Pressure washing is one of the best ways to clean a commercial or residential property. But, is a pressure washer rental better than hiring a professional pressure washing company?
The Benefits of a Pressure Washer Rental
Here are the benefits of DIY pressure washing:
1. Full Control
With DIY pressure washing, you have full control over the entire operation. You can decide which surfaces to pressure wash, what pressure level and cleaning solutions to use, and how long it will take. All you need to do is rent out a pressure washing machine.
2. Cheap Cost of Rent
Pressure washers are relatively cheap to rent, and there are ones made specifically for DIY use. On average, the medium-duty pressure washer rental cost falls between the range of $40 to $100 per day. Of course, pressure washer price rentals can also depend on the type of pressure washer you choose. Gas-powered pressure washers typically cost more than electric pressure washers.
3. Accessible
Before they became so prevalent, it used to be difficult to get your hands on a pressure washer. As the technology evolved, though, you can now find pressure washers for DIY use at any home improvement store.
The Disadvantages of a Pressure Washer Rental
Here are the disadvantages of DIY pressure washing:
1. Time-Consuming
While it is admirable to try to pressure wash your property on your own, it is a time-consuming endeavor. You might have seen the videos online, but those videos are sped up to make the job look simple and fast. The truth is, when you take the DIY route, you should set aside a good chunk of your day. In some cases, it might even take you more than a full day to complete the job.
2. Possibly Dangerous
Pressure washers, even the medium-duty ones, are very powerful machines. These machines rely on the force of water to blast away dirt, grime, and debris. As such, you will feel some pushback from the wand when you start it up.
Additionally, there are some hard-to-reach areas that can pose a risk to your safety. If you’re only washing a flat surface on the ground, you might be okay. But, if you intend to pressure wash your roof, for example, you will likely need a ladder to get up there. Again, the force of the water could knock you back and cause you to fall off the ladder, thereby injuring yourself.
3. Can Be Damaging
Pressure washing is a fast and effective way to clean surfaces thoroughly. But, when handled improperly, it can result in more damage to your property. Different materials require different levels of pressure. Using too high a PSI on a delicate surface could very well damage it.
4. Several Hidden Costs
Some people think that renting a pressure washer is much cheaper because you only have to pay for the cost of the rent. But, there are several hidden costs unaccounted for here. You also have to pay for the cost of fuel (for gas-powered washers) or electricity (for electric washers), cleansers and soaps, and the cost of water you will use.
It also takes quite a lot of time to pressure wash something, so you have to take the cost of your time into consideration as well. Apart from that, if you end up damaging surfaces due to poor washing, you will need to pay for repairs or replacements.
The Benefits of Hiring Pressure Washing Professionals
1. Experienced
Professionals have the necessary experience and expertise for pressure washing. They know what pressure level and cleansers to use for different materials, thereby diminishing the chance of damage. They have done this countless times before, so you can trust that they are well-trained for the job.
2. Better Equipment
Most home improvement stores carry only medium-duty pressure washers, which are fine for smaller jobs. But, for larger jobs with more stubborn filth, a heavy-duty pressure washing machine is often necessary. Professional companies have access to this equipment, as well as the right cleaning products.
3. Saves Time
When you take a DIY approach to pressure washing, you have to keep your entire day free. Sometimes, it will take an entire weekend. Instead of sacrificing your only free time to do more work, hire a professional to do it for you.
Professionals not only save you time, but they can also save you the headache that comes with pressure washing. Plus, because professionals are experienced in this arena, they can complete the job at a faster rate than you, who might fumble around for the first few hours trying to get the hang of the machine.
4. High-Quality Results
Professional pressure washers can give you better results. Again, this all circles back to experience and expertise. Because professionals are well-versed in pressure washing, they can achieve a better outcome than you.
5. Cost-Effective
Many property owners feel reluctant to hire professional pressure washers because of the perceived high cost of services. But, it is more affordable than you think. Prices can vary immensely from one company to another, and location can also play a role. But, on average, you should expect to pay about $0.40 per square foot or between $25 to $100 per hour for a professional pressure washer.
You might wonder how this is more cost-effective when renting a pressure washer costs about $100 per day compared to professional rates of $100 per hour. But, again, professionals can complete the job at a faster rate than you can. So, what might take them a couple of hours to finish may take you a couple of days. This essentially equates to $200 for either option. But, the DIY route takes more time, whereas professionals can get the job done in less than half a day.
6. Insured
Professionals are less likely to deal damage to your property. But, even if they do, companies are typically fully insured. This means their insurance coverage can pay for repairs. In comparison, when you do it yourself and deal damage, repairs will have to come out of your own pocket. And, considering your inexperience, damages are practically guaranteed.
The Disadvantages of Hiring Pressure Washing Professionals
The only disadvantage of taking the professional route is that there is a risk of hiring the wrong company. Not all companies are made equal, which means some are more qualified than others. You might end up hiring someone who just comes by with the same medium-duty pressure washer you could have rented at your local home improvement store.
To avoid this, make sure to do your research. Look into the background and history of potential candidates. Make sure they have the proper licenses and insurance coverage. You may also want to check online reviews and ask for references. Some photos of their work would be good, too.
The Verdict
Some may feel tempted to go with a pressure washer rental because of the perception that it is cheaper. But, when it comes down to it, professional pressure washing is infinitely more beneficial than doing it yourself.
In need of professional pressure washing for your commercial or residential property? Washh is your best option! Call us today at 704.321.8000 or contact us online to get a free estimate.
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