You can hire a pressure washer for a few tens of euros a day. So why pay a professional? Here is an honest comparison to help you decide with full knowledge of the facts.
Hiring a machine: the limits
Hire machines are often powerful but hard to control. Without experience, it is easy to hold the lance too close or push the pressure to the maximum — and that is when the damage happens: loosened joints, slabs made porous, split wood. On top of that come the time spent, the lack of a professional moss treatment and re-sanding, which is rarely done right.
What a specialist brings
- The right pressure for each material: stone, tiles, wood, clay pavers and concrete do not have the same needs;
- a moss treatment applied beforehand that kills micro-organisms at the root;
- re-sanding of the joints on paving, and an optional water repellent for a long-lasting result;
- a company with professional liability insurance: if anything goes wrong, you are covered.
The real risk
repairing a damaged patio (re-pointing, replacing slabs, treating water ingress) often costs far more than the cleaning itself.
The cost, compared honestly
When hiring, you have to add up the machine, the products, your time and the risk of mistakes. A professional charges a clear rate per m² (see our price list), often better value than it seems once everything is taken into account — and the result is guaranteed.
When DIY can be enough
For light, occasional maintenance on a robust surface (concrete, recent tiles) in good condition, an occasional home clean may be fine. As soon as wood, stone, paving that needs re-sanding or a very dirty surface is involved, a specialist is much safer.
Not sure about your situation? Request a free quote: we will tell you frankly what makes most sense.