What To Know About Concrete Removal

Do You Need To Remove Concrete?

Concrete is a strong and long-lasting material, but for a variety of reasons, it can sometimes wear out and may need to be removed. Of course, that's not always the case, and with minor patches, chips, cracks, and other problems, concrete can often be effectively repaired and last a long time.

But if a concrete walkway, patio, foundation pier, or something else has deteriorated beyond repair, it is time to look into removal (and ultimately, replacement). Read on to learn a little more about what goes into the concrete removal process.

Reasons To Remove Concrete

You may have noticed damage to a concrete structure on your property: cracks, sinking, unevenness, or other signs of structural damage. But you may be wondering whether a repair is possible, or removal is in order.



Here are a few signs that your concrete structure may need to be removed:

• Severe sinking: If a concrete slab has notably begun to sink, that is a clear sign that removal may be needed. Before re-pouring concrete, you will also want to be sure the ground is stabilized, to prevent this from happening again in the future.
• Frost heave: In cold climates, frost can push concrete structures upward, knocking them out of place. This is generally a clear sign that removal is needed.
• Deep cracks: If a deep crack appears in a concrete structure, it is often a sign of a load that is too heavy, or soil problems. In most cases, this will ultimately be a cause for removal.

Removal Costs

If it is determined that concrete must be removed, the next step is deciding how to do it. The DIY route may have apparent advantages in labor savings, but if you lack the experience or machinery, the time and necessary equipment — including demolition tools, dumpsters, and other clean-up materials — will add up. Moreover, there may be attendant needs, like providing temporary support to a structure before new concrete is poured.

In general, the cost of a demolition project can sometimes reach $2000 (or higher, if it is a particularly large or complex job). A number of factors can ultimately affect the cost of concrete removal.

Square Footage

The size of the concrete to be removed will be one of the principal factors in determining cost. Obviously, costs will rise as the size of a project grows larger.

Age

New concrete tends to be stronger than older concrete — and consequently, harder to remove. Part of this is due to changing concrete formulas. This will affect both the cost, needed supplies, and timeline for your removal project.

Reinforcement Elements

Concrete that has been reinforced with rebar and/or wire mesh will take longer to remove, and may require more specialized tools to complete the job.

Location

Concrete structures that are more accessible will naturally be easier, and generally more affordable, to remove. A set of outdoor steps, for instance, will typically be an easier and cheaper job that removing a concrete footing.

Why To Hire a Professional

Many property owners feel that demolishing is relatively simple, and that hiring a professional would be a waste of money. In fact, the opposite is often true. Professional contractors with expertise in concrete have both the skills and equipment to get a concrete removal job done rapidly and safely. The amount of time spent by a typical property owner on removing concrete, plus the costs of purchasing or renting necessary equipment, can frequently exceed the costs of having a professional do the work — and in many cases, the result will not be as clean.

Contact Us

RTS Construction is a general contracting company with extensive experience in concrete installation, removal, and other work. For concrete removal or other relevant work, contact RTS Construction online or at (707) 318-4430.