In this cost guide, we’ll lay out the cost of different pressure washing jobs (from doing so for a roof to decking).
Want to know the price of pressure washing? We’ll also delve into other relevant topics, whether it be how long this work takes or a look at whether this work can be undertaken DIY.
Here’s another thing…
This work involves using a pressure washer to clean a surface effectively and efficiently. It’s popular as it can save time and money over alternative cleaning methods.
In this section, we’ll discuss the cost of pressure washing and look at the factors that shape the price tag of such work.
Cost of Pressure Washing a Driveway:
Cost of Pressure Washing a Patio:
Cost of Pressure Washing a Roof:
As for the price of labour, this would land about £20 to £30 per hour or approximately £200 to £250 a day. This is separate from the supply costs.
Cost Factors of Pressure Washing:
As for your property’s location, this matters, given that labour prices vary throughout the country.
Labour prices tend to be below the national average in:
Labour prices tend to be above the national average in:
| Surface | Size | Labour Cost | Supply Costs | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway | Small | £70 to £100 | £20 to £25 | £90 to £125 |
| Medium | £80 to £100 | £20 to £30 | £100 to £130 | |
| Large | £100 to £120 | £25 to 35 | £125 to £155 | |
| Patio | Small | £100 to £150 | £40 to £50 | £140 to £190 |
| Medium | £125 to £175 | £45 to £60 | £170 to £235 | |
| Large | £150 to £200 | £60 to £80 | £210 to £280 | |
| Roof | N/A | £150 to £200 | £40 to £60 | £190 to £260 |
We’ll now look at the different pressure washing jobs mentioned in this article in more detail. We’ll discuss what these jobs involve, how much they cost, and what their pros & cons are.
This work generally involves a relatively inexpensive jet washing task, in which a relatively small area (the average driveway is about 10 ft x 20 ft in size) is cleaned with a pressure washer.
The average cost of this work is £100 to £150. However, to clean and seal a driveway would cost around £250 to £400.
✔ Relatively inexpensive
✔ It can make for a nice welcoming aesthetic for visitors
✖ Heavy-traffic driveways can get dirty again fairly quickly
You may wish to have your driveway pressure washed instead of (or in addition to) other types of jet washing. Again, this is a relatively inexpensive and simple job compared to pressure washing a roof or/and pressure washing a house. Pressure washing a patio tends to cost between £150 to £400.
✔ Relatively low cost
✔ Can really freshen up a garden
✖ Water could get onto the lawn unintentionally and damage the grass
One of the most common forms of pressure washing is to clean a roof or/and the exterior of a house as a whole. Though prices will vary, pressure washing a roof is likely to cost between £200 and £250. You can expect to pay several hundred pounds more for a more extension clean of your property’s exterior.
✔ Can achieve a striking improvement to a property’s appearance
✖ It can be quite expensive
✖ Not always well-suited as a DIY job (for safety reasons and more)
Though the process of jet washing will vary from surface to surface, there are some broad similarities for each job. In this section, we’ll lay out the steps involved in pressure washing.
Please note that if pressure washing a roof, ensure that the tiles will not be damaged. Some roofing materials will not be strong enough for certain levels of jet washing pressure. So this must be looked into before work begins.
You may decide to pressure wash a surface by yourself. However, if you’d prefer to hire a professional, sourcing the right person/company for the job will be the first step of the process.
When doing so, you should obtain three quotes at a minimum and some references from each of the contractors/pressure washing services before making a choice.
On the day of the jet wash, it’s essential that the work area is prepared. This would involve things like setting up a ladder if working on a roof or clearing the driveway.
Of course, certain safety steps (especially if cleaning a roof or otherwise working at a height) will need to be taken here and perhaps throughout the work.
Some additional work may be needed in the lead up to jet washing. For instance, a degreaser may be used to break apart heavy stains on a driveway. Different tools could be employed to achieve this.
Then, the pressure washer itself must be prepared. The pressure washer must have the right nozzle (per the manufacturer’s instructions) before jet washing may begin.
The spray wand must be fitted to the pressure washer alongside the pressure hose. A garden hose may provide the water, although the exact details will depend on the type of pressure washer in use.
At the point in which the jet washer has been filled with a suitable detergent, the tradesperson/pressure washing company employees will add safety gear (if they haven’t already). This would comprise safety glasses, boots, and protective gloves.
The entire area can now be pressure washed. It is best to sweep back and forth using the jet washed detergent. Next, the detergent should be given about 10 minutes to half an hour to soak.
Then, the detergent may be rinsed off by using the jet washer’s rinse mode. The same pattern of washing may be used as with the detergent application. This will allow the detergent as well as remaining stains to be washed away. Of course, heavy stains may take longer to remove.
As soon as the area has been cleared, it should be given time to dry.
If it is to be sealed in the case of a driveway, it should be given time to dry before sealing can occur. An extended paint roller can be used to apply the sealer per the instructions of the producer. Then, you should wait a minimum of 24 hours prior to driving on your driveway after the sealer has been added.
There are some additional jobs you may choose to pay for, along with having a part of your property pressure washed.
Let’s look at the price of some relevant examples.
The Cost to Install a Driveway Gate:
The Cost to Install a Home Charging Station:
The Cost of Roofing Work:
Is it okay to pressure wash as a DIY job?
Yes, it is generally fine to do so. However, you should only take on this work if you know exactly what is involved. You should ensure that you follow the necessary safety steps before proceeding with a DIY jet wash.
However, you should note that it’s generally better to hire a professional if you’re looking for the best results.
Building regulations and planning permission approval are unlikely to be necessary unless you plan to undertake additional work along with pressure washing.
If you have any doubts, please contact the local council. For more information on building regulations and planning permission for England and Wales, you can visit the Planning Portal. The rules may differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Hazards and Dangers of DIY Pressure Washing:
There are some general downsides worth taking into account when it comes to jet washing, regardless of the type of jet washing job you are undertaking or paying for.
Disadvantages of Pressure Washing:
In the unlikely scenario that building regulations or planning permission approval is required and your proposal is not approved, you would simply need to apply a second time but with the relevant alterations made to your plan(s).
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A: You should wait a minimum of 24 hours to stain a deck after pressured washed decking.
A: This involves washing a surface using a high-power jet washer. The exact process will depend on the surface being washed alongside other factors.
A: It is best to use a low setting. The exact setting used should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance.
A: No, it is not necessary. You may do so if you wish, but obviously, power washing a deck DIY can be mildly risky as there is a small but not insignificant chance of causing minor damage to a deck in the process. Alternatively, you could hire a professional to minimise this risk further.
A: Though it would depend on the brand, you can expect to pay somewhere in the vicinity of £70 to £200 for a decent pressure washer.
