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Peak Grounds Nottingham & Derby
Jet Washing
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Jet Washing

Transform tired patios and driveways with high-pressure cleaning.

Your driveway or patio, looking like new again.

Green algae, moss, and lichen don't just look bad - they create a genuine slip hazard, particularly on wet autumn and winter days. A professional jet wash removes years of built-up growth, restores the original colour of your surfaces, and dramatically improves the safety and appearance of your property. Using commercial-grade equipment and biodegradable pre-treatment, the results are not comparable to a domestic pressure washer hired for the weekend.

Surfaces we clean

Block paving driveways
Including re-sanding and weed inhibitor treatment
Concrete & tarmac driveways
Oil and tyre mark removal, careful pressure adjustment
Natural stone & porcelain patios
Pre-treatment for algae and lichen, streak-free finish
Concrete patio slabs
Restores colour, removes moss and biological growth
Timber decking
Soft-wash technique to remove mould and green slime without raising grain
Composite decking
Low-pressure clean to maintain surface integrity
Garden walls & brickwork
Lichen and algae removal, mortar-safe pressure settings
Timber & panel fencing
Green algae removal, can follow up with preservative treatment
Garden furniture
Stone, resin, and metal furniture restored

How we work

1
Surface assessment

Before any water touches the surface, we check the surface type, condition of pointing and joints, any loose or cracked material, and drainage direction. This sets the right pressure, nozzle, and pre-treatment for the job - and prevents damage.

2
Biodegradable pre-treatment

A professional-grade algaecide is applied and left to dwell for 10-30 minutes depending on the severity of growth. This breaks down algae, lichen, and moss at the root. Without this step, organic growth returns significantly faster - usually within weeks rather than months.

3
Cleaning time

We use the correct machine and pressure setting for your specific surface to remove as much dirt, algae, and growth as possible and get the best result. Some surfaces respond far more quickly than others - block paving, for instance, cleans up very differently to textured natural stone - so choosing the right approach for each surface is key to a finish that lasts.

4
Re-sanding (block paving)

After cleaning block paving, jointing sand is partially washed out and must be replaced. We use kiln-dried jointing sand to restore structural integrity and prevent weed re-establishment. Skipping this step is the most common complaint about cheaper operators.

5
Weed treatment

A weed treatment spray can be applied to help reduce weed growth between cracked joints and block paving. This should be part of ongoing maintenance for older patios and driveways - it significantly slows regrowth, though annual upkeep is recommended to keep surfaces in the best long-term condition.

Why not just hire a machine?

Consumer pressure washers (the type sold in DIY stores for £150-£400) run at 1,300-1,800 PSI with a low water flow rate. Professional commercial machines operate at up to 4,000 PSI with much higher flow rates - removing contamination that a domestic machine simply cannot shift in a reasonable time.

DIY hire
  • ✗ No pre-treatment - growth returns quickly
  • ✗ Leaves visible zebra-stripe cleaning lines
  • ✗ No re-sanding of block paving joints
  • ✗ Risk of surface damage without expertise
  • ✗ Full weekend of your time
Peak Grounds
  • ✓ Biodegradable pre-treatment as standard
  • ✓ Consistent, streak-free commercial finish
  • ✓ Re-sanding and weed inhibitor available
  • ✓ Correct pressure for each surface type
  • ✓ Done in 2-4 hours, fully insured

Common questions

How long does a professional jet wash take?
Most domestic driveways or patios (up to 80m²) take between 2 and 4 hours including pre-treatment dwell time and re-sanding if required. Larger or heavily contaminated surfaces will take longer. We'll give you an accurate time estimate when we quote. You don't need to be home for the whole job - just available at the start and end.
Will jet washing damage my block paving or patio slabs?
We set pressure appropriately for each surface type. Flat surfaces like block paving and concrete are cleaned with a rotary surface cleaner rather than a lance, which eliminates the risk of scoring. Where slabs are already cracked or loose, we flag these before starting. We never use high pressure on render, painted surfaces, or timber - these require a soft-wash approach at lower PSI.
How soon can I use my patio or driveway after cleaning?
Surfaces are safe to walk on within a few hours once the surface water has cleared. Block paving that has been re-sanded should be kept dry for 24-48 hours if possible to allow the jointing sand to settle. We'll advise you on the day based on weather and what was treated.
How often should I have my driveway or patio cleaned?
Once a year is the recommended frequency for most Nottingham and Derby properties - ideally in spring to tackle winter algae buildup, or in autumn before the wet season accelerates growth. Shaded surfaces or north-facing areas may benefit from twice-yearly cleaning. A regular maintenance clean is also significantly faster and cheaper than a heavy restoration clean on a surface left for several years.
Is jet washing safe for old or original stone?
Soft or porous stone (sandstone, limestone, older natural stone) requires lower pressure to avoid surface erosion. We assess every surface before starting and adjust accordingly. If we have any concerns about a surface's condition or age, we'll discuss it with you before starting work - we won't just blast ahead and hope for the best.

The Peak Grounds difference

  • Commercial-grade equipment - consistently better results than domestic machines.
  • Biodegradable pre-treatment included as standard - not an optional extra.
  • Correct pressure for every surface - no damage to mortar, render, or delicate stone.
  • Fully insured - public liability covered on every job.

Need this service?

Get a free, no-obligation quote usually within the same day.

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