Dismantling of concrete: the choice of tools, technology

Concrete surfaces are strong and durable bases that can withstand various stresses. Very often a screed is used to level them, the basis of which is cement and sand. During operation, cracks may appear on its surface over time, as a result of which they have to either be repaired or the concrete dismantled.

This task has certain difficulties associated with the strength of this coating. In addition, not only the floor, but also other structures have to be dismantled in buildings. The article will be devoted mainly to the removal of the screed, however, this does not mean that other options, for example, the dismantling of a concrete fence or partitions of such material will be ignored.

Components of dismantling

Dismantling of the concrete floor can occur in different ways. However, only qualified personnel may have access to such work.

The most commonly used in this case are hitting, cutting and drilling:

1. The most affordable price plan is to remove the tie with blows using an electric jackhammer.. The power of the latter is selected depending on the thickness of the layer being punched.

Tip: it is rational to use jackhammers only in cases where no reinforcing elements are added to the concrete floor.

1. In situations where it is necessary to dismantle a specific area, rather than the entire coating, it is reasonable to use cutting or drilling. Since the implementation of such processes, there is little noise, they have gained wide popularity in residential buildings. They also do not have a loading effect on the main surface, so the probability of additional damage is completely excluded.

A significant advantage of diamond cutting is the absence of dust due to continuous water cooling of the cutting part during disassembly. This method is recognized as effective when dismantling concrete partitions or reinforced concrete floors.

Tool selection

It is impossible to perform high-quality dismantling of concrete structures without the appropriate tool.

For example:

• the joint cutter can cope with a concrete tie, whose thickness is within 300 mm, even if it is supplemented with reinforcing elements;
• if you need a percussion method, here you can choose between grinders, perforators and jackhammers. However, it should be remembered that this method of work will be accompanied by strong noise.

The exact opposite of the percussion method is diamond drilling of holes in concrete, in which the decibel level is significantly lower. To do it yourself, however, will not work if you do not have sufficient knowledge and necessary tools, the price of which is very high. Therefore, it is better to seek help from professional teams.

Professional recommendations

1. Do not forget, work on the removal of the concrete screed using a jackhammer, as well as other percussion instruments, have a negative impact on human health. As a result, the cost of dismantling concrete cannot be low. You can, of course, use special remote technology, but in the conditions of private housing construction or an apartment it is unrealistic.
2. Also, this method involves the appearance of excessive debris and dust, because under the screed can still be layers of other materials, in particular:

• sand;
• Fiberboard;
• various heaters.

1. Performing such dismantling works with their own hands is very rare. At the same time using the "home" tools to disassemble the reinforced floor is almost impossible.
2. Due to noise, dust and vibration exposure, be sure to use personal protective equipment, which include:

• hard hat;
• respirator;
• headphones.

Technology

The instruction requires to remove the frozen concrete by breaking it into pieces, regardless of the method used. The same happens in the case when you want to make the dismantling of concrete walls. (See also the article Aligning the concrete floor: features.)

Thanks to the dismantling, it is possible to remove the surface that is unsuitable for further use. The foundation is also being prepared for the installation of a new type of flooring.

Do not forget, if the screed is used for a long time or was poorly laid, its surface is already destroyed under the action of mechanical loads. In most cases, a more efficient and cheaper option will be the complete dismantling of the old and installation of a new coating, rather than the implementation of repair work on it.

Tip: before starting dismantling work, be sure to familiarize yourself with what is located under the concrete base.

In addition to the appropriate tool, prepare also durable sacks, which will be useful for moving old concrete into pieces from the room. (See also the article Concrete rubble: features.)

Tip: if you are removing an old screed in an apartment building, be sure to obtain consent to work from all neighbors.

The process will be accompanied by significant noise, which will be distributed to all floors. Therefore, make a schedule in advance and coordinate it with each of the neighbors so as not to disturb their way of life.

Conclusion

Concrete work always requires the application of special efforts and knowledge, so it is often necessary to seek the help of specialists. In this case, it helps to avoid many troubles, which a simple man in the street does not even realize.

Dismantling the old concrete pavement also requires the use of special professional tools, since household options can not always cope with the task. The video in this article will help you find additional information on this topic.