on the site. Whether your roof is low-slope, steep pitch, or multi-level, we have the gear and experience to do the job safely.

Yes. After clearing the gutters, we flush the downpipes to confirm water is flowing freely. If any blockages are found, we’ll do our best to clear them and report back on any areas that may need further attention.

We hand-clear all leaves, debris, and built-up material from commercial gutters and then flush them using water to ensure full flow. This helps prevent overflow, internal leaks, and structural water damage. It’s especially important for buildings with large roof spans or multiple downpipes.

Yes. We provide photo documentation of the job for your records, compliance, or lease reporting. We also let you know if we spot maintenance concerns like rusting spouting, cracked cladding, or blocked gutters.

We offer both. Many commercial clients choose annual or twice-yearly cleans as part of their maintenance plans. Regular soft washing helps extend the life of your building materials and keeps your business looking sharp year-round.

We service schools, offices, warehouses, factories, retail spaces, and public buildings. Whether your site is small or sprawling, we have the team and equipment to handle it. We’re also SiteWise Gold certified, which makes us a trusted option for educational and health-sector properties.

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
  ‍

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.

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.

We have 10,000,000 Public liability insurance

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.  

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.

Blast Away Guys has been SiteWise accredited for seven years, five of those at Gold level, with a 100% compliance score for the past two years. This means our health and safety systems have been independently assessed and verified.

‍

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.

‍