Doing concrete demolition Brisbane on your own can save you lots of money. But, if you are
hiring a professional contractor to pour concrete, doing the task yourself can actually cost you more the moment you pay the
disposal costs. Just compare the costs of what the contractor would charge for
removal with removing it yourself.
Jackhammer or Sledge
The
easy way to decide whether to use a jackhammer or sledgehammer for your concrete demolition Brisbane is to try both tools before you start a full-scale
demolition. Take several whacks at the slab with a sledgehammer. You will then
know whether it is a job for a jackhammer or a sledge
after. You may rent an electric jackhammer to make your job easier. It can be
time-consuming, but it is easier on the body.
You
can rent a pneumatic jackhammer if your
slab is big or extra thick. It is more powerful than an electric jackhammer.
But, it can be heavy and difficult to handle. Do not immediately assume that
you should rent this, as it can overkill for the majority of home concrete
breakup projects.
Know Your Disposal
Method
Determine
your disposal options in advance because concrete cannot go in the trash can. You
can find some concrete recyclers who accept it for free or charge a small fee
for every load. If the concrete contains steel mesh or rebar, most concrete
recyclers add an extra charge. But, you will not know if your concrete has
metal in it until you break them apart. Note that the standard 12 x 14-ft. patio can weigh up to 5,000 lbs. It means you will need at least three trips and pay
the charges for three loads, even if you are using a 1-ton pickup truck.
Cover the Slab
Avoid
flying shards of concrete by using a sheet of plastic. Concrete shrapnel can break
windows and damage siding, not to mention hard to clean up.
Flying
chunks of concrete can damage siding, break glass or cause injury and cut. Roll
6-mil polyethylene over your sidewalk or patio, instead of setting up plywood
to protect siding and windows. Leave it in place as you use a hammer or a jackhammer.
The sheeting traps the dust and catches the shrapnel. Make sure to watch your
step as you walk on the sheeting, as poly can be quite slippery.
Pry and Hammer
After
covering the slab with plastic, do not immediately start whaling away. The sand
base below the slab will absorb the energy from every blow. You will just find yourself exhausted. Instead of
forming deep cracks, you may also pulverize the top layer of the slab.
The
key to a fast and easy job is a two-person team; one using a jackhammer or sledge, the other one is using a 5- to 6-ft.long
pry bar. Begin at the corners and continue inward. Do your next hit a few
inches away if the concrete does not crack at the first blow. It is not
advisable to hit the same spot twice. It will just
chip the surface, forming a cushion of
fine rubble over the slab. This can make
it more difficult to break.