Breaking up thick concrete can be done in a few different ways. The most commonly used method is with an electric jackhammer. This is a tool that has a powerful motor which uses a piston to drive a chisel into the concrete and break it up.
Another method is to use a mechanical breaker. You can rent one from most tool rental stores and it operates in a similar manner to the jackhammer, except it is powered mechanically rather than electrically.
If you have a larger area of concrete, you may want to use a digger or skid steer loader with a hydraulic breaker attachment. This is a powerful machine that will make short work of any size concrete structure.
Finally, you can manually break up the concrete with a sledgehammer, although this is not recommended as it takes more time and can be dangerous.
What is the tool to break up concrete?
The tool to break up concrete is known as a demolition hammer or a breaker hammer. It is a large pneumatic or electro-mechanical tool that is used to demolish concrete structures or surfaces by breaking them up into smaller pieces.
It is typically made of aluminum or steel, and features a flat chisel or point on the end that vibrates rapidly when struck against a surface. The vibrations cause the concrete to break apart, usually into rubble or pieces that can be removed more easily than with a traditional shovel and pickaxe.
Many types of demolition hammers come with interchangeable tips and blades, making them suitable for various applications.
How do you jackhammer concrete steps?
Jacking up concrete steps can be a difficult and tedious task, but with the proper equipment and safety precautions, it can be done effectively. The first step is to locate the step that needs to be jacked up.
If the step is cracked or otherwise damaged, it should be removed and replaced before lifting. Once the step is identified, the area should be cleared of any loose material, such as soil, rocks, or broken concrete pieces.
Next, you need to create holes in the concrete step to allow for the jacks to be inserted. Mark the locations where the jacks will be placed and use a masonry bit or hammer drill to create these holes.
Once the holes are created, the jacks can be inserted into the holes.
Next, choose the jacks that are suitable for the job. If the step is particularly large or heavy, it might be necessary to use multiple jacks. Slowly and carefully turn the handle on each jack until the step begins to lift.
Be sure to watch the step carefully as it lifts to make sure it rises evenly and isn’t leaning or shifting in any direction.
Finally, once the step is jacked up to the desired height, fill the holes that were drilled with concrete as quickly as possible. This will ensure that the step stays in place and doesn’t slip or sway once the jacks are removed.
Make sure the tops of the jacks are level with the top of the concrete step for a clean and even look.
Will a sledge hammer break concrete?
Yes, a sledge hammer can break concrete. Concrete is a very durable material, but when combined with the force from a sledgehammer, it can be broken into smaller pieces. To do this, you need to find the weakest part of the concrete and focus your force on this area.
Make sure to wear appropriate protection, such as safety glasses and a face mask, when using a sledgehammer as concrete can break into very small pieces and fly in all directions. Use the sledgehammer to break off small pieces of the concrete, gradually creeping closer to the centre of the slab.
As you get closer, you can increase the force to loosen and break apart the remaining pieces.
How heavy is a sledgehammer?
A sledgehammer typically weighs anywhere between 8-15 pounds (3.6-6.8 kg). However, some heavier variants weigh up to 20 pounds (9.1 kg). The size of the sledgehammer also affects how heavy it is; longer handles provide more weight and leverage, while shorter handles are lighter.
The type of head used also affects the weight; sledgehammers can be found with steel or cast iron heads, and the latter are slightly heavier than the former. The overall weight of the sledgehammer will depend on its length, head size, and material type.
How much does it cost to move steps?
The cost of moving steps varies based on the number of steps and the type of steps being moved. Moving stair steps typically requires a professional mover, as the process is complex. If a homeowner is looking to move steps in their home, they can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,200 (or more).
The cost also depends on the kind of stairs being moved, whether they’re interior or exterior stairs and if additional construction is needed to complete the project.
If is was an exterior staircase with only a few steps, the costs could be less. Exterior steps usually cost about the same, but could increase if the stairs need to be reinforced or the existing stairs need to be adapted to conform to a new grade.
If a homeowner hires a professional contractor, they can expect to pay around $100 to $200 per stair riser, in addition to any other necessary materials.
Also, the length of the move and the kind of packaging used can significantly influence the cost of moving steps. If the stairs need to be taken apart, like with spiraling staircases, the job could take twice as long and require more packaging.
In this case, the cost of moving steps could be as high as $2,000 or more.
Can you change stairs in a house?
Yes, it is possible to change stairs in a house. Changing the existing stairs will require some significant planning and work by a professional carpenter. Depending on the complexity of the stairs, this could involve removing the existing stairs and constructing new ones.
The construction process will involve measuring and marking out the exact shapes of the stairs and cutting and joining the timber and other materials to create the new stairs. The stairs will also need to be securely attached to a wall or other support structure and the existing layout of your house may need to be modified to accommodate the new stairs, such as closing in or enlarging door or wall openings.
After the construction is complete, the stairs will need to be properly sealed, varnished and finished. You could also consider replacing the carpet, tiling or flooring around the stairs. Once all this is complete, you will have new stairs that are a custom fit for your house and will add character and style to the property.
Is it expensive to move a staircase?
