how to demolish concrete

HOW TO DEMOLISH CONCRETEYou can demolish concrete by yourself with the right equipment and know-how.

STEP 1: RESEARCH

Before you start breaking up concrete, you need to know: What you will do with the space, If there are any utility lines around or

below where you will be working, What method you will use, Where to take the pieces of concrete.Find out the answers to these questions before you start to work.

STEP 2: PROTECTION

Wear appropriate attire that will protect your body from flying pieces of concrete, excessive dust inhalation, and possible shrapnel-like shards.

Wear gloves, goggles, steel-toed boots, and long clothing.

STEP 3: PREPARE

Prepare the area by laying plastic over the concrete you’re going to demolish, or cover surrounding objects including windows, wall siding, and any exposed objects.

Keep children and pets out of the area.

STEP 4: TOOLS

Depending on the concrete structure or slab you are demolishing you may need the following: 12 lb sledge hammer Long crow bar Wire cutters Electric jackhammer Demolition hammer Reciprocating saw Mattock

STEP 5: MEASURE

If you only want to remove a small portion of the concrete, measure what you want to get rid of and what will stay.

STEP 6: DEMOLISH

When you begin to demolish the concrete, work from the outside to the middle, breaking up pieces by hammering 3-8 inches from the edge.

Use the crow bar and mattock to split pieces apart and remove them from the area.

STEP 8: CLEAN UP

Sometimes there is a significant amount of clean up after demolition depending on your structure.

Be sure you remove any metal wires or barbs from the area to make it safe for children and pets again.

STEP 7: DISPOSAL

Dispose of concrete at a local dump or in special dumpsters as available.

Be sure to find out if there are disposal fees beforehand.

MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

These instructions are meant for simple demolition projects. For heavy concrete demolition, contact concrete demolition contractors. Concrete demolition services may also be easier, faster, and safer than doing it on your own, depending on the project.

Contact A-Core at http://www.a-core.com for an estimate on your concrete demolition project.