The quick answer is yes, pressure washing can degrade a concrete surface. You can see visible damage caused by water pressure at the level at which even light-duty pressure washers can operate. Therefore, if you are not careful, it can cause irreversible damage to the entrance or patio. Yes, a pressure washer can damage concrete.
Of course, this depends on the hardness of the concrete, if it is damaged, how often it does so, the water pressure and the nozzle you use. Make sure you use the correct nozzle and do not adjust the water pressure to a level higher than necessary. Even with a lightweight pressure washer, the concrete surface can sometimes be damaged. When the surface begins to be damaged, the concrete begins to develop lines, pits, and other common surface imperfections.
Sometimes you can experience joint deterioration if the mortar is washed throughout the process. It has a water pump and a heater that supplies hot pressurized water with a nozzle temperature of up to 200°F (approximately 93°C). Before starting the cleaning process, take a close look at the surrounding surface around the concrete you want to wash. Another common problem with improper pressure washing is damaging the mortar between the bricks or dispersing the sand from the joint between the pavers.
Pressure washing is known to be one of the most effective ways to restore the beauty of entrances, patios and other cement surfaces. In short, you should thoroughly clean the area to be repaired (pressure washing should take care of it) and allow it to dry. Give concrete time to cure and settle before hitting it with a pressure washer, or start with a gentle wash and work your way up as the concrete ages. If the concrete in question is relatively new (less than a year old), you probably shouldn't pressure wash it.
If the concrete was recently poured, it should not be pressure washed until it is completely cured. It can also damage joints, especially if the mortar or sand in the joints is peeled off or washed during the cleaning process. For materials such as iron or metals, a 15-degree nozzle should be used, since iron can withstand even the maximum pressure of the washing machine. Using a pressure washer for the ceiling is generally a bad idea; you can lose your balance when you turn on the machine while you're on a ladder.
When an inexperienced person handles a pressure washer and isn't properly trained, they won't know which nozzle to use, the right pressure, and they won't understand how powerful this machine can be. You should understand the different types of nozzles that come with the pressure washer and how best to use them. There are many horror stories that are pressure washed and that focus on a well-intentioned homeowner who accidentally damages his wooden deck, removes paint from his house, destroys the paint on his car, rips tiles off his roof or siding on the side of the house, and even causes serious injuries to themselves or others. Once the pressure washer starts working, you can now get a little closer until you're sure that the distance from the surface is safe.
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