Contents
- 1 How do you remove old concrete steps?
- 2 How do you break up precast concrete steps?
- 3 What is the best tool for breaking up concrete?
- 4 How much does it cost to replace concrete steps?
- 5 Are concrete steps hollow?
- 6 Can you use a hammer drill to break up concrete?
- 7 How do you weaken concrete?
- 8 Can you put wood over concrete steps?
- 9 How do you destroy a concrete slab?
- 10 How do you break a concrete slab by hand?
- 11 Does new concrete stick to old?
- 12 Can you pour new concrete over old cracked concrete?
- 13 How long do concrete steps last?
How do you remove old concrete steps?
Steps for Removing a Concrete Slab
- Step 1: Create a Void Under the Concrete. The best way to speed up concrete removal is to create a void underneath the section of slab you’re working on.
- Step 2: It’s Hammer Time.
- Step 3: Pull Apart and Remove the Broken Concrete.
- Step 4: Repeat Steps Until Concrete Is Demolished.
How do you break up precast concrete steps?
Make a 2 ½ inch cut in the concrete steps foundation by using a saw. Use the saw to make a line in the concrete that will serve as a weak spot easily broken apart by the sledgehammer. Next use a large sledgehammer to break up the foundation.
What is the best tool for breaking up concrete?
Tool #1: Sledgehammer + Pry Bar When thinking about breaking up concrete, most of our minds jump straight to jackhammer. But you can probably do the work with a metal sledgehammer and a little elbow grease. Sledgehammer is the best tool to use if the slab of concrete is three inches thick or less.
How much does it cost to replace concrete steps?
Cost to Replace Concrete Steps Rates for replacing an existing staircase are between $1,400 and $5,700. That includes the $900 to $5,000 cost of a new unit, along with $400 to $700 for removal of the existing stairs.
Are concrete steps hollow?
Most often, the stairs are installed in place as one big piece. Precast concrete steps tend to be hollow, which makes them somewhat less durable than solid poured concrete steps.
Can you use a hammer drill to break up concrete?
Hammer drills do not have a chiseling function and can be used to drill into a variety of materials. Rotary hammers use an electro-pneumatic hammer piston to generate high impact energy, which allows it to drill or demolish concrete.
How do you weaken concrete?
Spread your phosphoric acid or trisodium phosphate over the concrete area you want to clean first, using a mixture with water that’s recommended by the individual manufacturer. Use a brush to scrub the acid into the concrete. These are weaker acids that just might work to dissolve a sufficient amount of concrete.
Can you put wood over concrete steps?
Concrete steps may serve their purpose, but they are not the most attractive looking steps. You can spice up their appearance by adding some wood planks on top of them. The layer of wood you place over the top of the concrete steps can also make them stronger.
How do you destroy a concrete slab?
Whether you’re using a sledgehammer or jackhammer, you’ll likely need to pry apart the pieces of concrete as you break them apart. Concrete removal generally goes quickest if you have one person breaking apart the concrete and another following along and prying the pieces apart. Use a sledgehammer for thin slabs.
How do you break a concrete slab by hand?
Instructions
- Dig Under the Concrete. Dig out the soil, gravel, or other material from under the concrete, using a shovel and a pickax.
- Strike the Concrete. Lightly sprinkle the concrete with water to minimize dust.
- Pry Off Stubborn Pieces.
- Move the Concrete Chunks With a Hand Truck.
Does new concrete stick to old?
A bonding agent (bonding adhesive) needs to be painted onto the existing concrete first to ensure that the fresh concrete will successfully adhere. This is also true of floor repairs, if concrete is used to fill gaps caused by damage. The new won’t adhere to the old without the help of a bonding adhesive.
Can you pour new concrete over old cracked concrete?
There are situations when pouring new concrete isn’t the most suitable option. For instance, surfaces with larger cracks, heaving or settling conditions, or where height cannot be raised, replacement is a better solution. However, in most cases, you can pour a new layer of concrete onto the existing one.
How long do concrete steps last?
Your precast step should last 20, 30 even 40 years if taken care of properly. Take a look through our photo gallery to see the finished product and see why a precast concrete step would be a great choice for your home.