That cracked concrete patio may have seen better days. Maybe you want to replace it with a brick patio. Maybe you want to completely tear it out and add some landscaping. Whatever the reason, when it’s time for you to remove your concrete patio, make sure to seek out a seasoned professional. Demolition jobs take a lot of planning and preparation. This is not a time to DIY. A professional contractor will have the equipment necessary to complete the job quickly, cleanly and professionally.
How much will it cost to remove a concrete patio in Phoenix?
Removing a concrete patio can seem like a daunting venture, but it can be done for a reasonable amount of money. How much a demolition project will cost depends on many factors. Usually, it will cost about $2 to $6 per square foot to tear out an old concrete patio. However, those costs could vary depending on the complexity of the project, the size of the patio, the accessibility for heavy machinery and where you live.
When should I remove my concrete patio in Phoenix?
Sure, you may have some unsightly cracks in your patio that could be easily fixed with a patching compound or resurfacing. However, there are some situations in which repairing your concrete patio isn’t an option. That’s when you have to go ahead and completely demolish your concrete patio.
- Deep, widespread cracks: This happens when settlement has occurred. Causes of this include erosion of the soil underneath, concrete that was improperly installed, or if a heavy truck was parked on the concrete, that could cause deep cracks as well.
- Sunken slabs: If your concrete patio has sunk, this is probably because the ground beneath it wasn’t properly prepared. If loose dirt was used under the concrete instead of compacted dirt, it could settle over time, causing your slab to sink.
- Spalling or pitted surface: The surface of your concrete slab could be so pitted and damaged that it just makes more sense economically to tear it out and start over, rather than try to patch up all those spots or resurface the concrete.
What steps will I have to take before removing a concrete patio in Phoenix?
Work with your contractor to prepare the jobsite for the demolition. You will want to take some precautions before work begins.
- Take “before” photos (and “after” pictures as well)
- Protect siding and windows with plywood to prevent flying concrete chunks from doing any damage.
- Make sure all the necessary permits have been pulled.
- Let your neighbors know about the work before it begins. Concrete demolition tends to be loud. It’s nice to give your neighbors a heads-up.
- Check with utility companies to make sure there aren’t any gas lines beneath your patio before you tear it out. Usually, an inspector will check out the project before you begin your demolition to make sure there aren’t any gas lines, sewer lines, water lines, or any other important types of infrastructure hidden beneath your patio.
How is a concrete patio removed?
Depending on the size of your demolition, your contractor will use different tools. For example, your contractor will likely use more heavy-duty tools if you are completely tearing out your patio, rather than just reducing its size.
If you are just reducing the size of your patio, your contractor will likely use a concrete cutting saw. This helps prevent the surrounding patio from cracking.
If you are tearing out the entire patio, your contractor will usually opt for tools such as jackhammers and saw to break the concrete up into manageable pieces. Then, the chunks are lifted up and loaded into a dumpster or dump trailer and hauled away to a recycling facility or landfill.
How long will it take to remove my concrete patio in Phoenix?
Concrete patio removal is actually a pretty quick process. In general, it will take about a day or less to remove a concrete patio. Exactly how long it takes will depend upon how complex a job you have and how large your patio is. The larger the patio, the longer the job.
Will I need a permit to remove my concrete patio in Phoenix?
Whether or not you will need a permit to remove your concrete patio in the Phoenix area depends upon the local rules and regulations. Most often, a demolition permit enables the city or county to monitor demolition for the sake of public safety. Your contractor will likely pull any permits you will need for the job, or will ask you to do so. If you aren’t sure, reach out to the local Planning and Development Department to find out.
When you are ready to tear out that old concrete patio, be sure to give Joe’s Bobcat Services a call. We have the professional know-how and experience to make sure your job is done completely, carefully and correctly. Call (602) 780-3343 today.