Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Busting Up Pad Question

I am hoping I can get some help with this one here. I am a general jack of all trades, master of none kind of guy, and now I am moving outside of my house for some work. I am planning to put up a shed, but I want to lay a pad for that, but before I do that, I have to bust up a pad that is there now. its about 8 X 6, and I am wondering the best way to do this. I have never done any concrete work before, and of course I am planning on renting a jackhammer, but whats the easiest way to make a plan for this? Just want to make it as easy as possible. Thanks in advance.

Andy Schwartz
aschwartz@mail.com

Hi,

I'll be glad to help, but I need more information. Which is the situation of the pad? what sort of concrete is? reinforced? which is the thickness?

If you could send a photograph it'd be great

Regards

I think its abouit 4 inches thick, about maybe 15 years old or so in my backyard in good shape, and I dont know what type of concrete it is, nor do I know if it is reinforced, I dont think I would know until I went and tried to bust it up

Hi,

Assuming that you have a surface (not slab) with a thickness of 4", you'll need to hire a demolition hammer. Then, start making points (holes), in a small area. You'll need also a pick, so after you make the point, you'll remove the loose pieces. Then to the next area. If you find steel, you'll need to remove the concrete around it, and remove the steel manually.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the hole idea, I will do it I think Sunday and will post back to say what happened.

Yes, please, tell us what happened, we are going to learn with your experience.

Don't forget to protect your head, hands and eyes before!!!

Take care,

If you are using a jack hammer wear ear plugs as well as eye protection.

Exactly. I am usually bad about that, I always forget, but with this I think glasses are very important.

Well, I got it all busted up with a rental jackhammer from home depot, paid 57 to rent it for 4 hours, it took me a total of 1 1/2 with travel time also. Real easy to do and real fun also. Now I have to lay out the new forms and dig it all out. Joy. At least I had some fun..... Thanks

Hi, glad to know that you enjoyed the work.

Let us know if you need help with the new pad

Regards

I finally got all the old concrete out, great having brothers in law that have a dump truck. Next up will be digging and laying the forms, should be fun. I have pictures and will post when the project is done.

Hi, glad to know all is going OK

Before next stage: clean the area, specially dust. Then wash the area. Before the concrete you'll need to care about the surface condition, level, etc.

Let us know if you need more help. Good luck!

Heres a good question (at least for me) once I dig it out and get ready for the forms, what wood do I use, I plan on about 3 inches of rock base (good way to get rid of some stone I have laying around) and 4 inches or so of concrete. I am unsure of what wood to use, I am sure its an easy question. Thanks.

Hi,

There are some answers to your question. Give a look to these sites

http://www.pacificwoodlaminates.com/products/concrete-pacForm.php

http://www.wwpa.org/techguide/wlsev.htm


Hope this helps

Actually what I meant was what size wood, like regular pressure treated 2X4, or 1X5 or what size wood is the best choice.

Hi,

Sorry!!

I understood your question was about the wood quality

You need to consider the base (3") + the pad (4"), so you'll need at least 7". Probabily you'll find 8". A thickness of 1" will work OK.

Hope this helps!