FAQ: How To Remove Concrete Steps Attached To House?

How do you remove concrete steps from a house?

Drill several holes near the step’s edge to create a break-away section. The hammer drill with a chisel bit will help you create weak sections of concrete to be removed by striking with the 8 pound sledge hammer. Several swings will be needed to remove the concrete chunks.

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 do you break concrete paths?

Strike the concrete along the edge of the void you dug underneath, like breaking something over the edge of a table. Repeat as needed, striking in the same place each time, until the concrete breaks. Don’t apply a lot of force on the sledgehammer on the downstroke; let the hammer do the work.

Are concrete steps hollow?

Unlike poured concrete steps that require a footing, have to be formed, poured, shaped and cured, precast concrete steps are less likely to settle because they are hollow and lighter. means there are no mortar joints or gaps for water to seep into as could happen on real brick or natural stone steps.

How do you remove old concrete steps?

Steps for Removing a Concrete Slab

1. 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.
2. Step 2: It’s Hammer Time.
3. Step 3: Pull Apart and Remove the Broken Concrete.
4. Step 4: Repeat Steps Until Concrete Is Demolished.

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 much do concrete front steps cost?

On average, concrete steps cost around $2,000. Most projects range between $900 and $5,000. Where your price falls depends on the number of steps and the size of the staircase you need. Pouring cement is about $300 per step at 2 feet wide and 11 inches deep, including materials and labor.

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.

Will SDS drill break concrete?

If it was done properly it will be strong concrete and have mesh in it. An sds drill will not touch it.

Can I put new concrete over old?

If done properly, new concrete can often be poured right over an existing slab. For this to be feasible, the contractor needs to pour at least 2 inches thick, use smaller aggregate, and incorporate reinforcement such as welded wire mesh or fiber mixed into the concrete.

What can you do with broken concrete?

How to Dispose of Concrete

1. Rent a Roll Off Dumpster. This is a quick and affordable way to dispose of concrete, asphalt and other heavy construction debris, such as bricks.
2. Check Craigslist or Freecycle.
3. Leave a ‘Free’ Sign Out.
4. Hire a Junk Removal Company.
5. Dump It Yourself.

How do you lift concrete?

Mud Jacking is a common term for lifting sunken or settled concrete. Mud jacking can lift a settled concrete slab by pumping a grout through the concrete and pushing it up from below. The process is sometimes called “slab jacking” or “pressure grouting”.