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Exterior Cleaning | Mayo & the Northwest

Exterior Cleaning

Patio & Soft Washing

Your driveway has gone from red brick to black. The patio you laid five years ago is slick with green algae every winter. The render on the north wall is streaked with dark patches that spread a little further each year. And the pebble dash that used to be cream now looks like it belongs to a different house altogether. We’re North West Property Solutions, based in Castlebar, and we specialize in exterior cleaning using two methods: soft washing for delicate surfaces like render, pebble dash, and brickwork, and controlled pressure washing for hard surfaces like concrete driveways and paths. Both approaches clean thoroughly without damaging the surface underneath. No harsh jetting on render that blows holes in the finish. No chemicals on surfaces that need mechanical cleaning. Just the right method for the right material, every time. A clean exterior doesn’t just look better, it protects your property from the slow erosion that damp, algae, and the Atlantic weather bring year after year.

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  • Based in Castlebar, Co. Mayo

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What Gets Dirty on Irish Properties (and Why It Keeps Coming Back)

Algae, moss, lichen, and general grime build up on every exterior surface in Ireland. The damp Atlantic climate gives them ideal growing conditions, and once established, they do real damage.

Complete Exterior Cleaning Solutions

Green Algae on North-Facing Walls
North-facing walls in Ireland get little to no direct sunlight between October and March. Add 1,200mm to 1,600mm of rainfall on the west coast and you have a permanently damp surface. Algae colonises the render or pebble dash, forming green, black, or red patches that spread across the wall. Left untreated, algae roots work into the surface texture of the render and hold moisture against it continuously. Over several seasons, the render begins to break down – first the paint or finish fails, then the render itself starts to crumble. What starts as a cosmetic issue becomes a structural one. Soft washing kills the algae at the root and stops the damage before it gets worse.
Slippery Patios and Paths
Patios and garden paths in shaded gardens, under trees, or on the north side of the house become dangerously slippery in winter. The green film you see is algae mixed with moss, and it thrives on the damp Irish climate. Pressure washing alone blasts the surface growth off but doesn’t kill the spores embedded in the joints and the pores of the paving. Within six months, it’s back. Our soft wash treatment for patios uses a biocide that penetrates the surface and kills the spores at root level. The result is a patio that stays clean and safe for far longer – and that you don’t dread walking across in December.
Black and Red Staining on Pebble Dash
Pebble dash is one of the most common exterior finishes on Irish homes built between the 1960s and 1990s. It’s also one of the hardest to clean. The rough, textured surface traps dirt, algae, and lichen spores in every crevice. Over time, what was once a clean cream or white finish becomes patchy with dark stains. Pressure washing pebble dash is risky – too much pressure and the stones come loose from the render bed. Too little and only the surface dirt shifts. Our soft wash approach uses a low-pressure biocide application that soaks into every crevice, killing the biological growth and loosening the dirt. Rain does the rinsing over the following weeks. The stones stay firmly in place, and the wall comes back to its original colour.

Complete Exterior Cleaning Solutions

Stained and Weathered Brickwork
Brick walls and brick driveways absorb water, and in Ireland, that water nearly always carries algae spores. The bricks darken, green patches appear, and the pointing between bricks becomes a seedbed for moss. Over years, freeze-thaw cycles cause the pointing to crack and crumble. Cleaning brickwork with high pressure can strip the surface from the bricks and blast out pointing that was already sound. Our approach to brick cleaning is always soft wash first – kill the biological growth, then use controlled low pressure to gently lift away the residue. Where pointing has already failed, we can repoint after cleaning.
Oil, Fuel, and Tyre Marks on Driveways
Concrete and tarmac driveways accumulate more than algae. Oil drips from cars, tyre marks from turning vehicles, fuel spills, and rust stains from metal furniture all build up over months and years. These are not biological stains – they’re chemical and mechanical stains that biocide treatment alone won’t shift. For these, we use controlled pressure washing with appropriate cleaning agents: degreasers for oil, specialist cleaners for rubber and rust. The pressure is adjusted to the surface – higher for concrete, lower for tarmac – so the driveway is cleaned without being damaged. After pressure washing, we can apply a sealant to concrete driveways that helps resist future staining and makes the surface easier to keep clean.
Gutter Exteriors Streaked with Dirt and Algae
The outside face of uPVC gutters and downpipes collects algae, dirt, and staining just like any other exterior surface. On white or light-coloured guttering, the black streaks and green patches stand out and make the whole house look neglected – even if the gutters themselves are working perfectly. Soft washing the exterior of your guttering restores the clean white finish without the risk of high-pressure water getting behind the gutter joints or forcing water under the roofline. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference to the overall appearance of the property.

