How to Remove Thick Concrete From Your Yard
If you want to remove thick concrete from your yard, it’s important to know how to do it safely and effectively. This is especially true if the concrete is old or has been damaged from weather and erosion.
Concrete can be difficult to remove because it is usually thick and hard to break up manually without the right tools. However, with the right equipment and skills you can do this project on your own or with a small crew.
The first step is to assess the area where you need to work. This will help you determine the best type of tool and how to use it correctly. You’ll also need to decide if you need any permits or clearances.
Make a detailed analysis of the type of concrete you are working with and choose your tools accordingly. Once you have decided on the tools, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store.
A rotary hammer is a great tool for breaking up concrete. Its a versatile tool that can be used to break up a variety of different types of concrete. You’ll also need a pair of saws to cut off pieces of the concrete that are too large for the hammer to handle.
Another useful tool for breaking up concrete is an angle grinder. This tool is often recommended for use with concrete that has been cast thickly and is difficult to break up by hand. It can be used to drill holes that are deep into the concrete to weaken it and make it easier to break up.
To use the grinder, you’ll need to wear a respirator and protective gear, as well as safety glasses. The blade on the grinder can be sharp and can cut through materials, so you need to keep it away from yourself at all times.
It is also helpful to have a mattock or similar tool on hand that you can use to separate pieces of the concrete from each other. These are handy when the concrete is stuck together or if you have a lot of work to do.
The second way to break up a slab of concrete is to use a sledgehammer. This is a good option if the concrete is less than three inches thick and you can do it by yourself.
When using a sledgehammer, it’s important to start striking the concrete from the edge and then work inward. Never strike the same spot twice. This will cause smaller shards to fly up at you, which can be dangerous.
Using a sledgehammer to break up concrete requires a bit of practice. Keeping a consistent rhythm will help you to finish the job quickly. It’s also recommended that you pull out chunks of the broken concrete as you go.
For faster results, try breaking up the slab in a two-person system: One person uses a hammer and the other uses a long pry bar (sometimes called a San Angelo bar; Photo 2).
When breaking up concrete, it’s essential to have a strong team of people on your side. Take breaks frequently and make sure you’re properly hydrated and fed during the demolition process. If you’re working on a very large slab of concrete, it might be best to rent a pneumatic jackhammer. These are available from rental centers or home improvement stores and come with a hose and bits. They are more powerful than an electric jackhammer, but they can be heavy and aren’t necessary for most home breakup projects.
