How to Break Cement

Breaking cement requires more than just pounding the materials with a hammer. Because cement is poured with reinforcement rebar and fibers, it will not break apart so simply as that. Over the years, the construction industry has refined the demolition procedures for breaking cement to include the average home carpenter. You can complete this type of job in 4 to 8 hours, depending on the size and scope of the project.

Things You'll Need

• Cement demolition saw
• Electric jack hammer
• Reciprocating saw
• Metal cutting blade
• Sledge hammer
• Chalk line
• Garden hose
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Dust mask

Instructions

1. 

   This demolition saw works well for cutting cement.

   Cut the cement into manageable sections using a concrete demolition saw, which can be purchased or rented at any tool rental or hardware supply store. Mark the cement off into 4 foot section by snapping chalk lines as reference lines. Follow these lines with the saw. Wear a dust mask and eye goggles when cutting with this saw, as the dust and debris will fill the air. Start the saw by pulling the start cord and slowly cut into the cement. Wet the cement with a water hose if necessary to keep the dust down and loosen the cement for removal.

2. 

   This jackhammer can demolish thick cement.

   Jackhammer the cut sections of cement. Rent the jackhammer from any tool rental store. However, for do-it-yourself projects, rent an electric hammer, since these are user friendly. Wear eye goggles and a dust mask when operating this equipment. Place the hammer chisel onto the cement and squeeze the hammer trigger. Continue to hammer the cement until it breaks into manageable chunks.

3. Cut the rebar found in the cement with a reciprocating saw. Most cement will have rebar placed in the center for extra reinforcement. Cut this bar in the areas where you have hammered and exposed the metal bars. Place the metal cutting blade on the reciprocating saw and slowly cut into the rebar.

4. 

   Use a sledge hammer with caution.

   Break apart the cement that remains stuck to the rebar using a sledge hammer. This cement is too small for the jack hammer, so using a sledge hammer will make the job simpler. Wear gloves and eye goggles when using the sledge hammer to protect your hands and eyes, however.

References

• "Renovation"; Michael W. Litchfield; 2005
• "Safety for Masons"; Richard T. Kreh; 2009
• "Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting"; Mark G. Alexander; 2008