Our Exterior Cleaning Services

Every surface needs a different approach. We match the method to the material – soft washing for anything that could be damaged by pressure, and controlled pressure washing for hard surfaces that need mechanical cleaning. All our exterior cleaning services cover Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon.
Driveway Cleaning
Irish driveways take a beating from the weather, from cars, and from time. Concrete, tarmac, brick, and gravel driveways all collect algae, moss, oil stains, tyre marks, and general grime. We’ll inspect your driveway surface before we start and choose the right cleaning method.
Common issues
  • Surface inspection
  • Controlled pressure or soft wash
  • Oil and stain removal
  • Optional sealant treatment
Render & Wall Cleaning
Render, pebble dash, and painted exterior walls are the most common surfaces we clean across the northwest. These are also the surfaces most likely to be damaged by the wrong cleaning method. We use soft washing exclusively on render and pebble dash: a low-pressure application of biodegradable cleaning solution that kills algae, moss, and lichen without forcing water behind the render or blasting the surface texture away.
Common issues
  • Low-pressure biocide application
  • Full elevation treatment
  • Natural rain rinsing
  • Multi-year clean finish
Soft Washing

Soft washing is our primary method for cleaning delicate exterior surfaces. It uses a low-pressure pump to apply a biodegradable biocide solution that kills moss, algae, lichen, and bacteria on contact. The pressure is comparable to what comes out of your garden hose – there is no jet, no blast, and no risk of surface damage. The biocide penetrates into the pores of the material and kills the spores that pressure washing leaves behind.

Common issues
  • Garden-hose pressure - no damage
  • Kills spores at the root
  • Biodegradable solution
  • Lasts 3-5 years on walls
Patio Cleaning

A patio that turns green every winter isn’t just unsightly it’s a slip hazard for your family and visitors. We clean all patio surfaces: Indian sandstone, limestone, concrete slabs, block paving, and natural stone. Our approach uses soft wash biocide treatment to kill the algae and moss spores that live deep in the pores and joints of the paving.

Common issues
  • Soft wash biocide treatment
  • Low-pressure surface rinse
  • Joint preservation
  • Optional preservation treatment
Gutter Exterior Clean
The outside of your gutters, fascias, and downpipes gets just as dirty as your walls – but it’s often overlooked. On white uPVC guttering, black algae streaks and green moss patches stand out against the clean finish and make the whole roofline look tired. We soft-wash the exterior of your gutters and fascias using the same low-pressure biocide method we use on walls.
Common issues
  • Soft wash uPVC restoration
  • Algae and moss removal
  • No water ingress risk
  • Gutter clearance included
Pressure Washing
The outside of your gutters, fascias, and downpipes gets just as dirty as your walls – but it’s often overlooked. On white uPVC guttering, black algae streaks and green moss patches stand out against the clean finish and make the whole roofline look tired. We soft-wash the exterior of your gutters and fascias using the same low-pressure biocide method we use on walls.
Common issues
  • Surface-matched pressure
  • Degreasers for oil stains
  • Specialist cleaners for rust/rubber
  • No damage guarantee

Our Services

Roof Repairs
Guttering, Fascia & Soffit
Dry Verge Systems
Roof Cleaning
Exterior Cleaning
Chimeny Repairs

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AREAS WE SERVE

Exterior Cleaning Services Across the Northwest

Based in Castlebar, County Mayo, we cover properties across four counties. From Castlebar to Carrick-on-Shannon, Sligo Town to Boyle.

County Mayo

Castlebar, Westport, Ballina, Claremorris, Ballinrobe, Swinford, Ballyhaunis, Knock, Kiltimagh, Foxford, Newport, Louisburgh, Belmullet, Achill, Crossmolina, Charlestown, and all surrounding rural areas.

