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DIY steps to removing a concrete patio

In this article we will go over how to remove your concrete patio. The first step is to decide whether you can resurface your concrete patio or whether you need to replace it. The general issue with patios can be cracks stains, small chips or flaking of the overlay. Here are a few of the items to consider when deciding whether you should tear out your patio.


  1. Signs of significant settling of the base material
  2. When much of the surface is flaking, this is referred to as spalling. 
  3. When there are deep or wide tracks 
  4. Signs of freeze/thaw when the concrete is raised or broken in certain areas

We will now go over how to remove your concrete patio if you've determined that it is necessary

Step 1) Gather up the tools and equipment you will need for the project 
The majority of patios are not reinforced with rebar this means that you can rent a jackhammer from your local home improvement store and break apart the concrete so that it can be removed and smaller pieces. If the concrete does have rebar and you may need heavy equipment such as a hydraulic lift to assist you in breaking apart the concrete. It might also require the use of an excavator to lift the pieces. 

Tools needed: 
a pry bar 
Eye, hearing and head protection
Sledgehammer
Jackhammer
Wheelbarrow
Drop cloths
Heavy debris dumpster

Step 2) Prepare the area
Remove all furniture or other items surrounding the patio that you do not want damage. Have tools nearby such as your wheelbarrow so that you can transport the pieces to the dumpster. Use the drop cloths to hang in front of any door frames or windows to protect them. Small pieces of concrete can shoot off at high rates of speed from the jackhammer or sledgehammer.

Step 3: Choose a point to start at
The area with deep cracks is the best place to start and makes the removal process much easier because the material has been weakened. The edge of the slab will be weaker than the center so choose an edge by a crack, this will be the weakest point.

Step 4) Brake apart the patio piece by piece
While one person is using the jackhammer or sledgehammer the other person will be using the pry bar to lift the pieces of concrete. Leverage of the pry bar for allowing you to easily fracture and break concrete. Make sure you are clearing the broken pieces as you go this will keep the area clean and prevent you from tripping. 

Step 5) Take the concrete to your local dump
The average patio will be large enough to warrant you renting a heavy waste dumpster disposing of the concrete in a municipal trash can make you incur fees or fines. 

Start planning your new concrete patio
You did it, you removed your old patio and are ready to start fresh. A newly designed concrete patio that you can enjoy with friends and family will make the removal process well worth it. Glendale Concrete Solutions can assist you in designing and installing your new patio.
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If concrete removal is out of the question then let us do it, call today! 
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​(623)-526-2300


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  • Home
  • Services
    • Concrete Flatwork
    • Patios
    • Pool Deck
    • ​Stamped Concrete
    • Driveway
    • Paving
    • Concrete Slab
    • Retaining Wall
    • Walkways
    • Concrete Foundation
    • Fire Pit Installation
  • Locations
    • Phoenix
    • Peoria
    • Surprise
    • Goodyear
    • Sun City
    • Maryvale Village
    • Encanto Village
    • Alhambra
    • North Mountain Village
    • Glendale Concrete North
  • Blog
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