Breaking Concrete
Breaking concrete manually is never an easy task hence why many people ask for professional help or rent a jackhammer to finish the task. Though there are various stores that offer jackhammer rentals, it can get expensive when the project goes on for a long time.
Also, you need to wield the jackhammer which can be a tough task especially if you’re not used to using it. This is why many homeowners choose to use the traditional method of breaking concrete which is by using a sledgehammer as it is more affordable and easy to use.
The key to breaking concrete is by digging under the slab before you hit it using a hammer. When you undermine the concrete, it removes its external support hence makes the material more vulnerable to break and crack.
For those who have small slabs of concrete, you can ask for help by asking someone to pry the slab up a few inches by using a demolition bar while you strike it with a hammer. Prying has the same effect as digging under the slab. You can also try prying up a slab and then placing a rock or piece of lumber under it to hold it up above the ground.
Before You Start
Make sure to Call 8-1-1, the number for the national “Call Before You Dig” hotline, before you start working on this project. They will mark all the underground utility lines in your area. This is to check if there are electrical, water, and gas lines that run under your concrete structures.
BTW, if you are interested in topics like this, check out this article.
Materials You’ll Need
To make things easier, gather all the materials and equipment you’ll need for the project. Below is a list of what you’ll need.
- Water
- Garden hose
- 8- or 10-pound sledgehammer
- Pry bar
- Hand truck
- Eye protection
- Work gloves
- Shovel
- Pickax
Steps to Follow
1. Start Digging Underneath
The first step you need to do is start digging under your concrete by using a pickaxe and shovel to remove the gravel, soil, and any other materials underneath it. To do this, from the edge of the slab dig inward to make a 1-inch gap. It is recommended to use a pickaxe for this step as it will help you break up rock or shale, cut through roots, and scrape the material out from underneath the slab.
2. Hit the Concrete
Spray some water on the concrete to lessen the dust that will appear when you hit the concrete. Use the sledgehammer by grasping its handle and make an arching motion to lift it as high as you can then let it fall. Hit the concrete on the edge of the void where you dug. Repeat the task by hitting it on the same place each time up until the concrete breaks.
3. Remove Stubborn Pieces
Using a pry bar or crowbar, open the cracks and remove the pieces that were left behind. To do this, use push the crowbar’s flat end into the crack then wiggle in it until it’s at least ½ inch inside.
Once it is inside, pry it back and pull it away.
4. Move the Chunks of Concrete
Use a hand truck to move the chunks of concrete away from the area. Compared to wheelbarrows, using a hand truck is much more convenient as you only need to lift the concrete a little to place it in. Make sure to use your legs when lifting and slowly pull it up.
This is to ensure that you don’t strain any muscles as concretes can be very heavy. Once everything is in the truck, you can then easily bring the concrete to your storage or disposal area.
Tips for Breaking Concrete
- Before you start your task, make sure to wear proper protection to prevent and protect yourself from hazardous situations.
- Wear your gloves and eye protectors when beginning work.
- Inspect the thickness of the concrete if it can be easily demolished manually. This is to prepared and plan what strategy you need to do to break the concrete.
- Make sure to take breaks when you feel tired as the project can be strenuous as it requires force and strength.
- Break the concrete into small pieces to easily lift it inside your hand truck and dispose of it properly.