As mentioned earlier, we recommend using a pressure washer that's capable of at least 3,000-4,000 PSI.
Each concrete structure has a normally acceptable psi range. Concrete footings and slabs on grade typically require a concrete of 3,500 to 4,000 psi. Suspended slabs, beams, and girders (as often found in bridges) require 3,500 to 5,000 psi.
Concrete cleaning calls for powerful pressure washers featuring high pressure levels of 3000 PSI. However, if you will be using the power cleaner to maintain a range of surfaces in addition to concrete, choose one with adjustable pressure levels and set it to about 3000 PSI when you need to clean concrete.
For those looking to clean industrial equipment, such as vehicles or airplane components, even more power might be required – up to 4000 psi or higher. On the other hand, one important thing to note when selecting your pressure washer is that too high of a PSI can also damage certain surfaces if used incorrectly.
The quick answer is yes, power washing can degrade a concrete surface.
Powerful pressure washers with too much PSI will damage concrete when power washing. Most residential driveways require no more than 3000 to 3500 PSI for proper and thorough concrete washing. Heavy-duty commercial pressure washers and other power washing equipment are too strong for the average residential driveway!
An effective pressure wash cleans the pores of your concrete. Make sure to apply concrete sealer after pressure washing.
A 4000 PSI pressure washer is ideal for heavy equipment, concrete surfaces, brick walls, construction sites, stripping paint and lifting oil stains. Again, a 4000 PSI pressure washer should not be used on house siding; 4000 PSI is strong enough to cause some serious damage!
Simpson SuperPro Roll Cage 3600 PSI 2.5 GPM Gas
The best pressure washer for concrete and driveways is partly about combining mid-to-high-level PSI with excellent flow rates. As a professional, if you can score one that's easy to roll on and off the trailer multiple times a day, you're in business!
Figuring out how much PSI to pressure wash concrete can be a convoluted topic. That's why we've decided to put together this detailed guide explaining what PSI is best for concrete. Our recommendation ranges from as low as 3,000 PSI to as high as 4,000 PSI.
Medium Duty 2000-2800 PSI
This classification ranges from as low as 2,000 PSI to as high as 2,800 PSI. You can use a medium-duty pressure washer for almost any surface. They're great for cleaning concrete, brick, and wood.
Your pressure washer should have a minimum pressure rating of 3000 psi to effectively clean your sidewalk. There are a few situations where a higher pressure rating might be needed, but exterior cleaning experts all agree and recommend that 3000 psi is appropriate for residential use.
There are different methods that your contractor will use to ensure that the concrete is cured properly. If the improper strength of concrete is used for the job then concrete can crack. For example, if anything less than a 4000 psi is used for a driveway, the concrete can definitely crack.
Concrete typically takes 24 to 48 hours to dry enough for you to walk or drive on it.
The typical concrete strength used for a driveway is in the 3000 psi to 4000 psi range, although temperate areas of the country may use lower strengths.
Yes, if it's concrete. Concrete driveways (and walkways) can readily withstand a powerful cleaning without etching. Generally, a finer nozzle will be more effective at spot-cleaning grease stains. For mold or mildew, use lower pressure and coat the surface in suds first.
There's no doubt that electric pressure washers from 1,300 to 2,300 psi can wash a concrete driveway, but it'll take longer. If you have a large driveway with lots of stains, you'll want more power to do the job faster. I chose the 3,100-psi gas pressure washer and cut the job time in half.
Hot water is not always needed to clean concrete. In some cases, it may not make much of a difference at all. But there are times when the difference is night and day. Shop floors, parking garages, fuel filling stations and drive thru's will almost always be cleaner when power washed with high temperature water.
The 3000 psi machine can put out 5 gpm while the 4000 psi machine has to be cut back to 3.5 to 4gpm in flow. The 3000 psi machine has 14.4 (lb) of impact force which relates to 10 to 20% faster cleaning than the 4000 psi while using a similar amount of horsepower and fuel.
Reliable on all the toughest jobs, pressure washers with 3,200 to 4,200 PSI offer enough power to strip away paint and remove the toughest stains. They work well on solid surfaces, especially stone and brick. Because of their extreme power, these heavy duty models should rarely be used on cars and wood surfaces.
You can power wash concrete all year as long as the temperature is about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Most homeowners and businesses prefer to do it in the spring or summer to reduce the spread and growth of algae and mold. It also reduces pollen, which can affect allergies.
For best results and to ensure the sealant lasts as long as possible, you should wait 24-48 hours to seal your driveway after cleaning it. This allows sufficient time for the surface to fully dry.