Comparing the Pressure Washing Industry in the UK and the US
Pressure washing, or power washing, has evolved into a highly specialized and growing sector in both the UK and the US. This article delves into the comparison of the pressure washing industry in these two countries, focusing on various aspects like overall spending per capita, GDP contributions, seasonal trends, the average size of pressure washing jobs, types of jobs undertaken, and the equipment used. By analysing these factors, we can get a clearer understanding of the pressures and opportunities within the pressure washing industry in both nations.
1. Overall Spend per Capita and GDP Contributions
The United Kingdom:
The UK pressure washing industry is part of a larger cleaning services sector. In terms of overall spending per capita, pressure washing services have not been as mainstream as other industries like cleaning or gardening, but the market is steadily growing. The UK cleaning services market as a whole is valued at £11 billion, and although precise figures for pressure washing are hard to pinpoint, it is estimated to comprise a substantial portion of the £8.8 billion “maintenance and repair” services industry, with pressure washing being one of the primary services for residential and commercial customers.
The pressure washing sector is somewhat tied to the housing market, which directly impacts demand. As property values rise, homeowners and businesses invest more in maintaining the appearance of their properties, thus creating a demand for pressure washing. The industry in the UK tends to grow in line with economic stability, though it has been relatively resilient during periods of economic decline due to the necessity of property upkeep.
The United States:
In contrast, the US market for pressure washing is more expansive, partly due to the larger residential and commercial property base. The overall market for cleaning services in the US is valued at over $61 billion, with pressure washing services accounting for a large portion of the residential and commercial cleaning sub-sector. In terms of per capita spending, Americans tend to spend more on outdoor maintenance, given the generally larger properties and more varied climates that can impact a home’s exterior. Moreover, GDP in the US is significantly higher than the UK’s, contributing to higher disposable income for American households to invest in exterior maintenance like pressure washing.
Additionally, the US pressure washing industry benefits from the country’s diverse climate conditions, which can lead to a more consistent demand for services year-round, especially in states with extreme weather patterns. This is a factor that may not be as pronounced in the UK, where milder weather limits the frequency of these services.
2. Seasonal Trends: Using Google Trends to Analyse Busy and Off-Peak Times
The United Kingdom:
Seasonal trends for the pressure washing industry in the UK are typically dictated by weather conditions. According to Google Trends data, the busiest months for pressure washing in the UK tend to fall between late spring (April-May) and summer (June-August), with demand beginning to dip in the colder months from October onwards. The cooler, wetter weather in autumn and winter deters homeowners from scheduling outdoor maintenance tasks such as pressure washing patios, driveways, and exterior walls.
Conversely, the demand for pressure washing services peaks when the weather is conducive to outdoor activities, and the spring and summer months offer more favourable conditions for customers to address the accumulated dirt, grime, and moss from the wetter months. Additionally, as people tend to spend more time in their gardens during summer, they are more likely to invest in maintaining their outdoor spaces.
The United States:
In the US, seasonal trends follow a similar pattern but are typically more pronounced due to the country’s size and variety of climates. Google Trends data reveals that peak pressure washing activity generally occurs between late spring and early autumn, with a marked dip during the winter months in colder areas like the Northeast or Midwest. However, in warmer climates such as Florida, Southern California, and Texas, pressure washing remains in demand year-round due to consistently favourable weather conditions.
Overall, the demand for pressure washing services in the US fluctuates more due to the sheer size of the country and its diverse climate zones. As such, areas with extreme temperatures may experience short but intense surges in demand when the weather is optimal, while other regions may see steady demand year-round.
3. Average Size of Pressure Washing Jobs
The United Kingdom:
The size of jobs that pressure washing services in the UK take on, is generally smaller than in the US due to the nature of the residential properties. Patios, driveways, and garden pathways are often more compact and of a smaller scale compared to American properties. Residential areas in the UK typically consist of smaller homes, and driveways tend to be narrower and shorter. As a result, pressure washing jobs in the UK often involve smaller outdoor spaces, with most jobs focused on patios, driveways, and fences.
