Pressure washing might look like magic when years of grime get blasted away in seconds. But when it comes to pavers, is it really safe?

If you live in Port St. Lucie, Jupiter, or anywhere across Florida’s Treasure Coast, you’ve probably seen pavers that look faded, chipped, or uneven after a cleaning. The truth is, pressure washing in Port St. Lucie can damage your pavers but only when done incorrectly.

Let’s break down what you need to know to avoid costly mistakes and keep your pavers looking their best.

Yes, Pressure Washing Can Damage Pavers

Pavers look tough, and they are, but they’re also porous, sand-set, and vulnerable to erosion if you hit them with too much water pressure or use the wrong technique.

Common damage we see from incorrect pressure washing:

  • Surface etching and scarring
  • Discoloration from uneven blasting
  • Washed-out joint sand
  • Shifting or loose pavers
  • Cracked edges or broken corners

Once the damage is done, it’s permanent and costly to fix. Even rentals from big box stores can deliver way too much PSI if you’re not experienced in using them on delicate surfaces like pavers.

What Causes the Damage?

Let’s break down what actually causes pressure washing damage on pavers:

1. Too Much Pressure

Many consumer-grade pressure washers hit 3,000 to 4,000 PSI. That’s great for concrete but way too much for most paver surfaces. The outer layer of the paver starts to chip or flake, especially on older pavers or those exposed to constant sun.

2. Incorrect Nozzle or Tip

Using a narrow, zero-degree nozzle focuses too much force in one spot, like carving lines into your pavers with a water jet.

3. Blasting the Joint Sand

Joint sand holds your pavers in place. High-pressure washing often blows this sand out, leaving your pavers vulnerable to movement, weed growth, and settling.

4. Skipping Pre-Treatment

If you don’t pre-treat organic buildup (algae, mold, stains), you’ll end up using too much pressure to compensate, which increases the chance of surface damage.

How to Pressure Wash Pavers the Right Way

Good news: when done properly, pressure washing can safely clean your pavers and make them look like new. It just takes the right tools, right prep, and the right technique.

Our approach at A Buff & Beyond includes:

  • Pre-treating the surface with eco-friendly cleaners that break down stains, mold, and algae before rinsing
  • Using a surface cleaner attachment instead of a wand to ensure even pressure and no streaking
  • Keeping pressure below 2,000 PSI to avoid surface damage
  • Avoiding direct blasting of joints to keep sand intact
  • Post-inspection and optional re-sanding, if needed, to restore stability

Whether it’s your driveway, walkway, or patio, we tailor our cleaning process to your specific paver type and condition.

What Happens If You Don’t Pressure Wash Properly?

When homeowners go DIY without the proper tools or training, they often end up with:

  • Splotchy finish that looks worse than before
  • Pitted or scarred paver surfaces
  • Dislodged bricks that become trip hazards
  • Premature erosion that shortens the life of the paver system

Sometimes, the surface damage isn’t visible until after the sealer is applied which means the mistake gets locked in. That’s why it’s crucial to pressure wash the right way before any sealing or re-sanding happens.

Cleaning + Sealing = Full Protection

After pressure washing your pavers the right way, the next step is sealing. This not only protects the surface from UV rays and stains, but also keeps water from penetrating and causing future damage.

If your pavers haven’t been sealed yet, or if it’s been more than 2 years, now’s the time to clean and reseal them the right way.

Proudly Serving the Treasure Coast

We’ve safely cleaned and sealed pavers in Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Jupiter, Stuart, and Vero Beach. Whether it’s a small patio or a 100-foot driveway, we use the right equipment, right cleaners, and expert technique to get professional results, without risking damage. Contact the pros today!