Do you have a concrete surface around the house that needs to be cleaned up? Often pressure washing is used to fix stained and deteriorated surfaces, but it can also cause additional damage if caution isn’t taken.

Pressure washers shoot out water at extremely high pressures, which can easily knock apart old and weak concrete, leaving behind crumbling pieces of material. In this blog post, we’ll look at how to fix damaged concrete from pressure washer and protect your property against future deterioration.
From preparing the workspace beforehand all the way through sealing and finishing a newly repaired surface – these tips will ensure your space looks great and stays strong for years to come!
How Much Psi Will Damage Concrete?
When it comes to power washing concrete, the amount of pressure used can have a dramatic effect on the results. It is possible to damage concrete with pressure washers, as using too much water pressure can chip and break apart the surface of your concrete.
Generally speaking, any water pressure below 3,000 psi should be safe for most kinds of residential concrete surfaces. However, it is important to use caution when using a power washer – even pressures as low as 1,500 psi can cause damage if not used carefully!
The type of nozzle you use with your power washer also plays an important role in avoiding damage to your concrete. A fan tip or turbo nozzle produces a wide spray pattern that reduces the force of the impact, making it ideal for pressure-washing concrete.
An adjustable nozzle can also be used to adjust the pressure of your spray, allowing you to target specific areas or reduce the power in sensitive spots.
It is always best practice to start with a low-pressure setting and gradually increase it until you find the right balance between effective cleaning and avoiding damage.
It is also important to be mindful of the distance between the nozzle and your surface – the closer you hold it, the higher pressure it will have. When in doubt, use less pressure – if a high-pressure setting isn’t effective, try using more cleaning agents instead.
10 Methods How to Fix Damaged Concrete from Pressure Washer
1. Assess the Damage

Before you begin repairing the concrete, it is important to assess the extent of the damage. If the damage is minor, you may be able to fix it yourself. If the damage is more severe, you may need to hire a professional to repair it.
If the damage is extensive, replacing the concrete altogether may be your best option. However, if the damage is localized and not too deep, you can repair it yourself. Although the repair may not be perfect, it will improve the overall appearance of the concrete.
2. Clean the Damaged Area
Clean the damaged area of concrete thoroughly, removing any loose or chipped concrete, dirt, and debris. Use a pressure washer or a hose to clean the area, and allow it to dry completely. If the damaged part of the concrete is too large, use a hammer and chisel to break it into manageable pieces.
To avoid further damage to the concrete, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves when using the hammer and chisel. While cleaning, check the area for any signs of corrosion or cracks in the concrete. If any are present, promptly repair them before continuing with the project.
3. Fill in Cracks
For small cracks, use a concrete crack filler to fill in the cracks. Apply the filler with a putty knife or a trowel, and smooth it out so that it is level with the surrounding concrete. Allow the filler to dry completely before proceeding.
For larger cracks, use a concrete patching compound. Remove any loose debris from the crack before applying the compound, and make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Use a trowel to spread the compound over the crack and press it firmly into the concrete. Allow it to dry completely before continuing.
4. Patch Holes
For larger holes, use a concrete patching compound to fill in the hole. Apply the compound with a trowel, and smooth it out so that it is level with the surrounding concrete. Allow the compound to dry completely before proceeding.

If the concrete is severely damaged and you cannot use a patching compound, you may need to carve out the damage and fill it in with new concrete. Make sure the edges of the new concrete are flush with the surrounding area. Although this is a more invasive and labor-intensive approach, it can be necessary for more significant damage.
5. Sand the Repaired Area
Once the filler or patching compound has dried, use sandpaper or a grinding wheel to smooth the repaired area. This will help to ensure that the repaired area is level with the surrounding concrete.
You may need to use a sander or grinding wheel with a larger grit if the repair is quite extensive. To get the best result, make sure to use a circular motion when sanding the repaired area. Although it may take longer, sanding with a finer grit will help to create an even surface and avoid having any visible edges on the patched area.
6. Apply a Sealer
Once the repaired area has been sanded, apply a concrete sealer to the area. This will help to protect the concrete from future damage and prevent water from seeping into the repaired area. When applying the sealer, be sure to use a brush or roller to ensure even coverage and allow it to dry completely before proceeding.