It depends on several factors such as the size, location, and type of staircase you’re dealing with. For example, moving an internal staircase that is carpeted with carpeted stairs would cost considerably less than moving an outdoor staircase with stone steps.
Additionally, the distance and materials needed to complete the move will also play a role in the overall price. If the staircase is pre-built, you will likely need to hire professionals to safely remove and transport the staircase.
This will add to the cost, as will any additional steps required to get the staircase to its new location.
Do you need planning permission to change stairs?
Whether or not you need planning permission to change your stairs depends on the extent of the proposed changes and the building regulation requirements of the relevant local authority. If you are simply changing the aesthetics of the stairs, such as replacing a synthetic carpet with wood, or replacing a banister, then you should not need planning permission.
However, if you are making significant structural changes, such as altering the dimensions or changing the material that the stairs are made from, you may need planning permission. Depending on the specifics of your project, you may also need to abide by building regulations, including any requirements for handrails, treads, and other safety features.
You should always check with the local authority to verify their regulations and requirements for staircases before you start.
How do you replace an existing staircase?
Replacing an existing staircase is no small job, and is best left to highly trained and experienced professionals. The first step is to remove the existing staircase, being careful to preserve any parts that might be reused in the new staircase if desired.
After the old staircase is removed, the remaining portion of the wall must then be repaired and leveled.
Next, the new stairs must be measured, cut, and inspected for accuracy. During this step, the unique specifications of the individual customer must be taken into account, such as the width of the staircase, the number of risers, and the angle of the stairs.
If the staircase includes a handrail or balustrade, these should also be measured and cut as needed.
Once the staircase has been measured, cut, and inspected for accuracy, it must then be installed. This requires aligning each step and riser with the stair stringer, and then bolting or fastening it securely to the wall.
The handrail and balustrade should then be secured into the wall and flooring. After the staircase is in place, the customer should inspect it to ensure it meets all safety and quality standards.
Once the customer has completed the final inspection, any finishing touches may be added, such as drywall or painting. Finally, the staircase should be thoroughly inspected to verify that it is in full compliance with safety regulations and building codes.
Can concrete steps be raised?
Yes, concrete steps can be raised, but it can be a difficult and expensive process. If you’re looking to raise your steps, you should first consult with a professional, either a contractor or engineer.
Typically, the steps are reset on a deeper footing with concrete and reinforced with steel to support the added elevation. Depending on the size and how long the stairs are, it can take at least a few days to complete the project.
The cost for raising steps varies significantly, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done. Consulting a professional and getting an estimate is the best way to determine the cost of your project.
Can you remove concrete stairs?
Yes, you can remove concrete stairs. Depending on the size, scope and complexity of the job, you will likely need professional help to ensure that the removal process is done correctly. The first step to removing concrete stairs is to determine the extent of the removal and prepare the area for demolition.
This may include inspecting the existing stair structure and adjoining surfaces for stability, removing any objects or debris from the area, covering adjacent walls and floors with protective sheeting, and cutting off any utilities such as electrical, heating, and plumbing.
The next step is to work on removing the stairs. This involves breaking up the concrete and carefully removing the pieces, disposing of them safely, and clearing the area of dust and debris. Depending on the stair structure, you may need to use jackhammers and chisels to break apart the concrete, or heavy-duty grinding tools.
Finally, any leftover demolition waste should be moved to a safe, secure location for proper disposal.
How do you demo brick steps?
To demo brick steps, the first step is to assess the steps and determine whether they need to be fully demolished or just partially demolished. If they are simply crumbling or in a state of disrepair, then it may be possible to repair them with a repair mortar.
However, if the steps are in a poor state of repair, then they will need to be fully demoed.
Once it has been determined that a full demo is required, then you will need to put on protective clothing, such as goggles and a dust mask, to protect yourself from any debris. Secure the area around the steps by placing large plastic sheeting down around the work area.
This will help to protect nearby surfaces from dust and other debris.
Next, you will need to remove the top layer of brick with masonry chisels and a heavy hammer. Stand on the ground and, with the masonry chisel, start to chip away at the top layer of brick from the top down.
If the brick is cracked, then it may be easier to break up the brick before attempting to remove it in large pieces. When you have chipped away the top layer of brick, catch the pieces in a securely supported wheelbarrow to be disposed of properly.
After the top layer has been removed, you will then need to use a chipping hammer to break up the substrate that the brick was laid on. This could be mortar, concrete, or tamped earth. Chip away at the substrate until the whole step has been demoed and all of the substrate has been removed.
Once the demo has been completed, clean up the site by removing any remaining debris and disposing of it properly. Once the area is completely cleared and cleaned up, patch any underlying holes in the substrate with a repair mortar.
Finally, it is time to begin laying the new brick on top of the substrate. Mix the mortar according to manufacturer’s instructions and begin by packing a layer of wet mortar onto the substrate. Lay the first row of bricks according to the design, ensuring a good level of mortar coverage on each brick.
Continue laying the bricks this way until the brick steps have been rebuilt.
And there you have it – a complete guide on how to demo brick steps. By following these steps, you should have a strong and reliable set of brick steps that will last for years to come.
