It's safe to say that breaking a concrete slab is one of the most challenging do-it-yourself tasks- almost impossible, to say the least. But, the fact of the matter is, you can do it yourself with the right approach. You only need to make sure you're using the right equipment and follow the right techniques.

We will give you expert advice on how you can make this rather difficult task seem effortless. Whether it's your floor, parking space, or pathway, you can remove their concrete slabs. Note that concrete slabs are very durable so you will need heavy-duty equipment and practice safety precautions to get things done.  If the job proves too difficult, contact a local concrete contractor.

Step 1: Wear Protective Gear
Breaking a slab is not the safest task there is. You will be required to use heavy equipment to complete the task. For this reason, it is important to protect yourself all the time. Wear a hard hat, earplugs, and safety goggles. It is also essential to keep your nose and mouth from small substances by wearing a face mask. Secure your body from loose debris by wearing boots and long-sleeved clothes.

Step 2: Prepare the Work Site
It's crucial to inspect the area before commencing the project. Check for any power, gas, or water lines underneath or near the concrete slab that you wish to break. Remove all debris, including rocks, leaves, sticks, and other tools.

Step 3: Ready Your Equipment
Breaking a slab entails using an electric breaker. You have to ensure that the power outlet or transformer you will use can handle the power of the breaker you will utilize. If you're ordering online, make sure to check the labels and instructions indicated in the manual. It will tell you the right kind of voltage the breaker needs to function. Some tools even come with specific safety precautions from the manufacturer.

Step 4: Get a Secure Grip
To remove a large concrete slab, you want to break it up into smaller portions. It is easier to break the slab and get rid of it completely if you do it this way. Start at the side which is farthest from you so you can use the part which hasn't been broken yet as your standing ground. You need a place to stand to support you when using the breaker. The power cord should always be behind you and not anywhere near the tip of the breaker.

Step 5: Start Breaking the Slab
Place the tip of the breaker on the cement and switch the power on. The equipment will begin to vibrate as it hammers into the cement until it breaks it. Make sure to hold the breaker upright and grip it firmly while on the process. The point of the breaker will continue to cause a crack on the slab until it's completely broken. Be careful and do the work slowly but surely. Avoid using the breaker in a diagonal direction because it can be hazardous to you and your property.

Step 6: Break it into Smaller Pieces
To make things easier, locate cracks in the concrete and work your way on them. This will make the work easier because the breaker will not have to put pressure too much on the surface. You should stop once in a while and get rid of debris that can hinder the process of breaking.

One of the most effective techniques in breaking a concrete slab is doing it using a grid pattern. Regardless of the size of the pieces you desire, you have to make sure that it's easy to eliminate the debris. Hold the breaker firmly when turning the power off and wait until it's no longer vibrating.

Step 7: Dispose of the slab 
You can use a wrecking bar to reduce the size of the slab into even smaller portions. With the use of a shovel, pick up the pieces of concrete scattered on the floor. Use a broom to clear the area from dust and smaller debris.

Breaking and removing a concrete slab may be difficult, but it's possible. With the right tools and safe practices, you can do it on your own.  Keep in mind that your safety is vital, so exercising caution while on the job is crucial. Wear the recommended safety gears for your protection.

Using concrete flooring is an excellent choice for interior and exterior designs because there are endless possibilities with the end-product. Concrete can be sealed, stained, and install with decorative epoxy systems. There are just so many options you can have when you use concrete flooring. Each option comes with its advantages and benefits, which is why many property owners go for concrete for their flooring. Aside from the versatility of concrete, there are other reasons why it has the edge compared to other flooring materials.

Cost
One of the most significant advantages of using concrete is pricing. Sealed concrete can only cost a few dollars to be installed. It doesn't get damaged easily, meaning you don't have to have it repaired every now and then. For instance, it can be cheap to have a carpet installed to your floor, but you need to have it professionally cleaned regularly. This means you need to shed extra dollar for maintenance.

Design Freedom
Another advantage of using concrete is the ability to match it with your interior design scheme. It is essential to have complementary colors to come up with a beautiful outcome. With traditional flooring, this can be impossible because of the few choices for color and design. You can a matte, gloss, or satin finish with concrete floor. To add, there are a lot of available patterns for concrete as well as texture. You will not run out of design ideas with concrete floors.

Original Modern Appearance
Concrete flooring has a more updated look compared to other flooring options. Concrete allows builders and customers to be more expressive on their choice. There is a wide range of choice available for concrete flooring that is not the case for the traditional style of flooring.

Durability and Maintenance
You can apply chemicals resistant sealers to your concrete flooring which can serve as a barrier from animal waste that can eventually leave a permanent foul smell to your home. These sealers can also protect your flooring from a fluid such as oil, body fluids, and other kinds of spills. Traditional flooring can easily fall victim to these types of materials. For interior residences, sealers can have a maximum effect of 10 years. They are also easy to maintain and don't need heavy detergents to remove stains. Sealed flooring can quickly look new with regular application of wax.
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Substrate Conditions
Concrete flooring is an excellent choice to resolve substrate conditions. It is easy and practical to apply cement overlays to straighten out issues on an uneven surface and solving imperfections. Further, concrete floors can do well with old slabs, or they can be adjusted to a height you require. With concrete floors, creating and eliminating a slope is both possible. If you are worried about moisture in your concrete, there are moisture remediation systems that can overcome issues on vapor emission.

The patio is a great place to spend a warm summer day at your house. If you don't have one yet, you might want to consider installing it before the summer comes. There are a lot of benefits to it, especially when you decide to use concrete to build it from. There may be several materials available out there, but concrete patios make the best ones because of the following reasons.