County Leitrim

Carrick-on-Shannon, Manorhamilton, Mohill, Drumshanbo & surrounds.

County Leitrim

Carrick-on-Shannon, Manorhamilton, Mohill, Drumshanbo, Ballinamore, Kinlough, Dromahair, and all surrounding areas.

County Roscommon

Roscommon Town, Boyle, Castlerea, Ballaghaderreen, Strokestown, Elphin, Frenchpark, and all surrounding areas.

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Exterior Cleaning Costs - A Straight Guide

Every property is different – size, number of surfaces, level of staining, access difficulty, and whether you want sealant treatment all affect the final price. But here’s what you can expect, so you’re not going in blind.

What Affects the Price

Number and type of surfaces

Single-storey vs three-storey. Scaffolding requirements. Roof pitch (steep roofs need more safety equipment).

Extent of staining and growth

Light algae on one north-facing wall is a straightforward soft wash job. Heavy moss, lichen, and black algae across multiple elevations takes longer and may need additional treatment passes.

Surface material

Natural slate vs concrete tile. Reclaimed matching Bangor Blue slate costs more than generic new. Lead flashing isn’t cheap and never will be.

Access and site conditions

We often find that what looks like one slipped slate is actually widespread nail failure across half the roof. We’ll tell you if that’s the case.

Sealant treatment

We often find that what looks like one slipped slate is actually widespread nail failure across half the roof. We’ll tell you if that’s the case.

Rough Guide (Indicative Only)

Job Type Typical Range
Driveway clean - standard concrete (two-car) €150 - €300
Patio clean - standard paving (25 to 40 sqm) €180 - €350
Render wall clean - single gable end (north face, algae) €200 - €400
Pebble dash wall clean - full bungalow (all elevations) €500 - €900
Gutter exterior clean - full bungalow €100 - €200
Full exterior package - driveway, patio, all render walls, gutters (detached house) €700 - €1,500
Sealant treatment - concrete driveway (two-car) €100 - €200
Sealant treatment - patio (25 to 40 sqm) €120 - €250
These are indicative ranges only. Every property gets a proper assessment and a fixed written quote before any work starts. Prices include VAT, materials, labour, and waste removal.
Frequently Asked Questions

Exterior Cleaning Questions We Answer Every Week

What’s the difference between soft washing and pressure washing?
Soft washing uses a low-pressure pump (similar pressure to a garden hose) to apply a biodegradable biocide solution that kills algae, moss, lichen, and bacteria. The cleaning happens chemically, not mechanically. Pressure washing (jet washing) uses a high-pressure water jet to blast dirt off the surface mechanically. Soft washing is safer for delicate surfaces like render, pebble dash, brickwork, and natural stone because it doesn’t force water behind the surface or blast away the surface texture. Pressure washing is more effective on hard surfaces like concrete driveways where biological growth is mixed with oil, tyre marks, and heavy grime. We use both methods – the right one for each surface on your property.
Not if it’s done correctly with the right pressure setting for the surface. Concrete driveways can take moderate pressure safely. Tarmac needs lower pressure because it’s softer. Block paving needs care around the joints so the sand bedding isn’t disturbed. The damage you see from pressure washing – scoured concrete, pitted tarmac, dislodged block pavers – happens when the pressure is too high or the nozzle is held too close to the surface. We adjust the pressure, the nozzle, and the distance continuously throughout the job to clean thoroughly without causing damage. If your driveway is more suited to soft wash treatment, we’ll tell you that before we start and explain why.
A standard driveway clean takes one to two hours. A patio of 25 to 40 square metres takes two to three hours. Render wall cleaning for a full bungalow typically takes a half-day on site for the soft wash application. A full exterior package – driveway, patio, all walls, gutters – for a detached house is usually a one-day job, sometimes spilling into a second morning for very large properties. The biocide treatment for render, pebble dash, and patios continues working after we leave: the algae and moss die off over two to four weeks and wash away naturally with rain. The initial visible improvement on walls is immediate; the full clean finish develops over the following weeks. We’ll give you a clear timeframe with your quote.
No, but we take precautions regardless. The biocides we use are biodegradable and break down safely in soil. Before we start work on walls or patios, we wet down any plants, shrubs, or grass directly below the working area to protect them. We cover delicate plants and fish ponds if they’re near the cleaning zone. Once the treatment has dried on the surface – about an hour in normal conditions – there’s no risk to plants, pets, or children. For driveway pressure washing, we use degreasers and cleaning agents that are also biodegradable and safe when used as directed. We can provide safety data sheets for every product we use if you’d like to see them.
For soft-washed render and pebble dash walls, you can expect the surface to stay clean for three to five years in typical Irish conditions. South-facing walls stay cleaner for longer because they dry out faster after rain. North-facing walls and walls shaded by trees will see algae regrowth sooner – typically two to three years before the first green patches reappear. For driveways and patios, the clean typically lasts one to two years before algae and moss begin to recolonise. If we apply a sealant treatment after cleaning, you can add two to three years to those times. For properties in particularly damp or shaded locations, we recommend periodic maintenance cleans rather than waiting until the growth becomes heavy again.

