Clear Out Old Concrete Before Starting Fresh

Bryan's Concrete handles demolition and removal for driveways, patios, and slabs in Memphis, Tennessee.

You cannot pour new concrete over a cracked, settled, or uneven slab and expect it to perform well. Old concrete in Millington often suffers from root intrusion, soil movement, or years of freeze-thaw cycles that leave the surface broken and unstable. Bryan's Concrete removes old driveways, patios, sidewalks, and slabs as part of our residential projects, clearing the way for a new pour that starts with a properly prepared base and a clean work area.


We use jackhammers, saws, and heavy equipment to break up and remove old concrete, then haul it away and dispose of it properly. The area is cleared down to the soil, and we inspect the subgrade for issues such as erosion, voids, or poor drainage that may have contributed to the original failure. This step is included in most replacement projects in Millington, and it ensures the new concrete is poured over a stable, compacted base rather than on top of old material that could shift or settle.


If you need old concrete removed before a new driveway, patio, or walkway is installed in Millington, contact Bryan's Concrete to discuss your project.

What Happens During Demolition and Removal

We begin by cutting the concrete into manageable sections using a concrete saw, which helps control dust and allows us to remove the material in pieces that can be lifted and loaded.This process is often complicated by tree roots that have grown under the slab or soil that has washed out from beneath the surface. We address these issues as we work, removing roots and filling voids before the new base is prepared.


Once the old concrete is removed, you will see the bare soil and be able to identify any drainage problems, soft spots, or uneven areas that need to be corrected before the new slab is poured. The site is cleared of debris, and the subgrade is leveled and compacted to create a stable foundation. Any protruding rebar, old footings, or embedded materials are removed so they do not interfere with the new pour.


We haul all concrete debris off-site and dispose of it at approved facilities, leaving your property clean and ready for the next phase of work. This service is part of our concrete replacement projects and does not include standalone demolition for non-concrete structures or large commercial slabs. The goal is to prepare the site so the new concrete can be poured with confidence that the base is sound and the work area is clear.

These questions come up during most demolition projects

Homeowners in Millington often ask about timing, disposal, and what happens if the subgrade is damaged or unstable. These questions help clarify what the demolition process involves and what condition the site will be in when the work is complete.

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How long does it take to remove old concrete?
Most residential demolition projects take one to two days depending on the size and thickness of the slab. We work efficiently to clear the site and prepare it for the next phase without unnecessary delays.
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What do you do with the old concrete?
We haul it off-site and dispose of it at approved facilities. The material is typically recycled or crushed for use in road base or other applications rather than sent to a landfill.
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What happens if the ground underneath is damaged?
We inspect the subgrade after removal and address any voids, soft spots, or drainage issues before the new base is prepared. This step is critical to preventing the same problems from recurring.
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Can you remove just part of a driveway or patio?
Yes, we can remove specific sections if the rest of the slab is still sound. We cut along the control joints or create new cuts to isolate the damaged area before breaking it up and hauling it away.
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How do you handle tree roots under the slab?
We cut and remove roots that have lifted or cracked the concrete, then treat the area to prevent regrowth before preparing the base for the new pour. This is a common issue in Millington where mature trees grow close to driveways and patios.

Bryan's Concrete has removed old concrete from properties throughout Millington, and we understand how to handle the challenges that come with damaged slabs and unstable subgrades. If you need old concrete removed and replaced, get in touch to schedule an evaluation.