Before you begin, you should know what you can and cannot do with the concrete you have on your property. For instance, it’s illegal to dump concrete in your regular rubbish bin because it is considered a building material. It may be acceptable to take it to a council tip, but you’ll probably have to pay a fee for the service. Additionally, if the concrete has steel mesh, rebar or other metal, you’ll have to pay extra for this service.
Before you start removing the concrete from your property, you should contact the local Building Department to obtain the necessary permits. If necessary, you should also discuss the process with your contractor. Concrete removal is most effective during dry and temperate weather, so it’s best to schedule the work when the weather is the right temperature for such activities. Be sure to wear protective equipment that covers your entire body, including face masks and safety glasses. You should also be sure to remove any loose clothing or jewelry, as it could get caught in machinery and block your vision. Finally, make sure to keep everyone else out of the area, and always check your PPE before beginning any concrete removal work.
While a hammer is an excellent tool to use for breaking up smaller chunks of concrete, be careful to be aware of the reinforcing steel mesh. This will double the amount of time it takes to break out a slab. To avoid breaking a slab into large pieces, try to clear away the rubble around it first. After that, you should try to break off smaller pieces of concrete to make the task easier.
Using a jackhammer is the most popular way to remove concrete. A jackhammer is a powerful tool, so it is best used only when it is safe for nearby structures. The hammer can cause damage to water pipes, so be sure not to use it anywhere near them. While using a jackhammer, it’s also important to clean up the surrounding area. The resulting dust and noise can be hazardous to nearby structures.
If the concrete slab is too small to remove with a hammer, a power drill is an effective option. If the slab is four inches or thick, you’ll need a powerful power drill or a hydraulic breaker. However, if you’re working on larger slabs, you’ll need a combination of these tools, including a bolt cutter and an electric saw. Remember to check for pipes and rebar before starting the demolition process, or else you’ll risk damage to the concrete.
Taking the concrete away is a difficult task, so it’s important to get the right tools. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, you may want to hire a professional. If you can’t break up the concrete, you might want to use a six-millimeter plastic polythene sheet and plastic gloves to protect your clothes from the concrete dust. A strong, sturdy pry bar will make removing concrete easier.
