Concrete Removal

Concrete Removal

 

According to the state of the concrete foundation, it can be either be demolished or repaired. There are many products in the market that enable an easy repair job so your concrete will last for a longer period. However, certain conditions make it impossible for the concrete to be repaired, instead owners are advised to remove and replace the concrete. The use of a patching compound and a resurfacing product will only provide a short-term fix .It will not be too long before the new surface will begin to resemble the old one in all its defects.

 

When you notice specific signs of degradation, it better to have the concrete structure demolished and replaced with a new one. Usually most contractors will have to break it up to about 2 foot pieces to transport and dump it. A concrete contractor doing it preparatory to placing a new concrete drive will mostly use a jackhammer or a hammer on a bobcat

The most obvious conditions that  demand a good demolition are:

Deep widespread cracks: Due to the weight of large trunks, erosion of subgrade, improper preparation of subgrade or any other reason, wide and deep cracks form on the concrete. Patching does not work very well especially when the cracks are wide, deep and uneven (majority on one side).

Patching can work successfully if the cracks are only on the surface or the cracks are very thin and leveled, so there is no settlement.

Sunken concrete slabs: Loose dirt has been used for the sub grade or the sub grade has not been prepared properly, in both cases the concrete slabs will have sunk.  Sometimes sprinkler or rainwater has seeped under the concrete to upset its support, causing the structure to sink. Additionally, it is possible that the concrete will sink if the sub grade is compacted and the concrete is subjected to extreme weight.

Sometimes the position of the concrete slab can be fixed by use of special equipment

Frost Heave: In cold climate, moisture percolates into the spaces in the ground under the concrete and freezes, pushing the concrete up creating uneven surfaces.

Spalling: If the concrete slab is showing severe signs of spalling and pitting, then it is better to just have the slab demolished and fitted with a new one. Resurfacing will simply take more time and will not be strong.

There are a number of other reasons for concrete to be removed on a project.

Plans to add a commercial or residential building require the removal of concrete that will hinder the development of the addition.

The entire structure including the concrete is slated to be removed.

A faulty concrete structure makes it necessary for the owner to tear it out and replace it.

Old curbing has to be replaced by new ones for street improvements, road widening etc.

Crumbling concrete walkways have to be replaced.

It is prudence on the part of the owner to ensure the concrete is recycled at appropriate recycling facilities. Concrete ending up in the landfill will not be of any use to anybody and will only be marked as waste. Concrete recyclers crush old and cracked concrete slabs into aggregates for new cement. Therefore, responsibility dictates that after replacement of concrete slabs, recycling is a must.