While concrete is well-known as a relatively inexpensive and long-lasting building material, the reality is that it doesn't last forever. Concrete will generally stay stable and look fantastic for decades, despite being exposed to the elements. However, eventually, all concrete will inevitably start to decay.
Once your backyard's concrete patio starts the decaying process, in just a couple of years it will change from smooth and beautiful to a crumbly eyesore.
If your home's old concrete patio has seen better days and you've decided to remove it, then you have a couple of different options.
The best option depends primarily on two factors:
- the size of the concrete slab to be removed
- your budget for the removal process
To this end, here are your removal options:
Break Out the Concrete Slab and Dispose of the Waste Material Yourself
If your patio is on the smaller size or if you don't have the funds for professional removal, then you can always break up the concrete slab yourself. However, other than the sheer brute force needed to break the concrete into workable pieces, you will also need to dispose of the concrete pieces at your local landfill.
It's important to note that if you do decide to remove the patio yourself, then you must use an appropriate-size sledgehammer for your strength and body weight. Using a sledgehammer that's too large or heavy is a safety hazard. And, the last thing you want is to end up in the emergency room with a leg or back injury.
In addition, rather than just swinging wildly at the concrete slab and using brute strength to break it, instead, dig out the dirt under where you will be working. This provides a void under the slab and will make it a whole lot easier to fracture.
Hire a Concrete Cutting and Removal Service
If you don't have the strength or desire to remove the aging patio yourself or if it is excessively large, then hiring a concrete cutting and removal service is your absolute best option.
Professional concrete removal services use large saws to cut the concrete into manageable sections for removal.
Concrete saws use diamond blades and easily cut through concrete. Often, these specialty saws are mounted on large walk-behind frames. This allows the operator to push the saw over the slab just like you would use a lawnmower to mow your lawn.
Finally, if you opt for a professional removal, then the concrete contractor will dispose of the unwanted concrete chunks.
For more information, contact a local concrete cutting service.
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