Commercial building exteriors take a beating from Perth’s weather, traffic, dust, salt air, algae and everyday pollution. Over time, dirt and grime build up across facades, walls, cladding, walkways and other exterior surfaces, making the property look neglected and potentially contributing to longer-term surface deterioration.
Pressure washing is an effective way to remove many of these contaminants, but not every surface should be treated in exactly the same way. The pressure, cleaning method and equipment need to be matched to the material being cleaned.
For facility managers, property managers and commercial building owners, understanding what can be pressure washed helps you plan exterior maintenance without risking damage to expensive building materials.
This guide explains which commercial building surfaces can be pressure washed, what each surface requires, and when professional pressure cleaning is the safer option.
Key Takeaways
- Commercial pressure washing can be used on surfaces including concrete, brick, stone, glass, metal cladding and painted surfaces.
- The correct pressure and cleaning method depends on the material, condition and type of contamination.
- High-pressure cleaning is useful for removing dirt, grime, algae, moss, pollution stains and other surface build-up.
- Building facades, cladding, paths and other exterior areas may require different cleaning techniques.
- High-access commercial buildings require specialist equipment and trained technicians to clean difficult-to-reach areas safely.
- Professional pressure washing can improve presentation while helping prevent long-term build-up and deterioration.
What Surfaces Can You Pressure Wash?
Commercial properties contain a wide range of exterior materials, and many can be pressure cleaned when the correct equipment and technique are used.
Masters Co provides pressure washing for commercial building exteriors and lists several suitable surfaces, including glass, concrete, brick, stone, metal cladding and painted surfaces.
Here is how pressure washing can be used across common commercial building surfaces.
Concrete
Concrete is one of the most common surfaces suitable for pressure washing.
Commercial buildings often have concrete paths, entrances, loading areas, car parks and other high-traffic surfaces that accumulate dirt, oil, algae and general grime.
Pressure washing can remove surface contamination and restore a cleaner appearance without relying solely on manual scrubbing.
However, older or damaged concrete needs to be assessed first. Excessive pressure can worsen existing cracks, surface deterioration or areas where the concrete has already started to break down.
Brick
Brick walls and commercial building exteriors can also be pressure washed, but the technique needs to be controlled.
Brick is porous, which means dirt, biological growth and moisture can become trapped in the surface. Excessive pressure may damage older or weathered brickwork or force water into vulnerable areas.
A professional cleaner will consider the age and condition of the brick before choosing the pressure and cleaning method.
Stone
Natural and manufactured stone can often be cleaned using pressure washing, but stone is not one material with one set of cleaning requirements.
Different stone types have different levels of hardness, porosity and sensitivity to cleaning products.
Pressure that is suitable for a robust exterior surface may be inappropriate for softer or weathered stone. This is why stone should be assessed before pressure cleaning begins.
Glass
Glass can be cleaned using pressure washing in certain commercial applications, particularly where heavy external contamination needs to be removed.
However, pressure alone is not always the best method for every glass surface. The surrounding frames, seals and other components also need to be considered.
For commercial buildings with extensive glazing, pressure cleaning may be combined with other professional window-cleaning methods depending on the height, access and condition of the building.
Masters Co also provides commercial and high-rise window cleaning using methods including rope access, EWP, BMU and pure-water systems.
Metal Cladding
Metal cladding is commonly found on modern commercial buildings, warehouses and industrial properties.
Cladding can collect:
- Road dust
- Traffic soot
- Algae
- Pollution
- Bird deposits
- General grime
Masters Co specifically provides cladding and panel washing for metal, aluminium and composite panels.
The cleaning approach should take into account the coating, age and condition of the panels. The objective is to remove contamination without damaging the finish.
Painted Surfaces
Painted exterior surfaces can sometimes be pressure washed to remove dirt, mould, algae and other surface contamination.
The condition of the paint is important. If the coating is already peeling, chalking or deteriorating, aggressive pressure can remove more of the coating and expose the underlying material.
A lower-pressure approach or alternative cleaning method may therefore be more appropriate for older painted surfaces.
Regular Cleaning Costs Less Than Major Building Repairs
What Can Pressure Washing Remove?
