DIY Pressure Washing vs. Hiring a Pro: The Real Tradeoffs
Plenty of homeowners do their own driveway and do it well. Here's where DIY works and where it tends to go wrong.
Where DIY works
A plain concrete driveway or sidewalk with light dirt is a reasonable weekend project with a rental machine and a surface cleaner attachment.
Where DIY goes wrong
High pressure on siding forces water behind panels, strips paint, etches wood and blasts sand out of paver joints. Roofs should never be pressure washed.
Hidden costs
Rental time, chemicals, a surface cleaner, ladders and a full day of work add up, and damage repair costs more than the cleaning.
What you can try yourself
- Start at the lowest pressure and widest tip.
- Keep the wand moving and at a consistent distance.
- Test in a hidden spot first.
What to avoid
- Pressure washing roofs, windows or painted wood.
- Using a 0-degree tip on anything.
- Working from a ladder with a pressure wand.
When to call a professional
Call a pro for siding, roofs, second stories, pavers, wood, or any stain that didn't come out the first time. Every property is different, so we quote each job after seeing it (photos from the quote form are often enough). Quotes are free and there's no obligation. See our house washing service.
What customers say
"I used First Class Pressure Cleaning to seal my aggregate driveway and they did a fantastic job. It was in rough shape as we had never sealed it before. Lots of salt damage as well from trying to de-ice the last winter storm. It looks so much better now. They even came back the next day for touch-ups on some areas where the winter salts had worn through to the concrete. Very happy with this company and the work they’ve done!"
Dan · Google Review
"Amazing service and extremely professional!!! All looks amazing :)"
Jennifer B. · Google Review
"Driveway looks amazing. Very surprised at the results. Team was very easy to work with. Excellent communication. Fair price. Let’s hope it holds up for a few years."
Mothball K. · Google Review
96 Google reviews from homeowners and businesses across Middle Tennessee. Read them all on Google.
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Related guides
- What Affects the Cost of Pressure Washing in Middle Tennessee
- What Affects the Cost of House Washing
- What Affects the Cost of Concrete and Aggregate Sealing
- How to Remove Red Clay Stains from Concrete and Siding
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