--- title: "How to Remove a Concrete Patio or Slab | Have Dumptruck Will Travel" source_url: "https://havedumptruckwilltravel.com/blog/how-to-remove-a-concrete-patio" content_type: "text/markdown" --- # Heavy Hauling: How to Remove a Concrete Patio > Planning concrete removal and completing the hard physical labor isn’t for everyone. Learn the steps to do the job thoroughly and safely. Heavy Hauling: How to Remove a Concrete Patio View Larger Image Concrete patios can become worn over time, making them unsafe and unusable. Even so, it isn’t always easy to know when it’s time to remove or repair an old concrete patio. Learning what to look for with an existing concrete patio is the first step towards creating a more suitable space. Signs of a Distressed Concrete Patio Problems that typically only require minor repairs include: Chips Flaking Hairline fractures Overlays Stains Concrete patios are more likely to have serious structural issues with these problems: Deeply set or wide cracks Frost heave causing raised and broken concrete Much of the surface area has a flaky appearance Settling of the concrete material Tools Required to Break Up Concrete Slabs Homeowners will need several tools and other pieces of equipment to remove concrete slabs. Here are the tools required: Bolt cutters Hand truck or wheelbarrow Maddock Pry bar Shovel Sledgehammer weighing 12 to 20 pounds Additional items to gather before starting the concrete demolition process include: Dropcloth or plastic sheeting Dust mask Gloves Hearing protection Safety glasses Steel-toed boots Homeowners should determine how they will dispose of the broken concrete slabs before demolishing them. Most local governments don’t allow people to throw broken concrete in the garbage due to the weight. One option is to rent a dumpster and haul the concrete away at the end of the project. Another is to reuse the materials in other areas around the home. Preparing to Remove a Concrete Patio Even after securing the proper tools and equipment, homeowners aren’t quite ready to start breaking up their concrete patio. First, they need to place plywood over plastic siding and windows to prevent damage from a flying piece of concrete. Secondly, some city governments require a permit before starting this type of work. A call to the utility company is also in order to ensure no gas lines lie beneath the surface of the patio. Concrete Patio Removal Steps Sand or dirt underneath concrete slabs can soften the blow from the sledgehammer and make the patio harder to break into pieces. To avoid this, homeowners should dig under the slab to create a void. It’s easier to lift smaller slab pieces with a pry bar after creating a few cracks. The pry bar goes underneath the slab for easier lifting. The homeowner should shovel two inches deep and approximately four to six inches from the slab’s edge. Now it’s time to lay a piece of plastic over the concrete and start pounding with a sledgehammer. Placing one hand near the base and one near the hammer’s head makes for more efficient swinging. The homeowner should lift the sledgehammer high but not over the head. It’s also important to avoid swinging the sledgehammer since this could cause serious injury. The third step is to remove broken concrete slabs after pulling them apart. The mattock comes in handy to break the loosened concrete slabs into smaller pieces. Any wire mesh embedded in the concrete will need to be cut with bolt cutters. The debris is now ready to place in a wheelbarrow. Planning concrete removal and completing the hard physical labor isn’t for everyone. Homeowners should consider hiring a professional if they just don’t feel up to the task. By kayvan|June 18th, 2020|Homeowner Tips|Comments Off on Heavy Hauling: How to Remove a Concrete Patio Share This Story, Choose Your Platform! FacebookXRedditLinkedInTumblrPinterestVkEmail Recent Posts Spring into Action with Have Dumptruck Will Travel! Your Go-To Solution for Dirt and Concrete Removal! Unwanted: How to Remove a Hot Tub or Jacuzzi DIY Tips for Backyard Drainage Solutions How to Excavate & Construct an In-Ground Trampoline Archives March 2024 December 2023 September 2022 November 2021 October 2021 March 2021 November 2020 September 2020 August 2020 June 2020 January 2020 September 2019 September 2018 Categories concreate removal dirt removal Homeowner Tips Uncategorized