Be sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves, as the sealer could cause irritation to the skin or eyes. Once dry, inspect the area to make sure that the sealer was applied evenly. If not, reapply as necessary. Follow all manufacturer instructions for best results.
7. Apply a Concrete Resurfacer
For larger areas of damage, a concrete resurfacer may be needed. This product can be applied over the entire damaged area, creating a new layer of concrete that is level with the surrounding area.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying the resurfaced. First, clean the surface of dirt and debris to ensure the resurfacer will adhere properly.
Next, mix up the concrete resurfacer according to the directions and pour it onto the surface. Use a trowel to spread the resurfacer evenly across the damaged area and let it dry according
8. Allow the Resurfacer to Cure
Once the resurfacer has been applied, allow it to cure for the recommended amount of time. This will vary depending on the product and the weather conditions. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how long it should take. If it’s cold outside, the curing time might be up to five days.
Once the resurfacer is fully cured, you can add a sealer to give the area a finished look. While the sealer isn’t essential to repair the damaged concrete, it will help protect it from weather and wear in the future.
Make sure to read the instructions on the sealer and apply it as recommended. While you may be tempted to skip this step, it’s important if you want to keep the area looking good for years too.
9. Sand the Resurfaced Area

Once the resurfacer has cured, use sandpaper or a grinding wheel to smooth the resurfaced area. This will help to ensure that the repaired area is level with the surrounding concrete.
It will also help to reduce the risk of further cracking or damage due to water entering the concrete.
Use coarse sandpaper, such as 80-grit, to start and finish with finer sandpaper of 120-grit or higher. If using a grinding wheel, use the same grit pattern. Additionally, wear protective gear while sanding or grinding.
10. Apply a Sealer
Once the resurfaced area has been sanded, apply a concrete sealer to the area. This will help to protect the concrete from future damage and prevent water from seeping into the repaired area. Apply the sealer with a roller and ensure that it is applied evenly across the area. Allow the sealer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
When the sealer is dry, apply a second coat and repeat the process. Once both coats have been applied, allow the area to dry completely before use. The sealer will help protect your concrete from future damage caused by pressure washing and will greatly reduce the chances of needing to repair damaged concrete in the future.
Can Pressure Washer Ruin Concrete?
Yes, pressure washers can indeed ruin concrete surfaces. Using the wrong type of nozzle, too much water pressure, or a lack of cleaning and sealing can all lead to damage to concrete surfaces.
If you use a pressure washer, it is essential to know the type of surface you are cleaning and to make sure the water pressure is suitable for that material.

A pressure washer typically produces between 1,000 to 5,000 psi of water pressure, but using more than 2,500 psi can cause serious damage to concrete surfaces. Additionally, choosing the wrong nozzle could also erode or etch the concrete surface.
Do You Need to Reseal the Concrete after Pressure Washing?
If your concrete has sustained extensive damage from a pressure washer, it is important to reseal the concrete after you have done all the necessary repairs. Reapplying a sealer to the damaged area will help protect and preserve your concrete surface. It will also enhance its color and appearance.
Before sealing your newly repaired concrete, make sure to clean the surface thoroughly with soap and water. Once that is finished, wait until the area is completely dry before applying any type of sealant or paint. You may want to use an acrylic-based sealer for best results.
Allow ample time for the sealer to fully cure before walking on or using heavy objects on the sealed surface.
Finally, it’s important to perform regular maintenance on your concrete to keep it looking its best. You can do this by periodically pressure washing the surface with a gentle cleaner and applying a fresh coat of sealer when necessary. Doing so will help ensure that your repaired concrete remains in good condition for many years to come.
Things to Consider When Fixing Damaged Concrete from a Pressure Washer
1. Materials:
Make sure you have all the necessary materials for the job, as well as any special tools that may be needed. This could include concrete patching material, a mortar mix, epoxy adhesive, sealant, caulk and more.
2. Time to Repair:

When fixing damaged concrete from a pressure washer it is important to take your time and use appropriate techniques when applying the materials and patching compounds. Rushing through the process can lead to an uneven repair or an inadequate fix that doesn’t last long-term.
3. Weather Conditions:
It’s best to wait until temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit before attempting a repair on your concrete surface due to the drying process of some products used in the repair.
4. Safety Gear:
When working with concrete and any of its related materials, it’s important to wear protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, long sleeves, and pants. This will help protect you from harmful dust or debris that can be created when cutting or grinding concrete during a repair job.
Conclusion
In conclusion, repairing damaged concrete from a pressure washer requires some time, effort, and knowledge.
Thankfully, we have been able to bring you some helpful advice so you can make the right decisions.
While it’s possible to fix your own pressure washing damage, we recommend that if the repair job is extensive or complicated, to call in a professional who specializes in concrete restoration and construction.
If you decide to do the work yourself, remember not to use too much pressure and start at the lowest setting suggested by the manufacturer of your machine.
Always wear personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses while working with potentially hazardous materials. Hopefully, this article gave you some helpful tips about how to fix damaged concrete from pressure washer successfully, so now that you have the proper knowledge on how to get the job done, why not give it a try today?