So you want to know how to break up thick concrete slabs yourself? Our hats go off to you! We do this for a living and still sometimes struggle with certain types of concrete.
While we do not recommend doing the back-breaking chore of concrete removal yourself, we understand that there are a lot of DIY superman’s that will try it anyway.
Let’s take a look at the bare minimum equipment you will need to get the job done first.
What you need for thick concrete slab demolition
- Electric Concrete Breaker
- Sledge hammer
- Pry bars
- Safety Gloves, Boots, Goggles, Dust mask
- Wheelbarrow
- Shovel
- Disposal Bin
*You can also get chemicals that you can use on concrete to make them easier to break up. This can be an expensive option though.
Here’s How To Break Up Thick Concrete Slabs
Ok, now that you have all of the tools, let get cracking (pun intended). Before you tart, make sure that you have all of the safety equipment. This is a dangerous job so it’s absolutely essential you wear everything.
Undermine The Slab
You will want to dig underneath the slab so that it isn’t sitting steadily on a foundation. This will make the breaking up of it a lot easier. Removing it’s foundation will weaken the concrete slab as the shockwaves created by the drill will rupture the concrete more easily.
Start Drilling
To begin with, you will need to use your electric concrete breaker. Make sure that you follow the instructions keeping a safe distance at all times. We like to start in the middle of the concrete slab because sometimes it can break up nicely for us. If that’s not possible, start where the slab has no foundation underneath and work your way through it.
Use The Pry Bar To help Move It
The pry bar is used for manoeuvring the concrete slab into a position where you can use the drill effectively. This will keep you from destroying your hands, but it also makes picking the slab up more easily too.
Break Into Small Pieces
Don’t try to be a hero. break up the concrete slabs down so that picking them up isn’t too tasking on your back. The last thing you need is a back injury and it’s incredibly easy to do in this job. We are the kings of back pain, trust us…You don’t want it!
Transfer The Concrete
We personally use small bins and wheelbarrows to transport the concrete to a skip or to our vehicle. It’s up to you how you dispose of the concrete but most recycling centres won’t allow certain amounts of concrete without a waste carriers licence. For the average consumer, skip hire is probably your best option (except for us of course).
Disposing of the concrete is one of the biggest headaches for the public. You need a waste carriers licence for larger amounts, and even small projects can be difficult to get rid of as well.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Concrete removal is not an easy task by any means which is why we keep so busy. Many of our customers have attempted the jobs themselves only to give up and call us. And there is absolutely no shame in that!
We specialise in this kind of work for a reason. It’s hard work, not for the faint-hearted. While we love our job, our team are fully trained and equipped to get it done the right way.
If you are struggling with your concrete removal chore, give us a call and we will get it sorted for you.