The effectiveness of pressure washing depends on the surface and contamination, but it can remove many common forms of exterior build-up.
Dirt and General Grime
Dust and dirt accumulate naturally on commercial exteriors, particularly around busy roads and high-traffic areas.
Regular cleaning removes this build-up before it becomes harder to remove.
Algae and Moss
Damp and shaded areas can develop algae and moss, particularly on concrete, paths and other exterior surfaces.
These deposits can affect the appearance of a building and may contribute to slippery conditions on some walkways.
Masters Co’s pressure washing service specifically targets moss, mould, algae, dirt, grime and pollution stains.
Pollution and Traffic Stains
Commercial buildings near major roads can accumulate exhaust residue, soot and other airborne pollutants.
These contaminants can be particularly noticeable on light-coloured facades and external walls.
Pressure washing can remove surface contamination and restore a cleaner appearance.
Oil and Grease
Concrete areas around commercial buildings can collect oil and grease from vehicles, machinery and loading activities.
Pressure washing can help remove these contaminants, although heavily embedded stains may require additional treatment rather than water pressure alone.
Bird Deposits
Bird deposits can accumulate on ledges, facades, roofs and other exposed building surfaces.
These deposits can be difficult to remove once they have dried and built up over time. Professional cleaning can help restore affected areas while reducing the amount of contamination left on the surface.
Can You Pressure Wash a Commercial Building Facade?
Yes, many commercial facades can be pressure washed, but the method needs to be matched to the facade material.
A commercial building may have several different materials across the same exterior, including:
- Concrete
- Brick
- Stone
- Glass
- Metal cladding
- Painted surfaces
This means a single pressure setting should not automatically be used across the entire building.
Masters Co provides commercial pressure washing in Perth for building exteriors, facades and hard-to-reach surfaces. The company uses access methods including rope access for multi-storey buildings and commercial towers.
What About High-Rise Buildings?
Pressure washing a multi-storey commercial building presents different challenges from cleaning a ground-level wall.
The main consideration is not simply the cleaning equipment. It is also how technicians safely access the exterior surface.
Depending on the building, access may involve:
- Rope access
- Elevated Work Platforms
- Building Maintenance Units
- Water-fed pole systems
- Ground-based equipment
Masters Co’s high-rise team uses IRATA-certified rope access technicians as well as EWP and BMU operators, selecting the access method based on the building and the area being cleaned.
For high-rise properties, the cleaning plan should also consider wind conditions, public areas below the work zone, building occupants and any restrictions around the property.
Can You Pressure Wash Walkways and Paths?
Yes. Commercial walkways, paths and other hard outdoor surfaces are commonly suited to pressure washing.
These areas can accumulate:
- Dirt
- Oil stains
- Chewing gum
- Algae
- Moss
- General grime
Because walkways experience constant foot traffic, keeping them clean is important for both presentation and surface maintenance.
Masters Co provides pressure washing for footpaths and walkways and uses high-pressure water jets with environmentally friendly cleaning agents where appropriate.
Can You Pressure Wash Roofs and Gutters?
Roof and gutter cleaning can also form part of commercial exterior maintenance.
Gutters can accumulate leaves, dirt and other debris, while roof surfaces may develop moss, algae and general contamination.
Masters Co provides roof and gutter pressure cleaning and can use rope access to reach areas without relying on mechanical lifts.
However, roof materials vary significantly. Pressure washing should only be used where the roof material and condition are suitable for the method.
When Should You Avoid High Pressure?
Pressure washing is not automatically the right solution for every surface.
Extra care is needed when dealing with:
- Cracked or deteriorated surfaces
- Loose paint
- Fragile coatings
- Older brickwork
- Soft or porous stone
- Damaged seals
- Areas where water could enter the building
- Surfaces with existing structural damage
The issue is not simply whether water can clean the surface. The cleaning method needs to remove contamination without causing additional damage.
This is particularly important on commercial buildings where a damaged facade, coating or seal can create a much larger repair problem.
Pressure Washing vs Other Cleaning Methods
Not every commercial exterior needs high-pressure water.
