No one likes to see cracks and fissures on the walls or floors of their house. It goes against every interior designer’s guidebook. Not to mention, it can also be a safety hazard. For instance, an uneven pathway can cause you to trip on your feet, leading to a nasty fall. Perhaps you, too, had a little accident on the driveway, your feet getting mixed up on the cracked concrete floor. Maybe that’s what made you want to break it up once and for all. But how do you break up concrete? Can you even do it on your own? Or do you need an expert to step in?
Can You Break Up Concrete on Your Own?
Technically, you can, but that doesn’t mean you should. There are many factors that you need to weigh in and take note of before starting such a project.
Breaking slabs of concrete doesn’t sound half as bad. After all, you just have to smash it into pieces, right?
It’s due to this that many people forget to take safety precautions beforehand. That is to say, rather than cluelessly jumping into your toolbox, ask yourself the following questions first:
- Is the slab of concrete thick, or is it less than 4 inches in thickness?
If the concrete is less than 4 inches, go ahead and get your tools! But if the slab is wider, it’s going to require professional tools and strategy to break apart. - Is the concrete you’re working on reinforced?
Reinforced concrete isn’t bad, but depending on the reinforcement used, it can make your job easier or more difficult. For instance, if the concrete is combined with mesh, that’ll be easier to break up. However, if it has bars or metal rods inside, you’ll have to contact a professional demolition company. - Are there any utility lines running underneath the concrete?
Make sure there are no important utility lines or pipes below the layer of your concrete. If you’re not sure of what lies underneath, reach out to your local utility service provider for more information.
How to Break Up Concrete?
Once you’ve taken care of all the little irregularities, it’s time to find out how to break up concrete properly. Although it might not seem like it, the tool you use plays a major role in how well the concrete comes apart.
Nevertheless, mentioned below are some methods you can experiment with to ensure your project goes well:
- Use a rotary or jackhammer
- Opt for a digging bar
- Use a sledgehammer for thinner cement slabs.
- Try a chemical like expanding grout to soften the hard cement.
- Hire professional construction & demolition experts.
Once you select the tool, make sure to dig under the concrete and strike with all your energy. If there are any stubborn pieces, pry them away with your hands. However, for larger chunks, use a trolley or hand truck to easily wheel them out.
Final Words
To conclude, there are many ways you can break up cement. It just depends on how you do it. Nonetheless, if you’d like more information or advice on the matter, contact Lima Demolition & Cleaning Services at (832) 405-6296. You can also get in touch by visiting our office at 28664 Kyle Dr, Waller, TX 77484.