Whether you’ve noticed it or not, concrete is everywhere in our lives. Look at your driveway, your patio, and sidewalks. Concrete is all over and we hardly notice it throughout our day since it’s such a common material now. Despite seeing it constantly, we often forget that the material can break and needs to be repaired. There are even times when concrete needs to be removed entirely, but before you hire a company to do this you’ll need to understand how concrete is removed and the cost associated with it.
If you need concrete removed, it’s likely due to the concrete being cracked and beyond repair, or sunken into itself. At this point, replacing the concrete is the best course of action. Repairs are an option if the concrete hasn’t cracked beyond repair or has only cracked once, but eventually replacing the concrete should be done.
Removing concrete should be done by a demolition company like RKS Services Group Inc, since this is a form of demolition. Most demolition services offer concrete removal which allows for the demolishing of the concrete and full removal. This is highly recommended for efficiency and environmental purposes. Concrete being removed often means it’s beyond repair, and a demolition company removing it can demolish the concrete down to gravel which is a material in high demand and used consistently in construction projects.
How Does Concrete Removal Work?
Before doing a self-diagnosis on whether concrete needs removal or not, having a city inspector come in to see if utility lines are running through/under the concrete must happen. This needs to be done as to not damage any utility lines and avoid them during the project. Damaging a utility line can be expensive and hurt your wallet more than a few cracks in your concrete ever could.
Hiring a demolition contractor helps speed this process up since they can get the appropriate authorities to inspect the area before the removal begins. When you employ demolition services it often means they’ll go through the process of obtaining the necessary permits for you. Save yourself some time and hire a demolition company to do this for you.
Demolition companies begin demolishing concrete after attaining the necessary permits, and this means coming in with machinery to destroy the concrete down to gravel. The most often used equipment for this are sledgehammers, jackhammers, and excavators. Sledgehammers and jackhammers are handheld primarily but can be put as attachments onto specific excavators.
Sledgehammer
Sledgehammers are normally the go-to for destroying concrete for removal. A big swing and concrete can be cracked easily. These are mainly used by DIY’ers since they’re easy to acquire. Most demolition companies have them on hand as well, but if there’s ever a deadline then machinery that requires operation by a qualified worker is used.
Jackhammer
Jackhammers are a great example. The versatility of a jackhammer comes in handy since they’re automatic and operated by air compression, so it’s just a matter of understanding how to safely operate the equipment. The drill bits on the end are often interchangeable which allows for different types of demolition of the concrete. Using a wide chisel, a narrow chisel or a pointed chisel are all an option with jackhammers.
Excavators
Excavators are larger machinery that is driven by qualified workers and can speed up the demolition process of concrete removal exponentially. Different types of excavators can be used such as bobcats, or backhoes. Either one can be used for concrete removal, but a bobcat is mainly used in residential while backhoes are used in commercial demolition due to being larger.
Bobcats come in different shapes and sizes but the two most commonly used are skid-steer loaders which are great for bucket attachments (making cleanup of a concrete removal easier), and compact excavators which are great for larger concrete removals. Both Bobcats have attachment options for demolition work such as
Breakers: For breaking up hard surfaces like concrete
Bucket Grapple: Scooping up waste
Fork Grapple: Allows for scooping demolition waste, while letting small debris fall through to ease debris sorting for waste management.
Angle Broom: Used for cleaning dirt and small debris.
Augur: Used for digging holes quickly and accurately.
Using a handheld or not, all professional demolition companies make sure workers and the public surrounding are kept safe from the site. They fence off the area to keep the public safe, and all workers are required to wear the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) to work in this environment. These sites end up with a large amount of dust and debris in the air, and wearing the proper PPE to protect oneself is important to keep risks to health and safety to a minimum.
PPE commonly used are the basics like safety goggles, work gloves, and steel-toe boots. Respirators are often worn as well due to a large amount of dust upheaval during a concrete demolition. Wearing the proper PPE should never be skipped, as the health and safety hazards present in a concrete removal site are high. Demolition companies know how to properly navigate these sites safely and efficiently, which further enforces why professional demolition services should be employed for concrete removal.
Concrete Waste Management
Disposing of waste properly after a concrete removal is crucial in the demolition process. Demolition companies often have their channels to go through to dispose of the waste and include the cleanup of the site within their demolition services. Recycling the concrete for reuse into gravel is most often done and can save you money with the costs returned from recycling the debris. Having a dumpster on hand helps for waste management. Renting one out for your project is an option, but a demolition company will have one ready for you with this type of project.
Overall Average Cost of Concrete Removal
Concrete removal prices vary depending on the location, square footage, and type of concrete being removed. On average, Ontario concrete removal costs on average between $2 – $6 per square foot. This is a good basis to go off but be sure to factor in where the concrete is located and how complex the project is.
A full driveway concrete removal may end up costing up to $8 per square foot, depending on how accessible the site is and how large the driveway is. It’s best to find out the square footage of your site first, then contact a demolition company for a quote on your project. Professional demolition companies often have free quotes along with their services, so you know what you’re going to be paying. Be sure to contact your local demolition contractor for a free quote to determine the cost.
Concrete removal is a simple job that requires the demolition and removal of the concrete, but the process of commencing the “simple” job can be a long one if you don’t understand how it works. Knowing how concrete is removed and the costs associated can give you a better idea of what you’re going to be employing your local demolition company for. Contact your local demolition contractor for more information on their demolition services associated with concrete removal, and find the best plan for your next project.
