Pressure Washer: Hire or Buy

When the ground thaws, you could be eager to get outside. If you find your patio, porch or deck need some love, it could be time to pressure wash. Winter build up, mildew and dirt settle in with the snow. Power washing could clear away the mess while protecting from further stains. Here’s some information from our pros to help you decide pressure washing: hire or buy.

DIY-ers

Working a pressure washer can seem very straightforward. Get it, hook a hose up and start spraying. Buying or renting a washer can cost you more than money. It could cost you more if your deck or house are damaged in the process. To successfully wield the washer, you should know a few things.

Renting a machine is a fairly straightforward transaction. This saves you the storage space and maintenance. When you pick it up, the associate should give you a tutorial on the controls and options before then send you on your way. Make sure you ask questions now because getting an associate on the phone could be troublesome.

While you’re shopping, make sure you get some protective gear. Load your cart with glasses, boots and gloves. High pressure water is sure to make your sneakers squishy and could hurt your skin. Never ever point the machine at people or pets.

Now that you’re protected and instructed, hook up your hose and start washing. Take care to manage the PSI. If it’s too low, you won’t see results, too high could damage your property. Decks, walls and old concrete can easily be torn up if the PSI is too high. Start low and work your way up if you aren’t seeing results.

While you’re at work, keep an eye on the wind direction. Overspray onto your shrubbery and yard could cause issues with your plants. Detergents and chemicals you mix in to remove dirt can kill off grass and flowers. Wind can carry the water quite some distance and potentially damage your landscaping. Use plastic sheeting to cover plants and keep them safe. Avoid shooting the water into outlets, windows and screens so they aren’t destroyed or rendered useless.

Pros

If you have hesitation with any of these steps, bring in a professional. This is really important to consider if you are working on a multi-story home, oversized deck or large job you need completed. They have specialized equipment that can handle these jobs more efficiently.

If you’re working on uneven surfaces, that alone could be worth hiring a pro alone. Wooden siding is notoriously hard to work with without causing damage. Punching holes through the panels is surprisingly easy. Cleaning these areas can turn into a bigger mess.

Price

Naturally, pressure washer rentals will be cheaper than hiring a pro. Depending on your geographic location, it costs $35 to $150 to rent a machine, with the more expensive having more features available to you.

A professional will charge you according to the size and difficulty of the job. You could be dealing with a square foot rate, but most will be asking to see the job first for an estimate. Having a pro walk through the job allows them to make informed recommendations for your job. Repairs and issues can be addressed on the spot. Normally, you’d be looking at the deck starting at $.25 per square foot for flat flooring, additional charges might be in order for railings, stairs and other areas. Some companies will offer further work with a stain or seal to prolong your deck’s life. That will be an additional charge of about $5 per square foot. Houses are about $60 to $120 per hour depending on the market location.

Licensing

For power washing, most cities and states don’t require specialized licenses. It’s important for you to do your research. Search online, read reviews and ask around before you make a decision on a provider.

CertaPro Painters would love to be considered for your pressure washing job. Contact our team for a free in-home estimate today.