how do you demo concrete

Bringing it down—safely

Full Answer

How do you demolish a concrete building?

By cutting concrete elements, and then removing them by crane, the demolition of an entire concrete structure may be carried out with a minimum of noise, dust, and impact on surrounding structures.

How do you break up concrete?

Using a digging bar to break up concrete. A digging bar may also work if you find concrete (also soft stone, impossibly dense clay, roots) in the ground as you install a fence or mailbox. It’s basically a human-powered jackhammer. It can create a fault line in concrete, blow by blow, and be a key player in your concrete removal toolbox.

What is the best way to move concrete?

The main vehicles for moving concrete are a wheelbarrow or hand truck. For smaller bits and/or removal from inside a home, two 5-gallon buckets are hard to beat.

What tools do concrete demolition contractors use?

There are many tools that concrete demolition contractors can use to remove concrete. Here are two of the most commonly used tools... A Bobcat equipped with a hydraulic or pneumatic breaker attachment (as seen in the top right picture) Another common tool is a jackhammer (as seen in the bottom left picture)

What is the easiest way to remove concrete?

InstructionsDig Under the Concrete. Dig out the soil, gravel, or other material from under the concrete, using a shovel and a pickax or mattock. ... Strike the Concrete. Lightly sprinkle the concrete with water to minimize dust. ... Pry Off Stubborn Pieces. ... Move the Concrete Chunks With a Hand Truck.

How do you demo old concrete?

Steps for Removing a Concrete SlabStep 1: Create a Void Under the Concrete. The best way to speed up concrete removal is to create a void underneath the section of slab you're working on. ... Step 2: It's Hammer Time. ... Step 3: Pull Apart and Remove the Broken Concrete. ... Step 4: Repeat Steps Until Concrete Is Demolished.

Can I remove concrete myself?

Tearing up concrete yourself can also save you a ton of money. Hiring a contractor just to demolish a 12 x 14-ft. patio could cost you $1,400 or more. If you do it yourself, the cost to remove a concrete driveway will run you about $400, including rental and disposal.

What is the best tool to break up concrete?

jackhammerA jackhammer is an ideal power tool used for concrete demolitions, and four subcategories of jackhammers exist, including rotary, demolition, combination and breaker options.

How do you remove a concrete slab without a jackhammer?

But you can probably do the work with a metal sledgehammer and a little elbow grease. Sledgehammer is the best tool to use if the slab of concrete is three inches thick or less. Dig at the base of the slab to find the bottom.

How do you break up thick concrete?

Start to break the concrete, starting six inches from the edge and working your way in. For slabs less than four inches thick, use a sledgehammer. For more than four inches thick, use a demolition hammer.

How do you remove 2 inches of concrete?

You can remove 2 inches of concrete with a hammer. Begin by slamming the sledgehammer into the concrete along the slab's edge. To make new cracks, strike different regions of the surface. Allow gravity to do as much work as possible for you.

How do you break concrete with jackhammer?

0:243:44HOW TO JACK HAMMER CONCRETE EFFICIENTLY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what you're doing is you're controlling the direction that the concrete's cracking. So i'm justMoreAnd what you're doing is you're controlling the direction that the concrete's cracking. So i'm just moving this jackhammer across so that i can break off this front piece of concrete.

Can you use a rotary hammer to break concrete?

Rotary hammers use an electro-pneumatic hammer piston to generate high impact energy, which allows it to drill or demolish concrete.

Will an air hammer break concrete?

Air hammers are mostly used for construction and demolition work. They can be used to break up concrete, chisel through metal, or remove tiles.

How do you remove dried concrete?

0:003:35How to Clean Concrete Residue with SAKRETE Concrete & Mortar ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWill not harm wood plastic metal or paint sack Reed concrete and mortar dissolver eliminates theMoreWill not harm wood plastic metal or paint sack Reed concrete and mortar dissolver eliminates the need to chip away at concrete that is dried on tools.

How do you break concrete with hand tools?

