I have a concrete patio measuring about 15ft x 10ft, and it's broken into three parts. The grading causes water to pool against my house, which is a concern. I think this patio has been here for over a decade based on its condition. As a first-time homeowner, I'm feeling overwhelmed—I'm tempted to just dump some sand on it to hide the cracks, but I know that's not really a solution. Do I need to use a jackhammer to break it all up for removal? I wouldn't mind hiring someone to level it using foam, but I'm also considering replacing it with a deck or laying down some gravel topped with pavers and pea gravel. The drop from my back door to the patio is about 8 inches, and I really want to address that issue. Looking for some alternatives to complete removal or just leveling it out!
3 Answers
Honestly, you might not need a jackhammer! A pry bar and a hammer could do the trick—just get under the concrete and chip away at the seams. It's a bit of elbow grease, but it can save you the hassle of heavier equipment. Plus, once it's gone, you can really think about your new layout!
If it were me, I'd just remove the whole thing and start fresh. That way you can make sure whatever you put back down will be stable. Plus, it sounds like you'd really benefit from a level surface to avoid that water pooling issue! It's probably a job for a jackhammer, but if you don't have experience, it might be wise to hire a pro for the removal.
Just a heads up, there's a tool called a San Angelo bar that works like a manual jackhammer. It's pretty handy for breaking up concrete without the noise and mess of power tools. If you're going the DIY route, this could make things a lot easier for you!