6 Tips for Easy DIY Concrete Removal

Concrete is a simple but attractive material to add to any home. From commercial buildings to classy homes, concrete can blend into any setting. However, there comes a day when this sturdy material starts to crack and break. It’s an absolute eyesore! 

In that case, homeowners have no option but to hire contractors for concrete removal in Melbourne. However, some people dare to make it a DIY project, whether because of a budget constraint or some other reason. Truth be told, it’s not going to be an easy job if you go for DIY. 

Nevertheless, here are some tips to help you manage your concrete removal project efficiently. 

1. Check the Project Scope

People often start breaking away their concrete only to realise there are utility pipes under those slabs. It’ll be a major problem if that happens. So, before anything else, you need to confirm if any pipes are running under the concrete slabs. 

If yes, it’s a no-brainer; go for professional concrete removal in Melbourne. Otherwise, it can be too complicated to manage it by yourself.

On the other hand, you can try to DIY if it’s only concrete and there are no complex factors involved, such as pipes. 

2. Gather the Tools

Now the big question—how do you even begin breaking up the concrete? What tool should you rent?

For starters, get a jackhammer. It’s a hammering tool used for breaking the concrete surface into small and manageable pieces. It is best for large and thick concrete slabs; if the surface is not that thick or large, you can also go for a sledgehammer. 

Along with the hammer, you will also need a heavy-duty wheelbarrow to carry the concrete debris away from the site. Consider renting a construction dumpster as well. 

Beyond all this, try to have another pair of hands on the job. Concrete removal is a physically demanding job, so having help is safe and better. 

Tip: If you are going to hire a professional to pour new concrete over it, it’s better to let them handle the removal of old concrete as well. 

3. Do not Skip Safety Gear

Do not forget to wear safety gear no matter how small the project is. Removing concrete can get messy and dangerous as pieces of sharp concrete shards may come flying at you. Thus, you must protect yourself from any potential hazards.

Some basic gear you should wear:

• Safety goggles
• Respiratory mask
• Steel-toe boots
• Hard hat
• Appropriate clothing

You will find all these in any hardware store in your area, or you can even get them online. 

4. Put Your Concrete to the Test

You know what tools to get for your concrete removal project, but did you check if they suit you and your project? 

As you know, you need to get a sledgehammer for thinner concrete slabs than 4 inches, while a jackhammer for slabs more than that. You can check what tool is apt with a simple test. 

In this test, you will first take a sledgehammer and try to break the surface in any discreet corner. If it’s not making much impact even after a few minutes, it is safe to say that your surface is thicker than 4 inches. Hence, you will need a powered jackhammer. 

5. Think Out the Disposal

After hammering away at your old concrete surface, you will have a lot of debris generated. It will be all over the place, so you should think about the disposal plan even before starting the work. 

It can appear rather tempting to dump it all in the garbage can after toiling all day and breaking the concrete. But refrain from doing so. You have other solutions to dispose of the concrete debris responsibly. Here are some ideas:

• Repurpose the broken concrete pieces for a raised garden bed in your yard. Recycled concrete can be put to use once again in numerous ways. 
• Contact your lock concrete removal company, and they will come to pick it up for you. 
• Haul it to a landfill yourself.
• Seek a concrete recycling company, and they will take it away to use it in other construction projects. 
• Find a construction dumpster rental near you. 

All these make for responsible disposal of concrete debris. You’ve got to do it right until the end if you want to DIY.

6. Control the Concrete Dust

Concrete dust carries crystalline silica, which can become trapped in the lungs and cause silicosis, a lung disease if breathed. Hence, in addition to wearing protective gear, you may spritz water on them to reduce the dust. 

To hold dust and concrete until you are ready to pry it, you may also cover your work surface with a 6-millimetre plastic polythene sheet.

These tips ensure less mess and more comfort. 

Conclusion

You might be excited about this DIY project, but before you start, consider asking for a friend’s help. Concrete removal is not a single-person job; no matter how small the area is, it can be utterly taxing. 

Then, one of you can break the surface while the other pry and haul it away. This also significantly speeds up the whole procedure. 

Nevertheless, we recommend you go for professional concrete removal to ensure more effective removal and disposal. It will be too overwhelming for a non-professional. 

PS Concrete Removal is a reliable provider in this field. Whatever your requirements may be—pool, driveway, or any other concrete removal—they can provide you with a worry-free service. 

We hope this blog post helps you with your DIY project.