Fixing Your Concrete Driveway

Getting Rid Of Walkways: Jackhammer Safety When Cutting Concrete

by Gavin Jackson

Are you ready to give your landscape a new look and have decided to get rid of a few concrete walkways? If you want to take on the task of breaking up the concrete on your own, a jackhammer may be needed. In this article, learn what you should know about using a jackhammer and the dangers it can pose if used incorrectly.

What is the Safest Way to Use a Jackhammer for Cutting Concrete?

You must invest in safety gear if you don't want to get harmed in the process of using a jackhammer. Keep in mind that concrete will be getting tossed around as you are breaking it up with the jackhammer. A few items that can keep you safe during the process include:

  • Goggles
  • A helmet
  • Steel toe boots

You must also hold the jackhammer at a slanted angle to maintain control over what is being cut. Failure to hold the jackhammer properly can lead to it accidentally puncturing the power cord. You don't want that to happen because it can electrocute you.

Even if you use safety gear and handle the jackhammer in the correct manner, you can suffer harm. The reason is due to the powerful vibrations that you will be exposed to. Basically, the vibrations from the jackhammer can lead to Raynaud's phenomenon. The condition happens when your blood vessels constrict from vibrations and you experience symptoms such as skin discoloration, numbness and pain for a few hours.

What Does it Cost to Hire a Professional for Concrete Cutting?

The price charged by professionals to cut up concrete will vary depending on the size of the job. Whether or not your walkways are unreinforced or not can also have an effect on how much money you will have to pay. Reinforced concrete is more expensive to remove because there is more than concrete involved with the task. You are looking to spend at least $100 plus for a professional to cut up your concrete walkways, with the price being quoted for a small job.

You don't have to take the risk of harming your body by handling a jackhammer on your own. Hiring a professional for the job will not only keep you safe, but they may haul away the excess concrete for you. Get in touch with a concrete breaking contractor to get the walkways removed so you can renovate your landscape for more appeal!

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