While both brick and concrete are durable surfaces, they require different approaches when it comes to pressure washing.
Concrete is extremely tough and dense, which means it can typically withstand higher water pressure—often in the range of 3000 PSI or more. This makes it relatively straightforward to clean with a pressure washer, even when dealing with stubborn dirt, oil stains, or mildew.
Brick, on the other hand, is more porous and fragile. High pressure can chip away at the surface, erode mortar joints, and shorten the life of the brickwork. For this reason, brick should be cleaned at a lower pressure setting—usually between 500 and 1500 PSI—and with the use of a wider spray nozzle. In many cases, adding specialized detergents or cleaners designed for masonry helps loosen dirt so that less force is needed.
In short: you can pressure wash brick, but not the same way as concrete. Brick requires lower pressure, gentler techniques, and sometimes cleaning solutions to avoid damage, while concrete can handle much stronger direct washing.
For a free pressure washing quote contact us at bcs-services.com or email matt@bcs-services.com
