Dismantling the concrete screed: detailed instructions on self-screed removal + expert advice

Overhaul often requires the dismantling of the concrete floor screed. Many turn to specialists for help. But, you see, it is illogical to spend money on hiring a team of craftsmen, if you can disassemble the structure yourself? It is better to use the saved finances for the purchase of higher quality building materials.

In this article, we will provide an algorithm for self-removal of a concrete floor screed. We list and characterize the methods for parsing the structure. We will show you when and which method is best to use. We will give useful recommendations.

When is it advisable to disassemble the screed yourself?

Removing the floor screed is a laborious and time-consuming process. Therefore, construction and repair companies charge a high price for such work. The price, depending on the thickness of the screed, the presence of a reinforcing layer, the complexity of the technology used, the type of tools and equipment used, varies from 150 to 1200 rubles per sq.m.

If you have experience with construction tools, a couple of free days, then it makes sense to disassemble the concrete structure yourself. This will save you a lot of money.

In addition, not all firms employ conscientious and qualified craftsmen. It is easier to control the quality of dismantling if you do it yourself.

But, if a person has never been involved in repairs, then he should not try to disassemble a concrete screed on his own. This is associated with a high risk of injury and damage to engineering communications.

General algorithm for removing concrete screed

When removing an old concrete screed, a certain sequence of actions must be followed. Otherwise, the process of parsing the structure may be delayed, you will have to do extra work.

Dismantling of a concrete screed should be carried out in a number of such stages:

1. Premises preparation.
2. The choice of dismantling method.
3. Preparation of the necessary tools and personal protective equipment.
4. Removing the screed using the selected technology.
5. Removal and removal of construction waste.
6. Cleaning.

Following this algorithm is the key to successful dismantling.

Features of the preparation of the premises

Before proceeding with the dismantling of the screed, you need to completely empty the room. All personal belongings, pieces of furniture, equipment should be taken out in order to avoid damage to them. This is also important in the case of partial dismantling of a concrete structure. Be sure to remove baseboards, linoleum, parquet and other materials for finishing the floor.

First, it is worth studying the scheme for laying technical communications. On the screed, it should be noted the places where the water pipes pass and electrical cables.

It is also necessary to notify the tenants about the upcoming work. Especially it is necessary to inform those who live nearby on the site and on the lower floor. After all, the removal of the screed, regardless of the method chosen, will be accompanied by noise.

It is also possible to increase the load on the power grid due to the use of powerful tools.

Methods for removing concrete screed

You can remove a concrete screed using different technologies.

The following methods are most in demand today:

• shock;
• cutting out;
• drilling;
• the use of special formulations.

The method is selected based on the characteristics of the screed - its thickness, the presence of a reinforcing mesh, available tools and experience with them.

Option 1 - impact dismantling technology

The essence of the method is that an impact force is applied to the surface of the screed. As a result, the concrete begins to crack and break. Parts of it are pulled out and thrown away.

Various tools are used to remove the screed by the shock method. An electric breaker is recommended. With its help, it is possible to dismantle about 50 square meters of the old structure in just 8 hours. It is important to choose a device with the required power. In this case, the thickness of the concrete layer must be taken into account.

You can also use a puncher. It is equipped with a chisel, a special lance. The drilling mode is turned off, leaving only the hammer function.

If there are no electrical appliances, then you will have to use a crowbar, a chisel and a hammer. Break the concrete surface into fragments of 3-5 sq. M.

This method is quite effective. But you have to make a lot of physical effort. The disadvantages of the percussion method also include strong noise, vibration and intense dusting of the room.

Option 2 - parsing the screed by cutting

To implement the cutting method, you need Bulgarianequipped with a special diamond-coated wheel for stone and concrete. Hand chain saws and floor saws can also be used.

First you need to determine the thickness of the screed so as not to touch the base when cutting. In rooms located on the first floors, this parameter is approximately 25 cm, on the second and subsequent floors - 10 cm. With a circular saw, the entire area is cut into sections of 0.5 square meters. Each piece is blown up by a crowbar and removed.

The advantage of this method is the low level of dust and noise. But using power saws alone is difficult and dangerous. You need to have experience with such a tool.

The disadvantage of this technology is the risk of damage to the floors due to careless use of the saw.

Option 3 - removing the concrete screed by drilling

To implement the drilling technology, a perforator or a diamond drill, a pike is used. First, a large number of holes are made over the entire area of ​​the screed. Then the bored areas are beaten off with a lance from all sides. It is important to maintain a right angle when drilling. Otherwise, the drill may break.

