One of the best methods of cleaning your driveway is pressure washing which will make your driveway look new. Driveways may also become dirty, greasy, covered with moss and algae and generally worn and unappealing over time. Pressure washing can be used to eliminate such accumulations and make your driveway appear new. Nevertheless, prior to booking a pressure washing service, you need to know how much it will cost, and what affects the prices. We will discuss the prices of pressure washing a driveway in this blog, the costs to expect, and how to cut down on the expenses incurred on the service.
Factors that Influence the Price of Pressure Washing a Driveway
The cost of pressure washing a driveway may differ according to a number of factors. This may influence the duration it takes to do the job as well as the pressure washing that is necessary to achieve the desired results.
Size of the Driveway
One of the most important aspects that will determine the cost of pressure washing is the size of your driveway. The bigger the driveway, the more time and water will be needed to make the surface clean. The pressure washing companies usually charge per square foot and the charges are between 0.08 and 0.35 dollars per square foot. The price of a typical two-car driveway (approximately 400 square feet) will be between 40 and 140 dollars, depending on the contractor and the amount of cleaning work to be done.
Type of Surface
The kind of surface you are pressure washing also contributes to the cost. Driveways are usually constructed of asphalt, concrete, or pavers, and all of these surfaces need varying degrees of maintenance and approach.
Concrete: The most common and in most cases the easiest to pressure wash is the concrete driveways. Pressure washing a concrete driveway cost between 0.10 and 0.30 dollars per square foot.
Asphalt: Asphalt driveways are more sensitive and less pressure is needed to prevent damage. Asphalt driveways might be a bit more expensive at a rate of 0.15 to 0.35 dollars per square foot.
Pavers: Paver driveways require special attention since the cracks between the pavers may collect dirt and debris. Such a surface usually needs more cleaning procedures and thus it is more expensive, usually costing between 0.25 and 0.40 dollars per square foot.
Level of Cleaning Required
The price will also be affected by the level of cleaning to be done. When your driveway is heavily stained, has oil spills or there is a lot of moss growth, the pressure washing procedure will be more time consuming and will need a more powerful equipment. Special cleaning solutions or pre-treating stains may be necessary and this may add to the total cost. Conversely, when your driveway requires a simple cleaning, the price will be on the lower side.
Location and Accessibility
The pressure washing prices can also depend on the place where you live. The cost can be higher in case your driveway is hard to reach, or the contractor has to drive long distances, which will take time and will be associated with fuel costs. The rates are likely to be lower in urban places where competition is more intense than in rural places where the number of companies offering pressure washing services is low.
Additional Services
There are other services that may be provided by some pressure washing companies and may increase the total cost.
These services may include:
Sealing: Following pressure washing, most contractors provide driveway sealing as a way of protecting the driveway against stains and weathering in the future. The cost of sealing is between 0.25 and 0.50 dollars per square foot plus the pressure washing fee.
Special Stain Removal: In case your driveway has stubborn stains, such as oil or rust, then you might require special cleaning solutions. Depending on the severity, such services may cost between 25 and 50 dollars per stain.
Gutter and Sidewalk Cleaning: Other contractors provide a package that cleans your driveway as well as gutters or the sidewalk surrounding your property. Bundling services can sometimes lead to discounts.
Average Cost of Pressure Washing a Driveway
To get you a clearer picture of what you are likely to pay to have pressure washing services done, here is an average cost breakdown as per the size of the driveway:
- Small Driveway (1-2 cars or approximately 300-500 square feet): 30 to 150
- Standard Driveway (2-3 cars or approximately 600-800 square feet): 50-250 dollars
- Big Driveway (3+ cars or approximately 1,000 square feet or above): 100 to 400
The above prices are approximated and may differ depending on where you are and the nature of the work.
How to Save Money on Pressure Washing Your Driveway
Although pressure washing is a comparatively inexpensive service, there are various means of saving money and not compromising the quality of the service.
Do It Yourself
You can pressure wash your driveway yourself provided you have the right equipment. The cost of renting a pressure washer varies between 40 and 100 dollars a day depending on the size and strength of the washer. This is a cheap alternative to consider, provided you have a pressure washer or you can borrow one. All you have to remember is that pressure washing is a physically taxing job, and without the right methods, you can easily destroy your driveway.
Get Multiple Quotes
Get quotations of various contractors to make sure that you are getting the best deal. Compare the prices and services provided, and inquire about the discounts or offers. There are a few businesses that can provide you with bundled services, like driveway sealing or gutter cleaning, at a reduced price when you add it to pressure washing.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
You can ensure that your driveway is clean by booking routine pressure washing services, which will help avoid accruing stains and debris that may need a more thorough cleaning. Routine care can minimize the requirement of expensive procedures or intensive cleanings and maintain the cost of every treatment at a low level.