Do you remember the last time you realized that your concrete was having problems? I started looking at our yard a few months ago, and I realized that our driveway had more than a few big cracks. I didn't want the issue to blossom, so I started talking with different concrete contractors about how they could help. Although I wasn't expecting much, the contractors came out soon after I called and worked with me to get the issues repaired. When they were finished, my driveway and sidewalks looked a lot better. This website is completely committed to getting concrete fixed the right way the first time.
If you want to get rid of your old concrete patio and put in a new one, you might be able to save money by having the concrete delivered and then finishing the patio yourself. However, you're still faced with the problem of how to get rid of the old concrete. Ripping out the old concrete and disposing of it will probably be more difficult than installing the new patio. Even if you want to put in the new patio yourself, you'll probably want to hire a concrete removal contractor like those at Florida Concrete LLC to get rid of the old one. Here's why.
DIY Removal May Not Save Much Money
Before you decide on how to proceed, be sure to get estimates on the cost of removing your old patio. You may be surprised that the cost is affordable when you compare it to the expense of removing it yourself. You'll need proper equipment to bust up the concrete. You might want to rent a jackhammer or at least have the right hand tools such a sledgehammer and pry bar. You may even need to rent a dumpster so you can have the concrete hauled off easily.
If you can't find a concrete recycling place near you, you might have to pay a dump fee too. Not only that, you'll need the help of a few strong workers to help you bust the concrete and carry the broken pieces to the dumpster. Pulling out an old patio is a lot of work and when you calculate your labor and the amount of time you'll have to invest along with all the materials you'll need to buy or rent, you may decide it is well worth it to hire a contractor to do the job.
DIY Removal Can Be Dangerous
Beside the physical exertion and exhaustion that comes from lugging heavy concrete pieces and swinging a sledgehammer all day, there is the potential for injury when you undertake DIY removal. Every time the sledgehammer makes contact with the concrete there is a risk of a bit of concrete sailing through the air with enough force to cause bodily harm. Since you need helpers to do the job, your safety is not the only one in peril. You'll have to be careful about covering the concrete before you strike it so pieces can't become airborne and hurt someone.
A Contractor Is Much Quicker At Patio Removal
If you're in a hurry for your new patio to be installed, you'll probably want a contractor to do the removal since the job can be completed in just a few hours. With the help of industrial equipment, a contractor can bust up a slab and remove it far faster than you could ever do on your own. It might take you several days or a few weekends to get the job done which will slow down the process of getting your new patio. A contractor can have the concrete removed the same day so you can start preparing the base for the new concrete right away.