Concrete Removal in Atlanta, GA

Concrete removal clears old driveways, patios, sidewalks, garage and shed slabs, steps and footings so new paving, a garden, an addition or a pool can go in. The work looks simple, but thickness, steel reinforcement, access and where the broken concrete goes decide how long it takes and what it costs.

Why concrete comes out around Atlanta

• Cracking and settling. Slabs poured on poorly compacted fill, or on red clay that shrinks and swells with the seasons, crack and drop in panels.
• Roots. In a city known for its tree canopy, roots from oaks and other large trees lift driveways and walks.
• New plans. A wider driveway, a larger patio, a new addition or a pool that needs the space.
• Teardowns. Slabs and footings left from a demolished house, garage or shed.

If a slab is sound but uneven, leveling or resurfacing may cost less than removal, and we will say so.

Plain versus reinforced

Unreinforced concrete, common in older walks and patios, breaks up quickly with a breaker or a skid steer. Driveways and slabs with rebar or welded wire take longer, because the steel holds the broken pieces together and has to be cut. Fixr's guide prices unreinforced removal at $2 to $4 a square foot and reinforced at $4 to $6. Thick footings and foundation walls cost more again. We check the edges and core a spot if needed so the estimate reflects what is actually in the ground.

Near trees and underground lines

Atlanta protects trees 6 inches and larger in diameter, and a driveway next to a large tree often has roots running under it. We break out concrete near trees by hand or with small equipment, so roots are not torn when the slab is lifted. Before we cut into anything at grade, we request Georgia 811 locates, which are free and good for 30 calendar days once marked, and we watch for sprinkler lines, low-voltage wiring and old drain pipes the 811 system does not mark.

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Where the concrete goes

Clean, unreinforced concrete can often go to a recycler and be crushed into aggregate, which is usually cheaper than landfill disposal. Fixr estimates disposal at about $0.50 to $2 of the per-square-foot price. Reinforced concrete is harder to recycle. If you want broken concrete reused on site, for example as fill in a pool removal or as a base under a new slab, we can plan for that.

Getting ready for new work

When the concrete is out, we remove soft or organic soil below it if the new surface needs a firm base, fill low spots and leave the area rough-graded to drain away from the house. If a concrete contractor is following us, we coordinate depth and grade so the new pour starts on the right footing.