The United States:
In the US, properties tend to be larger, particularly in suburban and rural areas. As a result, the average size of pressure washing jobs in the US is typically larger. Driveways are often wider, longer, and more numerous, especially in suburban developments where multiple vehicles per household are common. Pressure washing jobs in the US might also extend to larger commercial properties, such as office buildings, shopping centres, and industrial sites, all of which require more extensive cleaning.
The variation in property sizes between the UK and the US accounts for a major difference in job size and, consequently, the revenue that pressure washing companies can generate in both countries. American companies often deal with more substantial residential and commercial projects, whereas UK companies focus more on smaller residential jobs.
4. Common Types of Pressure Washing Jobs
The United Kingdom:
In the UK, the most common pressure washing jobs are typically focused on residential properties. These include cleaning driveways, patios, decking, fences, and garden paths. The UK’s climate, which often leads to moss, algae, and dirt buildup on outdoor surfaces, drives the demand for regular cleaning of these areas. Additionally, there is a demand for soft washing, a technique using lower pressure for delicate surfaces like painted wood or roof tiles.
Some businesses also take on commercial jobs, such as cleaning the exteriors of shops, restaurants, and small office buildings. However, large-scale commercial jobs are less common in the UK compared to the US.
The United States:
In the US, pressure washing services also cater to residential properties, but the types of jobs are more varied. Driveway, patio, and deck cleaning are still common, but US companies also frequently handle larger commercial jobs, such as cleaning parking lots, gas stations, and building facades. The demand for pressure washing in the US is influenced by regional climate factors. For example, in states with high humidity, such as Florida, there is a significant demand for pressure washing services to clean away the build-up of mold and mildew from building exteriors and decks.
The US also sees a greater demand for roof cleaning and larger commercial projects, as buildings and businesses often have larger square footage. Consequently, the pressure washing industry in the US handles a wider range of job types and sizes compared to the UK.
5. Equipment Used in the Pressure Washing Industry
The United Kingdom:
The most common pressure washing equipment used in the UK for professional jobs includes the Honda GX390 engine-based machines. These are considered entry-level professional machines, widely used by individuals starting out in the pressure washing business. Some professionals opt for smaller, less expensive machines like the Honda GX200 or equipment from suppliers such as Equip to Clean, which offer more affordable options.
In addition, there has been a steady increase in the use of van-mounted systems in the UK, especially for large-scale or commercial jobs. These systems, which can be mounted in vans for mobility and ease of access, are often used for larger commercial or industrial cleaning projects. Despite this, the overall trend in the UK leans towards smaller, more affordable machines due to the smaller size of most residential properties.
The United States:
The US pressure washing industry is characterised by a wider range of equipment, from small residential machines to larger commercial systems. For entry-level professionals, equipment such as the Honda GX390 remains popular, much like in the UK. However, due to the larger scale of US jobs, van-mounted systems and more powerful machines, capable of delivering higher pressure for extensive projects, are more common in the US than in the UK. These systems are frequently used for cleaning larger properties, commercial buildings, and industrial sites.
In addition, there is greater adoption of trailer-mounted systems, which are portable and capable of handling larger-scale jobs that require consistent and high-pressure water delivery. As the US market for pressure washing services grows, so does the demand for advanced and high-powered equipment that can handle the increasing size and scope of projects.
6. Other Considerations and Conclusion
The pressure washing industry in both the UK and the US is growing, driven by the increasing demand for property maintenance services and these dictate whether it is worth it for people to have pressure washing carried out. While the equipment used in both countries shares similarities, the size of jobs, market demands, and overall industry conditions vary significantly. The US market tends to be larger, with greater spending capacity, more substantial jobs, and a broader range of equipment. The UK market, on the other hand, is more focused on smaller, residential projects, with seasonal fluctuations and fewer large commercial contracts.