2:094:35How to Break Concrete Easily (using only 2 hand tools!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith your powerful hand or your dominant hand on the back where the actual hammer. Part is it comesMoreWith your powerful hand or your dominant hand on the back where the actual hammer. Part is it comes up over your shoulder. And your hands are sliding down so when you've finished. Both.

How do you remove 2 inches of concrete?

You can remove 2 inches of concrete with a hammer. Begin by slamming the sledgehammer into the concrete along the slab's edge. To make new cracks, strike different regions of the surface. Allow gravity to do as much work as possible for you.

How do you remove a reinforced concrete slab?

A concrete saw can cut pieces of concrete with precision from the slab and slice through the steel rebar mesh at the same time. The vibrations from the jackhammer or the flying debris from the sledgehammer are also avoided. Concrete saws can also cut the slab away clean and flush from adjoining objects such as a wall.

How do you demo a old patio?

“Most concrete patios are un-reinforced, meaning that there is no rebar. So, in that case, a jackhammer is the best method to break the concrete into smaller pieces that can be shoveled away. If the area is very small, and the concrete is already cracked, a sledgehammer could also get the job done.”

How do you demolish a reinforced concrete wall?

You can use pneumatic or electric jackhammers and hammer chisels to aid in the removal process, or you can use a sledgehammer, hammer, pry bar and chisels. Break the concrete wall into small chunks with your preferred tool and let the debris fall to the ground as you work.

How do contractors demolish and remove concrete?

There are many tools that concrete demolition contractors can use to remove concrete. Here are two of the most commonly used tools...

What tools would I need to demolish concrete myself?

There's more than one way to break concrete, and if you're a beginner, choosing the right tool for the job might seem a bit overwhelming.

What is the term for the part of concrete that is pushed up due to the frost?

Frost heave - part of the concrete is pushed up due to the frost that occurs in colder climates

What is the best tool to break concrete?

Sledge Hammer. This is the go-to concrete breaking tool for most do-it-yourselfers. A 12 lb. sledgehammer might not seem like much, but it can go a long way. If your concrete is 4 inches thick (very common) or less and doesn't cover a large area, try a sledge before renting heavier equipment.

How much does it cost to remove a driveway?

A typical driveway removal costs $1,500 - $2,500 and up, but this is highly dependent on the size of the driveway. Also, if the driveway was completed with reinforced concrete, it's more difficult to remove and the cost to remove it will likely go up.

What is a thin crack in concrete?

Thin cracks - small, hairline cracks with no evidence of settling. Sunken concrete - caused by heavy equipment or load (e.g., a heavy dumpster) that was placed on the concrete.

Can you dispose of concrete in a dumpster?

If you're demolishing the concrete yourself, renting a dumpster will likely be your best bet for recycling/disposing of the concrete.

How to get concrete to crack?

Start at the corners and work inward. If the concrete doesn’t crack with the first blow, aim your next hit a few inches away. Never strike the same spot twice. That just chips the surface, creating a cushion of fine rubble over the slab, and makes it harder to break .

How to break up concrete faster?

Photo 1: Pry and break. Break up concrete faster by forming a two-person team. With one person prying up while the other strikes, concrete breaks more easily. Photo 2: Pry bar. Use a 5 to 6-ft. long chisel-tip pry bar to lift concrete edges.

What to use for a concrete slab breakup?

If your slab is large or extra thick, rent a pneumatic jackhammer (with a hose, bits and a trailer-mounted compressor; Photo 2). It has much more power than an electric jackhammer. But it’s also heavy (90 lbs.) and difficult to maneuver. Don’t automatically assume you should rent this as your first choice—it’s overkill for most home concrete breakup projects.

What tool is used to loosen a chunk of concrete?

Loosen locked-together chunks of concrete. A mattock is the perfect tool for prying them apart or pulling them up.

What is the best tool for thick slabs?

A rented jackhammer powered by a big compressor is the best option for large or thick slabs. But a plain old sledgehammer is fine for most jobs.

How to stop concrete from flying?

Stop flying chunks of concrete with a sheet of plastic. Concrete shrapnel can damage siding and break windows, and it’s a real chore to clean up.

How much does it cost to remove a concrete driveway?

