CONCRETE DEMOLITION
We know that most people’s idea of concrete demolition requires a jackhammer or a ball and chain on a crane. Well that’s certainly a way of getting the job done and there are plenty of situations where those no fuss and no nonsense tried and trusted tools will break up the concrete walls and slabs ready for hauling. However there are also a lot of situations where brute force techniques aren’t the best approach because of the need to reduce noise and dust. While we’re happy to turn up with the jackhammer and sledgehammers we also have a variety of more subtle ways of breaking up and removing that unwanted concrete.
The Pro Difference
Once the decision has been made to demolish concrete rather than patch or resurface it a lot of people wonder about demolishing it themselves. We can see the appeal of that. There’s something very enticing about the idea of renting a jackhammer or getting your hands on a sledgehammer, smashing away, and simply tossing the concrete in a dumpster. However there’s a little more to it than that. For a start the rental costs of that equipment start to add up particularly if the job takes longer than expected. Then there’s the need to protect yourself and others from flying debris and to shield the area to prevent dust clouds causing trouble. There’s the noise, the sheer effort, and before you know it that job is taking days longer and costing as much as calling in the pros would have. So give us a call and if you’ve always had a thing about sledgehammers we’ll let you take a selfie with one of ours when we’re done.
Concrete Cutting
One of the ways of demolishing concrete with absolute precision is by cutting it. A diamond tipped concrete saw is typically a rotary blade mounted on wheels with the operator walking behind it. By using liquid flowing over the blade the heat from friction is managed and the potential dust is turned to slurry which is immediately vacuumed away so the result is dust free as well as very precise. This technique can be used to cut through concrete slabs a foot or two thick and once cut the concrete can be manually or mechanically lifted. For vertical surfaces we can use a track mounted saw to cut precise lines in any direction for the same results.
Pressure Bursting
Chemical or mechanical pressure bursting is another way of demolishing concrete with very little noise or dust. Mechanical pressure bursting involves hydraulic machinery used to break up the slabs while chemical involves an expanding slurry that is poured into holes bored in the concrete which then cracks it as it expands.
Demolition Permits
Breaking up concrete walls, free standing structures, or sidewalks may require a demolition permit from the local authorities but in many cases we can do that for you or we can help you to fill in the necessary paperwork and ensure compliance with local codes.
