Sachin

Before you tackle any project such as removing concrete slabs you will need to assess whether or not there is any structural risk in taking this action. For example, are you trying to remove the concrete slab in a basement? If so, what will you do to provide structural support to the rest of the house above? Perhaps you have some support beams in place. If not, you will need to ensure enough support so you do risk the integrity of the building above by your actions.

However, the concrete slab may only be a back patio slab that has eroded and dropped, or a driveway that has dropped a few inches or cracked and shifted. If so, this type of project will be much easier as you won't have to worry about supporting any structures above it. You will need to evaluate the types of tools needed and whether or not you will easily be able to get rid of the excess cement or garbage you create from your activities.

If you are looking to only remove a portion of the slab you might be able to get away with using a hand grinder. If the removal is that small, you might be able to get away with just that. But if you are looking to remove an entire driveway or patio, you have a couple options. The first is to bust it up using a sledgehammer. This will prove to be time consuming and back breaking. As long as the slab isn't overly large you might be able to withstand the stress to your muscles and back. However, you should also look to rent a jackhammer to break up the slab more completely. To be most effective with the jackhammer, start from the outside of the slab and work your way in. This will help the slab break apart easier. One helpful tip, too, is to use and asphalt time rather than a cement tip. The cement tips tend to break the cement up into really small pieces. Where as the asphalt tip will break it up into bigger chunks.

Since there will be lots of refuse, probably much more than you intended prior to starting your project, in order to properly remove all the garbage from the job site it would be a good idea to rent a dumpster. This will prevent you from having to either haul away your garbage or fill your home garbage cans. Also, because it is so heavy you would either have many trips to the dump or need to parse out the garbage in your home cans over the course of time. Most garbage trucks will not take it away if you fill your can, as it will be too heavy to lift.

Other useful items will include safety gear: eye protection, supportive and protective shoes, gloves and back support. Though you may choose the option of renting an air jack hammer you should consider also keeping a sledge hammer on hand in the event it could be useful for a few small breaks. In addition, keeping a crow bar on hand will be a great help to reach under and break apart some of the already cracked or broken pieces.

One last bit of advice before starting any project that breaks up slabs. Contact the utility department prior to beginning your job, as it would be terrible to inadvertently hit a utility line and require a restoration of service.

Written by Robert Thompson, owner of TLC Lawncare & Landscaping, where they are one of the preferred concrete contractors in Columbia, MO has to offer. When it comes to decorative or stamped patios, TLC is here to help!