Using high-grade materials during a construction project is crucial. When using quality materials, you can avoid short-term repair issues and problems. As time goes by, even the most durable building materials will start to show signs of wear.
There might come a time when a concrete slab or foundation needs to be removed and replaced due to damage. Every year, over 600 million tons of construction and demolition debris are produced in the United States. A large portion of this debris is concrete.
If you are looking for more information about the concrete removal and replacement process, you’ve come to the right place.
What Conditions Call For Concrete Removal?
Most home and commercial building owners are familiar with things like concrete patching compounds and resurfacing products. While these elements can be used to fix minor concrete repair issues, they are ineffective against serious problems. There are many conditions where patches and resurfacing products will act as a short-term solution.
Rather than spending money on the wrong solutions, you need to remove and replace severely damaged concrete. The most common conditions that have to be fixed with concrete removal and replacement include:
- Slabs that are pitted or spalling
- Widespread and deep cracks in the concrete
- Signs of frost heave
- Sunken concrete slabs
Seeking out the second opinion of a concrete professional is the best way to choose the best method to fix the problems you’re experiencing.
Methods Used To Demolish Concrete
If you and a concrete professional decide that removing your existing concrete is a good idea, selecting the right method to use is the next step. The methods used to demolish concrete surfaces include:
- Hydraulic Breakers- Boom-mounted hydraulic breakers are used to demolish things like concrete bridge decks, pavement and structure foundations.
- Pressure Bursting- This method provides a dust-free and quiet concrete demolition process. Once the surface is split, mechanical components are used to widen the cracks and break up the concrete.
- Dismantling- This process involves cutting the concrete and removing the pieces with a crane. Things like water-jetting and thermic lancing are used to carry out this method of concrete demolition.
The method used for your concrete demolition project will depend on many factors. By working with a concrete professional, you can assess the best way to accomplish your demolition and removal goals.
DIY Demolition is a Bad Idea
One of the worst things you can do when confronted with severe concrete problems is handle them on your own. Some people think that a sledgehammer is all they need to remove a concrete surface. In reality, this process requires specialized equipment and in-depth knowledge. Without these two elements, you will be at risk of injury.
The best thing you can do is to hire a professional to handle this work. They will have the tools and experience needed to get the results you want in no time.
If you are in need of assistance with your concrete project, the professionals at Griffin Contracting are here to help.