This method of removing the old screed is characterized by a low noise level. But it is quite difficult to use. Equipment for the implementation of the drilling method must be selected of high quality. It is important to be able to work with it correctly.

Option 4 - dismantling using special tools

There are compounds that, when in contact with concrete, contribute to its cracking. These include NRV-80 and NRS-1M. Under their influence, the plate simply crumbles.

Funds NRV-80 and NRS-1M are poured into cracks and chips of the screed. Within two days, the concrete structure collapses and is removed. This method is simple and quiet. No dust is generated when using it.

Which way to choose?

The impact method of screed dismantling is recommended for high-strength coatings. For example, it is ideal for dismantling floors made of topped concrete. But this method is not suitable for structures that include a reinforcing mesh.

It is recommended to choose a shock screed removal technology for private buildings. In multi-storey residential buildings, this method of dismantling is also often used. But it causes a lot of inconvenience to neighbors due to the high noise level.

For old buildings, shock technology must be used carefully to avoid damage to the house, reducing its performance and service life.

Dismantling by cutting is suitable for different types of concrete surfaces. The technology is recommended for use in apartment buildings. Removing the screed in this way will not create as much discomfort as the previous method.

The use of drilling is advisable if it is required to dismantle a part of the concrete structure.

Preparation of tools and protective equipment

To dismantle the concrete screed, crowbars, chisels, conventional hand and jackhammers, punchers, sledgehammers, grinders are used, floor saws, chain saws, etc. What set of tools needs to be formed depends on the chosen method of dismantling the concrete screeds. Before using electrical appliances, it is recommended to inspect for integrity and check their serviceability.

To collect dust and small particles of the screed, you will need vacuum cleaner. For garbage storage, you need to buy durable plastic bags or prepare special containers.

Overalls should have glasses for construction and repair work. They will protect the mucous membrane of the eye from fine dust and debris.

To prevent injury to the head by concrete fragments flying out from under the tools, it is worth using a helmet. To protect the hearing aid and the nervous system, you need to purchase special headphones.

Gloves can help prevent damage to the skin of your hands. They will soften accidental drops of screed parts. Protect against cuts and bruises. Feet should also be taken care of. Pieces of concrete may fall on them during dismantling. Rubberized heavy boots will help prevent serious injury.

Another important personal protective equipment is a respirator. It will prevent fine dust from entering the respiratory tract.

Removing the concrete screed and cleaning

Removing the floor screed should be started from the far corner of the room. As parts of the structure are detached and accumulated, they should be taken out of the room and put in special bags or containers. Removal of construction waste is the responsibility of the owners of the premises in which the renovation is carried out.

It is impossible to leave the disassembled screed near the house. She is taken out to the places designated for this. You can use the services of a specialized company.

After the completion of dismantling work, it is necessary to remove small particles of the screed, dust. To do this, vacuum the surface and wipe it with a damp cloth.

Recommendations of specialists for screed dismantling

Often, the process of parsing a concrete floor structure is accompanied by a number of difficulties and problems. In order to dismantle it as quickly, easily and safely as possible, you should adhere to the basic recommendations when performing the work.

Experts advise, first of all, to take into account the type of overlap and assess the risk of its destruction together with the screed. You can accidentally make a hole in it.

Dismantling should be done carefully so as not to injure yourself. Safety rules cannot be ignored. When using a power tool, hold it by the insulated part only to avoid electric shock. It is imperative to work in protective clothing. After completing the analysis of the structure, engineering communications should be inspected to ensure their integrity.

We also recommend reading our other article, where we talked in detail about dismantling the cement-sand screed do it yourself.

Before using the tool, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of its operation and care. For example, if an electric jackhammer is used for dismantling, remember to lubricate it every few hours. It is recommended that you watch a training video on the relevant topic before proceeding with the removal of the screed with your own hands.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Concrete screed removal technology by drilling in practice:

Recommendations of a specialist for dismantling the screed with your own hands:

There are different ways to remove concrete screed. Faster dismantling is carried out using power tools. In financial terms, it is more profitable to use sledgehammers, hammers and crowbars. When choosing a method for parsing a concrete structure, you need to take into account the parameters and characteristics of the house, living in the neighborhood of elderly people and families with small children.

If you have experience in self-parsing of a concrete screed, then share it with us. Leave your comments in the form below.