If you do it yourself, the cost to remove a concrete driveway will run you about $400, including rental and disposal. That’s a savings of about $1,000 on the cost to remove a concrete driveway.

How do contractors demolish and remove concrete?from hometowndemolitioncontractors.com

There are many tools that concrete demolition contractors can use to remove concrete. Here are two of the most commonly used tools...

What tools would I need to demolish concrete myself?from hometowndemolitioncontractors.com

There's more than one way to break concrete, and if you're a beginner, choosing the right tool for the job might seem a bit overwhelming.

How to remove concrete from a concrete slab?from budgetdumpster.com

If you don’t do this, the dirt or sand under the slab will absorb the blows from the sledgehammer, making it harder to break up the concrete. You can create a void by digging under the slab.

How much does it cost to remove a concrete slab?from budgetdumpster.com

If not reinforced, expect to pay between $300 and $500.

What is the term for the part of concrete that is pushed up due to the frost?from hometowndemolitioncontractors.com

Frost heave - part of the concrete is pushed up due to the frost that occurs in colder climates

What is the best tool to break concrete?from hometowndemolitioncontractors.com

Sledge Hammer. This is the go-to concrete breaking tool for most do-it-yourselfers. A 12 lb. sledgehammer might not seem like much, but it can go a long way. If your concrete is 4 inches thick (very common) or less and doesn't cover a large area, try a sledge before renting heavier equipment.

How to separate chunks from a sandbox?from budgetdumpster.com

Insert the mattock’s pick into the cracks to separate the chunks .

How do you break concrete by hand?

Dig Under the Concrete. Dig out the soil, gravel, or other material from under the concrete, using a shovel and a pickax.

How do you break concrete with a hammer drill?

Use a heavy duty hammer drill or a breaking chisel attachment in a rotary hammer to chip the concrete next to the line you sawed. Tilt the chisel so the side you will be removing cracks loose, not the side you’re keeping. Gradually deepen the hole.

What can dissolve concrete?

Concrete is a durable building material that takes special materials to dissolve once it’s hardened into place. Phosphoric acid and trisodium phosphate are the main compounds used to dissolve concrete leftover from masonry work.

What is the best tool for breaking up concrete?

Tool #1: Sledgehammer + Pry Bar When thinking about breaking up concrete, most of our minds jump straight to jackhammer. But you can probably do the work with a metal sledgehammer and a little elbow grease. Sledgehammer is the best tool to use if the slab of concrete is three inches thick or less.

How do you break up 4 inch concrete?

Step 1: Create a Void Under the Concrete. The best way to speed up concrete removal is to create a void underneath the section of slab you’re working on.

Can a rotary hammer break concrete?

Rotary hammers use an electro-pneumatic hammer piston to generate high impact energy, which allows it to drill or demolish concrete.

How do you lift concrete?

Mud Jacking is a common term for lifting sunken or settled concrete. Mud jacking can lift a settled concrete slab by pumping a grout through the concrete and pushing it up from below. The process is sometimes called “slab jacking” or “pressure grouting”.

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Demolition is a process that involves tearing down structures. Commercial and residential property developers commonly offer demolition services to clear property, including special permits and licenses required by local jurisdictions.

Three tips that you need to know when preparing to remove a concrete slab

Preparing beforehand – The most crucial part of removing a concrete slab is placing wood beams to support your new flooring system. Beams and floor joists should be installed before removing the concrete slab so that the new flooring can be put in place right away.

The process of removing a concrete slab

Cut off any beams – Cut off any beams and floor joists connected to the slab before removing it. Make sure you plan this out first so as not to go haywire.

Conclusion

The demolition of buildings has saved various companies a lot of money and time. It is essential to find the right company to handle the job safely and efficiently. Demolition services can be expensive, but they are required if you want to accomplish your tasks promptly.

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What is the best way to move concrete?

The main vehicles for moving concrete are a wheelbarrow or hand truck. For smaller bits and/or removal from inside a home, two 5-gallon buckets are hard to beat. Ironically, carrying one in each hand is easier than carrying just one bucket.

What is the best force to break up concrete?

