Pressure washing cost in 2026 typically lands between $100 and $500 per
surface, with a whole-house wash running $250–$700 in the US and roughly
$250–$600 CAD for most Canadian homes. Mid-July is prime time: siding shows a
year of grime, decks are hosting barbecues, and driveways are baking in full
sun where every oil stain is visible. Here’s what North American homeowners
should expect to pay this season — and when it’s worth doing yourself.
What Affects Pressure Washing Cost
Four things drive the quote more than anything else:
- Surface area. Most pros price at $0.10–$0.50 per square foot (up to
$1.00 for brick or stucco in high-cost cities). A 600 sq ft driveway is a
quick job; a 2,500 sq ft two-storey house is not. - Surface type and height. Vinyl siding is fast and cheap. Brick, stucco,
and roofs need lower pressure, special detergents, and more time.
Second-storey work adds ladder or extension-wand labour. - How dirty it is. Years of algae, moss, or oil staining can double the
time on site. Some pros charge extra for pre-treatment. - Soft washing vs pressure washing. Delicate surfaces (roofs, older
siding, painted wood) call for low-pressure “soft washing” with cleaning
solutions — usually 20–50% more than a standard pressure wash.
Pressure Washing Prices by Surface (2026)
Typical professional rates across the US and Canada — USD and CAD ranges are
broadly similar this year:
| Surface | Typical range (USD/CAD) |
|---|---|
| Driveway | $100–$350 |
| Deck or patio | $100–$300 |
| House siding (single storey) | $250–$400 |
| House siding (two storey) | $350–$700 |
| Fence | $150–$300 |
| Roof (soft wash) | $300–$600 |
Bundling is the easiest way to save: booking the house, driveway, and walkway
in one visit typically knocks 15–25% off versus booking each separately,
because the pro’s setup and travel time is the same either way.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
Renting a gas pressure washer runs $40–$100 a day, and electric consumer
units sell for $150–$400 — so DIY looks tempting. It makes sense for flat,
ground-level concrete: driveways, sidewalks, patios.
Think twice for anything vertical or delicate. Too much pressure strips
paint, etches wood, forces water behind siding, and destroys window seals —
repairs that cost far more than the wash. Roof work adds fall risk on wet
shingles, and high pressure voids many shingle warranties. A pro carries
insurance, knows which tips and detergents suit each surface, and finishes a
whole house in hours instead of your entire weekend.
If your to-do list is piling up beyond the washer, our
lawn mowing cost guide
and junk removal cost guide
cover two other jobs homeowners batch into the same summer weekend.
How to Vet a Pressure Washing Pro
- Ask about insurance. Liability coverage matters — water damage claims
from careless washing are common. - Ask soft wash or pressure wash, and why. A pro who says “full pressure
on everything” is a red flag for siding and roofs. - Get the price per surface in writing, including pre-treatment for
stains, before anyone unrolls a hose. Vague verbal quotes are how
driveway-to-door scams work — worth a read: our look at
what a new contractor-fraud poll revealed. - Compare 2–3 local quotes. Prices for the same house can vary by
hundreds of dollars. Start with a
pressure washing pro near you
and check reviews and photos of past work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to pressure wash a house in 2026?
Most homeowners pay $250–$700 for a full exterior house wash, depending on
size, storeys, and siding material. Single-storey vinyl homes sit at the low
end; two-storey brick or stucco at the high end.
Is pressure washing worth it before selling a home?
Yes — it’s one of the cheapest curb-appeal upgrades available. A few hundred
dollars of washing makes siding, driveways, and walkways look years newer in
listing photos.
How often should I pressure wash my house?
Once a year is the usual rhythm for siding and driveways. Homes under heavy
tree cover or in humid regions may need a wash every 6–9 months to keep
algae and mildew from taking hold.
Can I pressure wash my roof?
Not with high pressure — it strips shingle granules and can void the
warranty. Roofs should be soft washed with low pressure and a cleaning
solution, which is why roof washing costs more than other surfaces.
Get It Done This Week
A clean driveway and bright siding change how your whole property reads from
the street. Post the job on MastersGuild’s pressure washing page,
compare local quotes, and have it sparkling before the next long weekend.