Yes, but we work around the weather. Soft wash biocide treatment needs a dry window of about four to six hours to soak into the surface properly. Pressure washing can be done in almost any weather provided it’s not freezing. We monitor the forecast closely and schedule exterior cleaning work for dry spells. Irish winters are relatively mild – temperature is rarely an issue for the cleaning products we use, which work effectively above roughly 2 degrees Celsius. If a booked job looks like it will be rained off, we reschedule at no cost and give you as much notice as the forecast allows. Winter is actually a good time to clean algae off north-facing walls, because the algae is actively growing and takes up the biocide more readily.

Yes. Pebble dash is one of the most common exterior finishes on Irish homes, and we clean it regularly using soft washing only – never pressure washing. The issue with pebble dash is that high-pressure water can loosen the stone chippings from the render bed. Once a stone comes loose, water gets behind it, more stones follow, and you have a patch of damaged render that needs repair. Our soft wash method applies the biocide solution at low pressure through a pump sprayer. The solution penetrates into every crevice of the textured surface, killing the algae and loosening the dirt. The stones stay exactly where they are. Over the following weeks, rain rinses the dead growth away and the pebble dash returns to its original colour. It’s a slow, gentle process that preserves the integrity of the render.
Pressure washing blasts the surface growth off the patio slabs and out of the joints, but it doesn’t kill the spores that live deep in the porous surface of the stone and the jointing sand. Those spores are still there after the pressure washer has gone, and as soon as the damp weather returns, they regrow. Our approach for patios is to soft-wash first with a biocide that penetrates into the stone and kills the spores at root level. Then we use controlled low pressure to rinse away the dead growth and surface dirt. The difference is that the spores are dead, not just temporarily displaced. The patio stays cleaner for much longer – typically one to two years before any regrowth appears, compared to six months after pressure washing alone. For the best long-term result, ask about our sealant treatment after cleaning.

Many repairs can be carried out safely in typical Irish conditions, including light rain and cold temperatures. We work year-round. Some tasks  such as applying sealants, using mortar, or laying flat-roof membranes do require a dry window, so we monitor forecasts closely. For urgent leaks during prolonged wet spells, we install temporary covers to protect your home until conditions allow.

For a standard three-bed semi-detached house with a single-car driveway, a rear patio, and algae on one wall: expect to pay between €400 and €700 for a soft wash clean of the affected render, the patio, and the driveway. For a detached four-bed house with a two-car driveway, large patio, full render/pebble dash exterior, and gutters: a full package typically runs between €800 and €1,500 – more if sealant treatment is included. These are real ranges based on the properties we clean across Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon. Every job is different, every quote is fixed, and every assessment is free. We never add costs during the job, and we never charge for the quote.

No, you don’t need to be home. As long as we have access to the exterior areas being cleaned – driveway, garden, side access for walls – we can complete the full job without you needing to be there. We’ll walk the property with you at the assessment stage so you know exactly what we’re doing, and we’ll confirm the date and time of the job in advance. Many of our customers book the work while they’re at work and come home to a clean driveway, a clean patio, and walls that look like they’ve been repainted. If there are gates to unlock, alarms to manage, or pets to consider, we’ll arrange all of that with you beforehand.