How To Break Up Concrete

Most construction projects will need to use concrete at one time or another. 

And while pouring and laying concrete is standard practice, you might not be so used to breaking up concrete. 

Occasionally, concrete may need to be broken for a range of reasons including if you’re demolishing an application or structure such as a driveway, garden path or a wall. Usually, this will occur if you are replacing the structure and building a new one.

Breaking up concrete may seem like a daunting task, but if you follow the correct steps it can be straightforward. 

In this article, the team here at Concrete Supply UK will provide you with a handy guide outlining how to break up concrete most effectively. 

Read on to find out more. 

How To Break Up Concrete 

If you need to break up concrete, the best method will depend on how much concrete needs to be demolished or broken down. 

If you’re breaking concrete that is less than two inches thick then using a light or medium-sized concrete breaker – sometimes referred to as a demolition breaker – is probably the best way to go. 

A concrete breaker is a powerful construction tool. It is essentially a hammer that is attached to an excavator and which is used to demolish and break down concrete, rocks, asphalt, bricks and other heavy-duty materials. 

When working in larger areas or places where the concrete is thicker than two inches then you may need to use a floor breaker, also known as a heavy breaker or pneumatic jackhammer. 

When using a concrete breaker, you should follow the instructions below:

Prepare Your Breaker

First, it’s always important that you that you properly read the instructions of your breaker. While they all tend to be similar, different models may have slightly different user instructions that you should be aware of. Reading the instructions first will ensure you know how to use the machine safely. 

Usually, your breaker will come with a selection of different attachments. You should pay close attention to these and make sure you choose the right one for the job at hand. Before handling or connecting the attachments make sure the breaker is unplugged and switched off. 

Prepare The Area 

Make sure you clear the area you’re working in of debris. 

You should always have a clear area to work in, so spend some time sweeping the site and getting rid of dust, leaves and twigs. It might also be worth hosing the area if you notice any particular stubborn dirt stains. Make sure all pets and children are out of the way as the process can be hazardous. 

Also, make sure there is nothing directly under the concrete you’re working on, such as wire cables or pipes. You can use detectors to check for utilities, as hitting these things can be extremely damaging. 

Get In Position 

Make sure you’re standing on solid, unbroken ground before you start operating the breaker. 

Begin in the area that is furthest away from you so you can work backwards and are never walking onto an uneven surface. You should also ensure that the power cord i always behind you and you are steady on your feet before you start. 

Break The Concrete 

Now you can begin breaking down the concrete. 

Usually, there will be a trigger to pull or a button to press that will activate the machine. Keep a firm grip on the breaker at all times as the breaker will be powerful. 

How To Break Up Concrete By Hand

If you do not have access to a breaker, you may need to break up the concrete by hand. 

In these instances, there are several tools you can use including:

• A sledgehammer: The most common way to break up concrete by hand, this method is recommended if the concrete you’re working on is less than three inches thick. While effective at breaking up concrete, it does require a lot of physical effort so you should bear this in mind. 
• A jackhammer: These are preferred to sledgehammers as, like breakers, they are pneumatic. Great for concrete that is more than three inches thick, electric options are also available. 
• Chipping hammer: If you’re working in narrow or tight spaces then a chipping hammer is a decent option. They give you more control than the other tools outlined above but it may be more time-consuming.  

Strike The Concrete 

Lightly sprinkle water over the concrete to reduce the amount of dust produced. Then, using your chosen tool, begin striking the concrete. Repeat this process as required until the concrete begins to break and proceed to work across the entire area. 

Pull Off Stubborn Pieces

In some instances, the concrete may be reluctant to break away or be stubbornly attached. If this is the case you may need to try and pry the concrete away. Start by using a crowbar to open any gaps or cracks as this will make the process easier. You can then use your hands to pull the piece away. Make sure you’re using gloves when doing this as the concrete may be sharp. 

Move The Concrete Pieces

Once you’ve finished breaking the concrete you should move the pieces away from the area where you are working.

Using a hand truck or trolley is a better option than a wheelbarrow as you’ll only have to life the concrete a few inches off the ground. Then, you can wheel the concrete to your disposal area. 

Dispose Of The Concrete

Next, it’s time to responsibly dispose of the concrete.

You should never put concrete blocks or pieces in your regular dustbin as most waste disposal collectors will refuse to take it. Instead, you can take it to the local tip where special containers should be ready to accept it.

Alternatively, if you are handling large quantities of concrete pieces it may be worth disposing of them in a skip. 

If you want to be extra sustainable, then consider saving your concrete pieces for your next DIY project. 

Here at Concrete Supply UK, we can supply your next project with a perfect concrete mix. No matter what type of concrete you need or whether it is needed for a domestic or commercial job, our expert team is here to help. Supplying bespoke mixes across the UK, simply contact us today for more information.