Brick pavers quickly accumulate stains, and within no time, weed, moss, and algae can make a home between the pavers. While there are many ways to clean them, the most effective method is to power wash brick pavers.
But that brings us to the question…
Is Power Washing Brick Pavers Safe?
Simply put, you can power wash brick pavers, but there is a potential risk of damaging the pavement because of the high pressure. This is especially risky when you’re an amateur who has never worked with a power washer.
If you’re new to pressure washing, here are a few steps you can follow for power washing brick pavers without damage:
1. Find the Right Equipment
Power washers have different specifications. Get a power washer that produces 3000 psi (pounds per square inch) for 3-4 GPM (gallons per minute) for effective cleaning. Make sure your equipment has a wide-angled nozzle instead of a nozzle that creates a narrow stream. Narrow streams are great for removing stains, but they also risk damaging brick pavers.
2. Practice before Starting
You don’t want to start cleaning your brick pavers with a pressure washer right away, especially if you have never worked with one. Instead, consider practicing on dirt or any surface that won’t get damaged. Hold the pressure washer at an angle and a distance of at least one foot from the surface.
It will give you an idea of how intense the pressure will be when you clean the pavement.
3. Clean Your Brick Pavers
Hold the pressure washer at least 12 inches above the surface at an angle. Swipe the pressure washer across the pavers, and don’t stick to one spot for too long as it can cause damage. If there are any grease or oil stains on your pavement, make sure to add a little bit of detergent for effective cleaning.
Final Thoughts
If your brick pavement is extremely dirty and you don’t feel confident in your cleaning skills, it is better to hire a professional to do the job. Professionals know how to power wash brick pavers and how to get rid of even the most stubborn stains. Plus, that way, you don’t have to purchase or rent out a power washer that is risky to use. Since it generates such high pressures, it can cause serious accidents, so it is best to leave the job to professionals. We hope you’ve enjoyed these articles and thanks for visiting West Coast Pavers of SWFL.
