Pressure Washing Estimate Calculator

About the Pressure Washing Estimate Calculator

Pressure washing removes dirt, mould, algae, oil and grime from siding, driveways, patios, decks, fences and roofs. Most contractors price it by the square foot, with different rates for each surface because some are quicker and safer to clean than others. Add-ons such as sealing, and fixed costs such as travel and minimum charges, make up the rest of a quote.

This pressure washing estimate calculator gives a price for a job. Choose the surface to set a typical rate per square foot, enter the area, choose whether to seal it afterwards, and add a minimum charge and travel fee. With a cleaning speed, it also estimates the time on site and the effective price per hour.

How to Use the Pressure Washing Estimate Calculator

Choose the surface and enter the area in square feet.

Adjust the price per square foot if needed, and choose whether to seal or stain.

Enter the minimum charge, travel fee and cleaning speed.

The Formulas

  washing   = area × price per ft²
  sealing   = area × sealing price per ft²
  total     = max(minimum, washing + sealing) + travel
  time      = area ÷ cleaning speed

Default prices per ft²: siding 0.25, driveway 0.20, deck 0.35, roof 0.50.

Step-by-Step Example

2,000 ft² of house siding at 0.25, no sealing, minimum 150, cleaning 500 ft² an hour.

  washing   2,000 × 0.25 = 500
  total     500 (above the minimum)
  time      2,000 ÷ 500 = 4 hours, 125 per hour of work

Measuring the Area

For siding, measure the length of each wall and multiply by its height, then add the gable triangles: half the width times the height of the gable. Subtract large windows and garage doors if the contractor does not wash them. For driveways and patios, multiply length by width. For decks, include the floor, steps and railings, which take longer than the floor itself. For roofs, use the roof area, which is larger than the house footprint.

Surfaces and Methods

Concrete driveways and patios tolerate high pressure, and rotary surface cleaners clean them quickly and evenly. Siding is usually soft washed: low pressure with detergents that kill mould and algae, then a gentle rinse, to avoid forcing water behind panels or damaging paint. Wood decks and fences need care, because high pressure raises the grain and gouges soft wood. Roofs are almost always soft washed, since pressure can strip shingle granules and void warranties. Rates reflect the time and risk of each method.

Sealing and Staining

After washing, concrete can be sealed to resist stains and frost damage, and wood decks and fences can be stained or sealed to protect them from sun and rain. Sealing usually costs more per square foot than washing, because it involves careful application and the surface must dry first, often a day or two later.

Minimums and Travel

Set-up, mixing chemicals, protecting plants and cleanup take time on every job. A minimum charge, commonly 100 to 200, keeps small jobs viable. Contractors working far from their base may add a travel fee. Combining several surfaces into one visit usually gives better value for the customer.

Pricing by the Hour

Knowing the time a job takes helps check the price. If the estimate works out at a much lower hourly rate than your costs and target income, the per-square-foot rate may be too low for that surface. Detailed work such as fence pickets, railings and second-storey siding is slower, so adjust the speed for these.

Safety

Pressure washers can cause serious injuries and damage property. Ladders and roof work add fall risks. Professionals use safety gear, appropriate nozzles and chemicals, and protect windows, vents, electrical fixtures and plants. Many areas also restrict runoff of cleaning chemicals into storm drains.

Seasonal Timing

Spring and early summer are the busiest seasons, as owners clean away winter grime and prepare for outdoor living. Prices and wait times may be higher then. Washing in autumn removes pollen, leaves and mildew before winter. Avoid washing in freezing weather, when water can freeze on surfaces and inside equipment.

Doing It Yourself

Renting a pressure washer suits small, simple jobs such as a patio or a car. For siding, roofs and large driveways, professionals have surface cleaners, soft-wash systems and the experience to avoid damage, and often finish in a fraction of the time.

Water and Chemicals

A typical pressure washer uses 2 to 4 gallons of water a minute, so a four-hour job may use several hundred gallons. Contractors usually connect to the client's outside tap. Biodegradable detergents, rinsing plants before and after, and collecting runoff where required protect gardens and waterways.

Insurance

Hire contractors with liability insurance, because water forced behind siding or into windows, or chemicals on plants and cars, can cause costly damage.

Understanding Your Result

The headline gives the estimate.

The washing line shows the area and price, and any sealing.

The adjustments line shows the minimum and travel.

The time line gives hours on site and the price per hour of work.

When Should You Use This Calculator?

Use it to quote pressure washing jobs.

Use it to check a contractor's price.

Use it to compare washing alone with washing and sealing.

Common Mistakes

Using high pressure on siding and roofs. Soft washing is safer.

Measuring only the footprint. Walls and roofs have more area.

Forgetting minimums and travel. Small jobs cost more per foot.

Sealing wet surfaces. Let them dry first.