Concrete Patios are Built to Last
Concrete is known for its durability. It continues to gain popularity among builders and homeowners alike for a good reason. If your patio is adequately installed, you can expect that it can stand the test of time. Competing with concrete's strength and cost-effectiveness is hard. Other materials such as stone can deteriorate after a few years of being exposed to changing the weather and other elements. Wood, on the other hand, can decay from outside if not adequately maintained. Concrete doesn't need a lot of upkeep that is why it is also a practical choice among other materials. You will thank yourself later for investing in something that will last a lifetime.

Concrete Mimics Other Materials
When you think about concrete, you might be imagining a gray and boring-looking material.  But that is no longer the case nowadays. We can make any dull-looking concrete like a beautiful tile, natural stone, or wood. Technology has gone far when it comes to improving the beautiful side of the concrete. There are now different materials that concrete can resemble. You can choose the texture, pattern, color, and style, depending on your preference. Your patio can look stunning without you having to spend a lot on the materials used for it.

Sidewalks Look Great As Well
Aside from adding a beautiful concrete patio, you can also install a sidewalk that leads to a particular area of your home, including your patio. You can choose the design that resembles other materials such as stone, brick, or tiles for your sidewalk. These additions are not only very convenient and practical, but they also add to the appeal of your home. Your guests will enjoy their time relaxing in your home and you will, too.

Patios and Sidewalks from Winston-Salem Concrete
At Winston-Salem Concrete Contractors, we install beautiful and durable patios and sidewalks for a cost that is within your budget. Whatever the kind of design and style you want, we can expertly complete the project and improve the overall look of your home.

You should do your homework and prepare questions before hiring a concrete contractor to ensure that you get only the best result for your concrete. In this blog post, we will discuss the most critical questions to ask concrete contractors to help you decide whether they are the best fit for the job or not. It will include questions about:

• Previous work and industry experience
• Concrete style options and quality
• Contractor's installation process and what you should expect

Ask About Experience
How long have you been in the concrete industry? If the company has enough experience in the field, it can be a good sign that they are knowledgeable and skilled about the practices needed for a quality concrete service. If they have thrived in the business for many years, it could also mean they have excellent customer service.

Do you have examples of your previous work? A reputable concrete contractor keeps a portfolio of prior jobs done to show their clients. You can check their previous work on their website. A professional contractor will organize their portfolio according to project type to make it easy for clients to see what they are looking for.

Can you provide references? In most cases, concrete contractors have references prepared. You can also check online if they have received any awards or if they have reviews on different websites such as Angie's List.

Ask About Style Options and Quality
Do you offer a variety of colors, styles, and finishes when it comes to stamped or stained concrete? It is best to look for a company that can provide you with a variety of choices when it comes to style. You may want a simple and neat look or a classy finish. You should be able to choose the one that fits your style and budget. You can be creative with the style that you want for the finished look of your concrete, and the contractor should help you achieve this goal.

Can I customize my options? The good thing about concrete is that you can do a lot of things with it. You can customize the style depending on your lifestyle; that is why make sure the contractor has the products and skills to make your dream happen.

Will my concrete last? If the concrete is installed correctly, it should last for many years. You can ask the concrete contractor about their finishing as well as sealing process because they will determine how long your concrete will last after installation.

Ask About What to Expect
How long will the project last? There are factors to consider in determining the duration of a concrete project such as the size of the property, the style you choose, and other special requests you may have. An experienced contractor will be able to provide you with a timeline after seeing your property and knowing your preferences.

When can you start working? In some instances, a contractor can't start working at once because they're working on a lot of projects. However, you should also think of your schedule; that is why it is essential to ask this question earlier to help you decide.

Is there anything I should do before you start working? Some concrete contractors may ask you to move some items for easier installation, such as in the case of a concrete driveway. You may need to move your outdoor furniture anywhere so that the contractors can work without a hassle in your patio.

Ask Us All Your Questions
Every concrete project is unique; that is why you may have questions that are only applicable to your concrete needs. If you have questions, we will be more than willing to sit with you and answer all of them. We can provide you with the best results for your concrete installation needs.

Spring is a time for new things. It's also a perfect time for home renovations and improving the appeal of your residence. One of the best ways to spice up your home's curb appeal is by installing a new concrete driveway. Winston-Salem Concrete is here to tell you why concrete is a popular choice for your home and business renovation.

Durability
Arguably, concrete is the most durable material used for residential and commercial properties. It is known for its strength that can survive different temperature and traffic. It is ideal for driveways because it can stand weight and pressure and it can also be decorative using the right style.

Great Looks
You don't have to settle with a gray concrete driveway because right now, there are already many design options you can choose from. Your driveway will not just be functional but can also add a lot to the overall curb appeal of your home. You can choose any color, texture, or pattern depending on your style and budget. Make every head turn with your beautiful concrete driveway.

Longevity
Your concrete driveway can last for many decades and survive almost any circumstances. With proper maintenance, it can last for many years without getting damaged or incurring cracks. This means that you don't have to shed money for repair cost. Concrete driveways make a good investment. To ensure the quality of your driveway, make sure it poured and installed by a professional because they know how to handle the project correctly.

Ease of Maintenance
Another great reason to choose concrete for your driveway is ease of maintenance. Unlike blacktop driveways, you don't have to reseal a concrete driveway. You only have to power wash it and have the proper de-icer in winter. Choose a de-icer that is concrete-friendly, so make sure to read the label before purchasing one.

Concrete driveways make for a good investment. It doesn't only promise strength and durability which is essential when choosing a material, but it can also add to the appeal of your home and significantly increase its value.