RenoHouse
# Pressure Washing Guide Toronto — What to Wash, When, and Costs
*Part of our Exterior Home Maintenance Guide Toronto.*
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Get Free Estimate →Pressure washing is the fastest way to restore your home's curb appeal. A few hours of work can make a 20-year-old driveway look new. But wrong technique or too much pressure causes permanent damage. This guide covers what to wash, when to do it, correct PSI settings, and what professional service costs in Toronto.
What to Pressure Wash (and What Not To)
Safe to Pressure Wash
| Surface | PSI Range | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 2,500–3,000 | Every 1–2 years | Use surface cleaner attachment for even results |
| Concrete walkways | 2,500–3,000 | Every 1–2 years | Same as driveway |
| Interlocking pavers | 1,500–2,000 | Every 2–3 years | Re-sand joints after washing |
| Wood deck | 500–1,200 | Annually (before staining) | Fan tip, keep moving, never stay in one spot |
| Composite deck | 1,000–1,500 | Annually | Less pressure than concrete |
| Vinyl siding | 1,300–1,600 | Every 1–2 years | Spray upward angles push water behind siding — spray downward only |
| Brick/stone | 1,500–2,000 | Every 2–3 years | Avoid mortar joints directly |
| Fence (wood, before staining) | 500–1,200 | Before each staining | Same rules as deck |
| Garage floor | 2,500–3,000 | Annually | Good ventilation needed for enclosed areas |
Do NOT Pressure Wash
- Asphalt shingles — strips granules, voids warranty
- Painted wood (old paint) — strips paint and can release lead paint chips
- Stucco — too much pressure cracks it; use soft wash instead
- Windows — pressure can crack glass or break seals
- Old brick or mortar in poor condition — pressure disintegrates soft mortar
- Electrical panels, meters, outdoor outlets — water intrusion hazard
- Air conditioning units — use a garden hose only
Seasonal Timing for Toronto
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Late April – May | Deck and fence (before staining season) |
| May – June | Siding, driveway, walkways (after spring rain) |
| September | Pre-winter cleanup (remove summer grime before freeze) |
| Avoid | November – March (freezing water on surfaces causes ice hazards and pipe damage) |
The ideal window is May through September when temperatures are consistently above 10°C.
Professional Pressure Washing Costs
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Driveway (single car) | $100–$200 |
| Driveway (double car) | $150–$300 |
| Deck (up to 300 sq ft) | $150–$300 |
| Deck (300–600 sq ft) | $250–$500 |
| House siding (bungalow) | $200–$350 |
| House siding (two-storey) | $300–$500 |
| Fence (50–100 linear ft) | $100–$250 |
| Full property package | $400–$800 |
| Minimum charge | $150–$200 |
Most companies offer package pricing when you combine multiple surfaces. A typical full-property wash (driveway + siding + deck) runs $400–$800.
Common Pressure Washing Mistakes
- 1. Using too much pressure on wood — 3,000 PSI on a deck gouges the wood permanently
- 2. Spraying upward on siding — pushes water behind the panels into the wall cavity
- 3. Holding the nozzle too close — even appropriate PSI damages surfaces at 2 inches; maintain 6–12 inches
- 4. Skipping detergent — pressure alone does not kill mould or algae; they grow back in weeks
- 5. Washing in direct sun — detergent dries before it can work; wash in shade or overcast
- 6. Not protecting plants — chemical runoff kills landscaping; wet plants first and cover sensitive beds
- 7. Ignoring personal safety — pressure washers can cut skin; wear closed-toe shoes and safety glasses
DIY vs Professional
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment cost | $200–$500 (electric) or $80–$150 (rental) | Included |
| Time | Half day (learning curve) | 2–4 hours |
| Risk of damage | Higher (inexperience) | Lower (trained) |
| Results | Inconsistent (common for first-timers) | Uniform |
| Recommended | Simple flat surfaces (driveway) | Siding, deck, multi-surface |
RenoHouse Pressure Washing
RenoHouse offers professional pressure washing services across the GTA. We use commercial-grade equipment with adjustable PSI settings and biodegradable detergents that are safe for landscaping.
Call 289-212-2345 or request a free quote.
