Power washing is a very effective way to clean a variety of exterior surfaces around your home. It provides a deeper clean compared to scrubbing with soap and water alone. When done correctly, power washing can leave any surface looking brand new. However, if done incorrectly it has the potential to damage the surface. To eliminate any risk of damage, it’s best to hire a pro to get the job done. Read on to learn more about the costs of power washing.
The Best Surfaces to Power Wash
Before we learn about how much it costs, it’s important to know which surfaces are best to power wash. The three most common surfaces for the job are your deck or patio, your driveway/walkway, and the siding of your home. These three areas are constantly collecting dirt and other materials that stick and stain the surface. You can read more about the benefits of power washing in this article.
Rent or Buy?
If you decide that you’re going to tackle this project on your own, you have to decide whether you’re going to rent or buy a power washing machine. Renting a machine can cost anywhere from $40-$100 for the day. If you know that this is going to be a one-time project, then this is the best route to take. However, if you think you are going to use the machine for multiple projects, or multiple times throughout the year, then investing in a machine is a wise choice. The costs of buying a power washing can range anywhere from $100-$1000. Electric machines ranging from $100-$200 and gas powered ranging from $300-$600 on average.
The machine you buy will be dependent on what you’re using it for. If you’re only going to be power washing your patio, then a small electrical machine will be perfect. If you’re also going to be washing the siding of your home or driveway, then a larger, more powerful machine is best. It’s best to consult with a pro before making any buying decision to ensure that you have the best machine for the job.
Hiring a Pro
Keep in mind that if your project is going to include any high or hard to reach areas that require a ladder, it is best to hire a pro. Pros will have the proper training required to perform the task and the risk of damaging the surface or even windows are lowered dramatically. The cost to hire a pro can vary depending on the company, the size of the job, and the difficulty level. You can expect to pay anywhere from $0.12-$0.20 per square foot of washing.
The size of your project will greatly affect your decision to rent/buy or hire. Power washing is very meticulous and requires a lot of energy and focus. If done incorrectly, the surface can be damaged and if not paying attention, windows can crack. Smaller jobs are great for DIY and can provide a lot of satisfaction. And it’s best you leave the larger jobs to the pros. Get connected with pros near you and transform your deck, patio, driveway, or siding today.
