#mce_temp_url#Cover Photo by Rodolfo Quirós from Pexels
Give your driveway a facelift or build a stunning new back patio by getting rid of the dated, cracked concrete that's devaluing the beauty of your property. If you've noticed wide and deep cracks form and spread over the years or uneven slabs that aren't safe to walk on, getting rid of concrete altogether is much more cost-effective than trying to restore it. Use this comprehensive guide to learn more about affordable concrete demolition and disposal options, including DIY instructions.
Before beginning any at-home concrete removal project, be aware that heavy physical labor is needed to remove the material. It's not advisable to attempt to dispose of concrete in extreme heat or cold. To safely and properly remove concrete, the following supplies are required:
To get started with the demolition process, understand that the thickness and structure of the concrete can affect the tools you need to complete the project. Most concrete patios and concrete driveways aren't reinforced by rebar, which is a layer of steel beneath concrete structures used to support and protect it from extreme tension. To break up the concrete into small pieces that can be hauled away into a bin, a jackhammer is the most appropriate tool to use.
If the concrete you're removing is advanced in age and damage and less than four inches thick, a sledgehammer can be used to break down the structure. Jackhammers typically aren't necessary unless the concrete is thicker than four inches, and bolt cutters are only needed if the slab is reinforced.
If you need to dispose of concrete chunks, walking them into a dumpster is the easiest method. To dispose of concrete that's been broken down into smaller pieces, you can sweep it up and pour the small pieces of concrete into the dumpster. A dumpster with wide double doors is best for removing concrete as they provide the convenience of setting up your space however you need.
If you're planning to sell your home and want to perform some heavy-duty renovations, you'll likely want to budget well ahead of your move. Fixr.com's calculator reported that the national average cost of hiring a contractor to remove 600 square feet of four-inch-thick sidewalk concrete is $1,840.
After breaking down the concrete in a heap and gathering it for disposal, it's important to understand how the content of your waste impacts the cost of discarding it. "Clean fill" materials describe construction waste that can be recycled and used for future projects. Waste described as "clean" refers to materials that have not been contaminated.
Clean fill building materials include concrete, sand, rubble, brick, and soil. When hiring a disposal crew, the company may charge less for clean fill materials. If you plan to fill the bins yourself, use separate bins for each material you get rid of during the demo project. Metals, plastics, contaminated soil, cardboard, and glass are not considered clean fill materials.
If manual labor isn't an option for you, fear not, as there are professionals equipped with power tools who can assist in demolishing or removing your unwanted junk concrete. Power tools such as jackhammers, concrete saws, and excavators can make the process more efficient and less physically demanding. To find reputable contractors, utilize local directories such as Angi or HomeAdvisor, where you can compare pricing for concrete disposal services in your area. Contractors typically provide quotes based on the square footage and thickness of the concrete. For instance, if you're looking to remove a concrete patio or individual concrete slabs, accurate measurements will help contractors give you a more precise estimate.
On average, concrete removal costs around $4 per square foot. However, if the project requires cutting and removing the metal rebar layer within the concrete, expect the price to increase to approximately $6 per square foot. The thickness of the concrete slab also plays a role in determining the overall cost, as thicker slabs require more labor and time for removal.
It's important to consider other factors when hiring a contractor for concrete removal. Look for professionals who have experience working with concrete and possess the necessary equipment and expertise to complete the job safely and efficiently. Reading customer reviews and checking ratings can give you insights into the quality of service provided by different contractors.
Additionally, when contacting contractors for quotes, inquire about their disposal methods. Responsible concrete disposal is crucial to minimize environmental impact. Ask if they recycle or reuse the concrete material or if they dispose of it in a responsible manner.
Remember that these figures are rough estimates, and prices may vary depending on factors such as location, accessibility, and additional disposal fees. Requesting quotes from multiple contractors allows you to compare services and prices, ensuring you make an informed decision for your concrete removal needs. By enlisting the help of professionals, equipped with power tools and expertise, you can save yourself the physical strain and ensure a smooth and efficient concrete removal process.
Uncomplicate long and exhausting DIY concrete demolition projects by renting a 4-yard dumpster from Bin There Dump That. If the contractor you've hired doesn't offer debris removal and points you to another expensive vendor, contact our team online to discuss pricing options for our 4-yard dumpsters, which are perfect for conveniently and affordably removing bulky leftover concrete.
With Bin There Dump That, you can say goodbye to the hassle of finding an alternative debris removal solution and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish. Our reliable and efficient dumpster rental service ensures that you have a convenient way to dispose of the concrete waste, saving you time and effort.
Locate a Bin There Dump That franchise near you to rent a 4-yard dumpster for your concrete removal project, and let us take care of the cleanup while you focus on transforming your space.
Sometimes all your outdoor space needs is a replacement rather than a complete overhaul. If you like how the concrete slabs look in your patio, but find it's getting cracked and old, simply replace each concrete slab with a brand new one. You can even opt for a new color this time around. The tools listed above will no doubt come in handy for the concrete removal and replacements as well.
Additionally, if you have a concrete driveway that has seen better days, a similar approach can be taken. By carefully removing the damaged sections and replacing them with fresh concrete, you can revitalize your driveway's appearance and functionality. Whether it's your patio or your concrete driveway, these targeted replacements can save you time and money while still achieving a fresh and updated outdoor space.