Depending on the building and surface, other methods may be more appropriate.
| Surface or Situation | Possible Cleaning Method |
|---|---|
| Concrete paths | Pressure washing |
| Heavy grime on hard surfaces | Pressure washing |
| Metal cladding | Controlled pressure washing |
| Glass | Pressure washing or professional window-cleaning systems |
| High-rise facade | Rope access and appropriate cleaning equipment |
| Fragile or deteriorated surfaces | Lower-pressure or alternative cleaning methods |
| High-level windows | Rope access, BMU, EWP or water-fed systems |
The correct method depends on the material, level of contamination, height and access requirements.
Why Professional Pressure Washing Is Different
Commercial pressure washing is more than pointing a pressure washer at a dirty surface.
A professional assessment considers:
- The surface material
Different materials tolerate different levels of pressure. - The condition of the surface
Existing cracks, damaged coatings and deteriorated materials may require a different approach. - The type of contamination
Dirt, algae, oil, pollution and biological growth may require different treatments. - Access requirements
High-rise and hard-to-reach areas may require rope access, EWP or BMU systems. - The surrounding environment
Water runoff, pedestrians, vehicles and building occupants need to be considered. - The required finish
Commercial properties often need a consistent result across large areas rather than a small spot clean.
For complex commercial facades, Masters Co also provides building facade maintenance and repairs in Perth, including facade inspections, cleaning, repairs, sealing and restoration.
How Often Should Commercial Exteriors Be Pressure Washed?
There is no single schedule that suits every commercial property.
Cleaning frequency depends on:
- Building location
- Exposure to traffic and pollution
- Proximity to the coast
- Surface material
- Amount of shade
- Biological growth
- Building usage
- Previous cleaning history
Properties in high-traffic areas or locations exposed to coastal conditions may need more frequent cleaning than buildings in less exposed areas.
Rather than waiting until the facade looks heavily soiled, facility managers can incorporate exterior cleaning into a planned maintenance programme.
Signs Your Commercial Building Needs Pressure Washing
Your property may be due for professional pressure cleaning if you notice:
- Dark or dirty areas on exterior walls
- Green algae or moss growth
- Black pollution staining
- Heavy grime on concrete paths
- Oil stains around vehicle areas
- Dirty or stained cladding
- Bird deposits on exterior surfaces
- Build-up around entrances and high-traffic areas
- A noticeable difference between cleaned and uncleaned sections
Visible contamination is often the simplest indication that an exterior maintenance assessment is overdue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What surfaces can be pressure washed on a commercial building?
Common surfaces include concrete, brick, stone, glass, metal cladding and some painted surfaces. The pressure and cleaning method should be adjusted according to the material and its condition.
Can you pressure wash a high-rise building?
Yes. High-rise pressure cleaning requires appropriate access equipment and safety procedures. Rope access, EWPs and BMUs may be used depending on the building and access requirements. Masters Co provides high-access cleaning services across Perth.
Can pressure washing remove mould and algae?
Pressure washing can remove many forms of surface mould, algae and moss. The appropriate cleaning method depends on the surface and how deeply the growth has established.
Can pressure washing damage a building facade?
It can if excessive pressure or an unsuitable cleaning method is used. Older, damaged or delicate surfaces should be assessed before pressure washing.
Can commercial paths and walkways be pressure washed?
Yes. Concrete paths, footpaths and other hard outdoor surfaces are commonly pressure washed to remove dirt, grime, algae, oil and other build-up.
How much does commercial pressure washing cost in Perth?
The cost depends on the size of the property, surface material, level of contamination, building height and access requirements. A site assessment is the best way to determine the scope and provide an accurate quote.
Keep Your Commercial Building Exterior Clean and Presentable
Pressure washing can be an effective part of commercial building maintenance, from concrete walkways and loading areas to facades, cladding and other exterior surfaces.
The key is using the right method for the material and the building. For high-rise and difficult-to-access properties, specialist access equipment and trained technicians are also essential.
Masters Co provides commercial pressure washing across Perth, including building facades, cladding, walkways, roofs and gutters. If your property needs a one-off clean or a regular exterior maintenance programme, contact Masters Co for a free quote and discuss the most suitable approach for your building.