Here, a jackhammer or rotary hammer instantly pierces the surface, then can get wedged in the dirt. For thin, brittle concrete, blunt force is often best. It’s lots of work, but the shockwave of steel-on-concrete breaks up more in a few whacks than other tools can deliver at the sharp point of a chisel iron.

What is a spade bit for concrete?

A 1 ½-inch spade bit is fatal to concrete’s cousin—thin-set mortar—and excels at removing tile from a subfloor. Rotary hammers are great for taking down CMU (concrete masonry units) walls, block by block.

What to call before digging?

Before digging, call 811 or your “Dig Safe” authority. And wear protective gear when using digging equipment.

Do you need a jackhammer for concrete?

A jackhammer may be required depending on site conditions; a rotary hammer for sure. Mix, pour, and wait. The grout expands and breaks the concrete. Plan ahead and consult the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage.

Can you rent a dumpster for concrete?

For larger projects, you may consider a dumpster rental. Some carters don’t like concrete in their boxes so make sure to ask as they might decline the job or insist you only fill the dumpster partially.

Can a digging bar be used to remove concrete?

It can create a fault line in concrete, blow by blow, and be a key player in your concrete removal toolbox. Word to the wise: As with all digging equipment, wear gloves; digging bars are blister-making tools.

Is it hard to break up concrete?

Breaking up concrete and hauling it away is difficult work. There are many pros to hiring a professional for a concrete demolition project.

Can a demolition professional remove concrete?

A demolition professional can provide you with more tips and tricks, but these are the basics. It might be beneficial to rethink concrete demolition and removal as a DIY home improvement project and instead trust the process to a professional team that can get the job done right.

Can you remove concrete from a patio?

If the driveway looks a little worn or a patio needs to be replaced, you might think doing the work yourself will be a good way to save some funds. The truth is that concrete removal can be a lot of work, and there are special tools for such a concrete demolition project.

Is concrete removal a daunting task?

A concrete removal project is a massive undertaking, and is especially daunting because you’ll only do it a couple of times in a lifetime. After deciding to remove concrete instead of resurfacing it, it’s beneficial to review some tips and tricks to make the concrete demolition process safer and easier:

How to move large chunks of concrete?

Use a hand truck or dolly like the kind you use to move appliances to move large chunks of concrete. A hand truck is better than a wheelbarrow because you only have to lift the chunk of concrete an inch or two to get it onto the truck. Lift the concrete pieces carefully, using your legs and keeping the weight close to your body. Truck the pieces to your collection or disposal area.

When to use concrete as fill material?

Use the concrete as fill material when you want to build up an area of your yard.

How to get a crack out of a drywall wall?

Use a pry bar or crow bar to open cracks and separate pieces that are resistant to falling away. Force the flat end of the bar into the crack. Wiggle it back and forth until it is at least 1/2 inch into the crack. Pry back until you can get your gloved fingers in to pull away the piece.

Can you use a sledgehammer on a downstroke?

Don't apply a lot of force on the sledgehammer on the downstroke; let the hammer do the work. If anything, you can use the handle as a lever to increase the speed of the head, but don't wear yourself out trying to strike as hard as possible. The impact and weight of the head will do the job.

Can you dispose of broken concrete?

Disposing of Broken Concrete. Never dispose of concrete in your regular garbage service. Most collectors will not take it. You can arrange for a dumpster through a trash pickup service, but be sure to tell them that you need it for concrete, and find out how much you can fill the dumpster.

Can you remove concrete chunks?

The size of the chunks you remove is limited by your ability to lift and dispose of the concrete. If you cannot lift heavy loads, break the concrete up into small pieces of rubble.

Can you use a jackhammer to break up concrete?

Not only that, wielding the jackhammer can be a tough task on its own. Instead, many homeowners choose to break their concrete in a more leisurely and less expensive fashion with a sledgehammer. The trick to breaking up concrete is to dig underneath the slab before hitting it with the hammer.

Conditions Calling For Concrete Removal and Replacement

See more on concretenetwork.com

Permit Requirements For Concrete Demolition

Avoiding Hazards During Concrete Removal