Demolition is always fun to talk about–who doesn’t like some good ole fashioned destruction? But actually doing it well can be tricky. Here’s how you can think through your concrete demolition project well.
Should I demo or repair?
Whether you go with repair or removal services depends on the needs of your project and the extent of the damage to your concrete. Here are a few factors to consider:
- How large are the cracks in the concrete? Smaller ones are an easy repair. But larger ones should be demolished and replaced–otherwise you risk structural issues. A rule of thumb is that cracks larger than 2 inches wide need to be replaced.
- How much is the concrete deteriorating? If it just has minor chipping, a repair will do the trick. But more significant flaking and exposed rebar–known as spalling–will require demolition and replacement.
- What’s the condition of the sub base? If it’s solid, then you may just need a repair. But if it’s starting to erode or wasn’t poured well initially, a replacement is probably in order.
- Do you see signs of significant frost heave? Frost heave is when cold temperatures cause the soil to freeze and swell upwards, causing damage to a concrete structure’s foundation that is often irreversible.
How should I demo?
Again, it depends on the needs of your project. Simpler concrete demolitions can be done manually with hand tools like a jackhammer.
Bigger projects may require the use of an excavator for tearing down structures or tearing up foundations.
The largest-scale projects such as building demolitions may require the use of explosives.
Should I hire someone to demo or do it myself?
Here are three questions you should ask yourself before choosing to do it yourself or hire a demolition contractor:
1. Do you have the time?
- We know you need to hit your deadline, and demolition takes time. Can your team afford to step away from other parts of the project to get it done?
2. Do you have the expertise?
- If you don’t have significant experience doing demolition, we highly recommend you hire an expert. You run two major risks if you go the DIY route:
- Safety –> Demolition can be dangerous. It also requires more than mere caution. You need to be aware of the various laws and regulations governing how it should be done.
- Precision –> Many projects such as interior demolitions require just a partial demolition. In these cases, you need to be able to avoid doing unnecessary damage to the parts of the structure that you want to keep. Precision is key to a demolition done right.
3. Do you have the tools?
- As mentioned before, different types of demolition require different types of tools–some of which are heavy equipment that is complicated to operate and expensive to rent or purchase. Hiring someone else for your demolition project helps you avoid the hassle.
- You also want to consider whether you have the right equipment for clean-up after the demo is complete. Dump trucks are key.
We’re here to help
If bringing in a demolition company is the right move for your project, we’re here to help. With over 40 years of experience, Cascade Concrete Sawing & Drilling has the professional expertise to get the job done quickly, safely and in a cost-effective way so your project stays on schedule.
In addition to concrete cutting, we offer small scale demolition services for both residential and commercial projects. We will cut the asphalt/concrete from your building, slab, wall or driveway and haul it away for an additional charge.
We serve homeowners, business owners and general contractors alike for a variety of demolition needs: concrete driveway replacements, landscaping, structural demolitions, and more.
Dump Trucks
We also have dump trucks in our fleet which are ready to be dispatched 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our dump trucks are ready to handle small and large concrete construction projects. When teamed with a bobcat/concrete breaker and excavators, it makes loading and transporting concrete, rock, asphalt and other materials much easier.
Don’t worry about how your concrete will be removed and transported, just tell us what you want removed and we’ll handle the rest.
Professionally trained drivers who arrive on time
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Drivers with CDL’s
- Concrete/Asphalt loading and transport
Concrete Demolition FAQs
What can be used to remove concrete?
Minor demolition jobs can be completed with hand tools like sledgehammers. Larger projects may require an excavator. And full-structure teardowns may require some type of explosives.
Can a general contractor do demolition?
Yes. In Washington State general contractors are licensed to do pretty much any type of construction, demolition, repair and remodeling.
Is it hard to break up concrete?
Yes. Concrete is made to last, so breaking it up is no small task. High-powered machinery and tools operated by professionals is often required.
What are the benefits of concrete removal?
Concrete removal allows you to lay completely new concrete rather than risk future issues by just filling in cracks. You can lay new foundations and structures that stand the tests of time and the elements.
Which cities does Cascade Concrete offer concrete demolition services?
While our main office is located in Federal Way, we serve the Puget Sound and western Washington’s surrounding areas including Everett, Kirkland, Bellingham, Bellevue, Kent, Olympia, Centralia, Lakewood, Longview, Puyallup, Seattle and Tacoma.
