Keeping the exterior of your home or business looking good is essential for the look, value and structure. One of the best ways to do this is with pressure washing. This cleaning process uses high-pressure water to remove built-up dirt, grime and even stubborn stains from various surfaces. But when it comes to pressure washing, you may find yourself at a crossroads: do you do it yourself or hire a pressure washing company? In this guide, we will go over the pros and cons of both so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.
DIY Pressure Washing Appeal
- Cost Savings and Upfront Costs: Homeowners and DIYers choose DIY pressure washing for one reason: cost savings. By doing the job yourself you can avoid the labor costs of hiring a pro. And buying an electric pressure washer or a standard pressure washer may be more cost effective in the long run if you plan on using it to clean your exterior surfaces frequently. This cost effective option lets you control your budget and still have a clean and well maintained property.
- Sense of Accomplishment: There’s a feeling of accomplishment that comes with doing a cleaning job yourself. DIY pressure washing is a transformative process where you see results right away and get to enhance the look of your property. Whether it’s your driveway, vinyl siding or concrete surfaces, the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself is awesome.
- Flexibility and Convenience: DIY pressure washing gives you the flexibility to work on your own schedule. No need to wait for a pro to become available or coordinate with a contractor. You can start the job when it’s convenient for you and have more control over your property maintenance.
- Learning Experience: For those who like hands on projects, DIY pressure washing can be a learning experience. You’ll learn about pressure settings, types of stains and the best pressure washing techniques for different surfaces. Knowing how to adjust pressure and use the proper cleaning chemicals will give you skills for future projects.
- Customization and Control: With DIY pressure washing, you control the process. You can choose what areas to focus on, adjust the water pressure for the surface you’re cleaning and experiment with different angles of pressure washing. This level of control allows you to customize the job to your liking.
Benefits of Professional Pressure Washing
- Expertise and Professionalism: When you hire a pro to power wash, you’re hiring experts who have done it all before. Professional power washers know how to work on all types of surfaces, from delicate vinyl siding to concrete driveways. They know the correct pressure and softwash techniques to use to avoid damage and get the job done.
- Time and Convenience: Hiring a pro to power wash is an efficient choice, especially for busy homeowners or property managers. What might it take you all weekend to do? A pro can do it in a few hours. This is especially valuable for larger projects or commercial properties where time is of the essence. Plus, pros come equipped with commercial grade equipment so the job gets done fast and right.
- Safety and Risk Management: Pressure washing can be dangerous, especially when using high-pressure water streams or cleaning multi-story buildings. Professional power washers are trained in safety protocols and take the proper precautions to minimize the risk of injury or damage. They wear protective gear and know how to handle high-pressure equipment safely. This reduces the chance of personal injury, accidental damage or harm to surfaces during the cleaning process.
- Specialized Equipment and Techniques: Professional power washing services use specialized equipment that’s often more powerful and effective than a residential pressure washer. This includes commercial grade machines that can remove tough grime, caked on dirt and graffiti with ease. Pros also use soft wash techniques and eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for delicate surfaces and reduce the environmental impact of the cleaning process. This means access to professional grade equipment and techniques equals higher quality and longer lasting results.
- Results and No Worries: Many companies offer guarantees on their work so you can have peace of mind the job will be done right. If the results aren’t what you expected, the company will usually come back and fix it so you get the quality you want. This guarantee of clean and minimal disruption makes hiring a pro a wise choice for those who want results without the hassle.
To Decide
When deciding between DIY pressure washing and hiring a pro pressure washing company, consider the following:
- Cost and Hidden Costs: While DIY may seem cheaper upfront, consider the hidden costs. Equipment, safety gear, cleaning supplies, your time and the cost of repairs if you mess up or damage surfaces.
- Type of Surface and Materials: The type of surface you need to clean is a big part of your decision. Delicate materials like wood or certain types of siding need the soft touch of a low pressure wash, while tougher surfaces like concrete can handle the high pressure water of a power washer. Knowing your property’s specific needs will help you decide if DIY or pro services are right for you.
- Safety Risks and Precautions: Safety always comes first. The risk of injury, especially with high-pressure water, is a big deal. Professional pressure washers have the training and experience to handle the equipment safely, reducing the risk of personal injury and property damage. If you’re not comfortable with those risks, hiring a pro may be the safer option.
- Environmental Impact: Both DIY and pro-pressure washing have an ecological impact. Pros use eco-friendly cleaning solutions and techniques that minimize harm to the environment. They’re also trained to use water efficiently, reducing waste. If environmental impact is essential to you, ask your pressure washing service about these options.
- Size of the Project: Larger projects like multi-story buildings or big driveways often require the expertise and equipment of a pro power washing service. These can be time consuming and physically demanding for DIYers. Pros have the manpower, equipment and experience to get the job done efficiently and thoroughly, so every square inch of your property is clean.
To Decide
DIY pressure washing and pro pressure washing services both have their advantages. If you’re comfortable with the equipment, confident in your ability to manage the risks and want to save on labour costs, DIY pressure washing can be a cheap and satisfying option. If you wish for expertise, safety and guaranteed results, hiring a pro power washing company is probably the way to go.
In the end it all comes down to your specific needs, the size of the project and how much you’re willing to invest in the equipment and safety gear. Whether you do it yourself or hire a pro, having a clean and well maintained property is the goal.
FAQ
Can I damage my surfaces?
Yes, using the wrong pressure or technique can damage a variety of surfaces, especially vinyl siding. That’s why professional pressure washing is recommended for surfaces that need extra care.
How often should I pressure wash my house?
Regular cleaning is vital. Most pros recommend pressure washing your house once a year. But that may vary depending on climate, dirt buildup and surface type.
Is it worth buying a pressure washer?
Buying a new pressure washer is worth it if you have frequent cleaning tasks and are comfortable with pressure washing. However, for bigger jobs or if you want professional results, hiring a reputable company may be more cost-effective.
What parts of my house should I pressure wash?
Driveway, house exterior and vinyl siding. Consider the surface type and if it requires soft wash or high pressure water stream to avoid damaging surfaces.
How long does it take?
Time depends on the job size and dirt level. A professional can get it done in a few hours with great results and minimal hassle.