Pressure Washing: When to DIY and When to Call a Pro

Pressure washing looks easy. You point a wand at dirt and it disappears. But if you've ever seen what happens when someone blasts their siding at the wrong angle, you know why this job shows up on our schedule more than almost anything else.

When DIY Makes Sense

• Driveways and concrete patios -- these can handle high pressure and DIY results are usually fine
• Fence lines away from the house -- lower risk, harder to cause damage
• Small, isolated dirty spots -- if it's just one section, renting for a day makes sense

When to Call a Pro

• Vinyl or aluminum siding -- too much pressure cracks, loosens, or dents panels. Too little leaves streaks. A pro knows the right PSI and angle.
• Deck boards -- pressure washing wood without experience is how you end up with splintered, furred-up boards that need sanding or replacement.
• Roof or second story -- ladder + pressure washer + water = bad combination. This is the #1 way homeowners get hurt doing exterior work.
• Brick or stonework -- older mortar joints can be blasted out if you don't know what you're doing.

What We've Seen Go Wrong

Last summer, a homeowner in Ozark rented a gas-powered washer and hit their vinyl siding at full pressure from 6 inches away. They cracked four panels and voided part of their siding warranty. The repair cost more than double what a professional wash would have been.

Professional Pressure Washing Costs

In the Springfield area, professional pressure washing runs:

• House siding (1 story): $250-$400
• Driveway: $150-$300 depending on size
• Deck: $200-$350
• Full exterior package: $450-$700

Most of our clients bundle driveway + siding together and save compared to booking separately.

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If you're going to DIY, at least watch a few tutorials first. But if you want it done right without the risk, give us a call. We bring our own equipment and we know how much pressure every surface can handle.