Can Pressure Washing Damage Concrete?

Yes—if done incorrectly.

Here’s what causes concrete damage:

– Too much pressure: Especially on older or soft concrete

– Wrong nozzle: Can create etching or stripes

– No pre-treatment: Forces you to use more pressure than needed

– Holding the wand too close: Causes gouges or swirl marks

How to avoid it:

– Use a surface cleaner (not a wand)

– Pre-treat with a degreaser or mildew remover

– Stay under 3500 PSI with wide-angle tips

– Let chemicals do the work—not just pressure

At Elevation Power Washing, we use professional-grade equipment and methods to clean without damaging. Concrete may look tough—but treated the wrong way, it’s easy to scar.