Some people think that hiring a contractor to handle concrete cutting and drilling as well as concrete removal is not necessary, that it is something they can do themselves but this is not the case. There is a lot more to concrete removal and such than people realize, it takes planning carefully, having the proper equipment and safety gear and certain knowledge and skill. Here is what the process looks like whether handling residential or commercial concrete cutting and removal.
- Know what you are doing – Before you start using a sledgehammer on your old patio it is important to make sure certain things are true. That there are no cables or wires running beneath it for example. Professionals that handle concrete removal would know what to investigate.
- Use the right gear – This means being safe. Proper professionals should have steel-toe boots, earmuffs, gloves, safety glasses and so on.
- Have the proper equipment – Some tools are great for concrete removal and for concrete cutting and drilling and some are not. That is why a professional makes sense, they have the proper equipment and know how to use it correctly and safely. Things like sledgehammers, jackhammers, drills, crowbars and such for removal. Using the wrong tools or not using them properly is dangerous and can make the job take longer than necessary.
- The area should be properly prepared – Concrete being removed or cut can cause chunks to fly around so steps need to be taken to protect property nearby. Cover windows in plastic and protect things with sheets from the dust you will see.
- Start beaking the concrete – In order to remove concrete it needs to be broken into smaller pieces that are easier to handle. Often professionals will begin at a corner and then operate in a grid formation.
- Take care of reinforcements – Often concrete has rebar, which is reinforcing steel. In order to handle it they will need to use something like bolt cutters for thin cables and an angle grinder for the thicker ones.
- Prying concrete that is not yet loose – Even when smashed some bits might stay lodged in and will need to be pried out.
- Use a wheelbarrow to remove the loose pieces – A heavy-duty wheelbarrow is best to handle the kind of weight concrete and steel come with. Make sure protective gloves are used and make sure they do not overload the wheelbarrow as that can cause injury. Renting a skip or trash container might be a good idea if it is a larger piece of concrete that needs removing.
- Make sure they are taken to the right place – Concrete should be dumped in regulated places so make sure that is the case.
Summary
While some people might be able to handle some of the work with concrete removal, it is easier, quicker and safer to call in concrete cutting and drilling and removal specialists. Doing it yourself is physically hard work and time-consuming. The money you might save just is not worth it for commercial and residential needs.
