Pressure Washing in Ontario

Once a year is the common rhythm for driveways and house exteriors in temperate climates. Humid or coastal areas may need it every 6-12 months because algae, mould, and salt build up faster. Waiting longer than 2-3 years lets organic growth bind to the surface, which raises the price of the eventual clean.

Pressure washing uses high-pressure water and suits hard surfaces: concrete, pavers, brick. Soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution and is the right method for painted render, siding, roofs, and timber, where high pressure would strip paint, gouge wood, or crack tiles. A good pro will recommend soft washing for delicate surfaces without being asked.

Four things drive the spread: surface area and condition (heavy staining doubles the time), access (upper storeys, tight side passages), method (soft washing with chemicals costs more than a quick rinse), and what is bundled (resealing, weed treatment, gutter clear-out). A cheap quote is often just a rinse with no pre-treatment — clarify the scope before comparing numbers.

Fresh oil mostly comes out with a degreaser pre-treatment plus hot-water pressure washing. Old oil that has soaked deep into concrete may only fade, not disappear — an honest pro will tell you this before quoting rather than promising full removal. Ask specifically whether stain treatment is included or extra.

Most residential pros use your outdoor tap and, for electric machines, an outdoor socket. Petrol-powered machines only need water. Some companies carry water tanks for properties without an accessible tap — ask in advance, as tank supply can add to the price. Water usage for a typical driveway job is modest, roughly comparable to a few loads of laundry per hour of cleaning.

Renting a machine costs a fraction of a pro visit, but consumer machines are slower, and the main risks are damage (etched concrete, stripped paint) and injury — a 3000+ PSI jet can cut skin. DIY makes sense for a small, flat concrete area. Hire a pro for two-storey walls, roofs, timber, render, or anything needing ladders or chemicals.

Roughly April to October in most provinces — pros stop when temperatures approach freezing because wet surfaces become ice hazards and equipment can freeze. That short season means spring slots book out weeks ahead; fall is often easier to schedule.

A typical single-storey house wash runs roughly $250-$500, and driveways $130-$400 depending on size and staining. Expect quotes 10-20% above US prices in dollar terms, with Toronto and Vancouver at the top of the range.