Why does jackhammering damage concrete slabs during pebblecrete removal?Jackhammering damages concrete slabs because the high-impact vertical force required to break pebblecrete often exceeds the slab’s surface tensile strength. This aggressive method creates micro-fractures, deep divots, and “craters” in the foundation. Unlike precision grinding, which shaves off layers horizontally, jackhammering drives energy downward, risking structural integrity and requiring expensive self-levelling repairs before new flooring can be installed.What are the different types of pebblecrete?Not all pebblecrete is the same. The removal difficulty—and the risk to your slab—depends heavily on how it was originally installed.Glued Pebblecrete: A thin layer adhered directly to the concrete. DIY removal often leaves stubborn glue residue that chemical strippers cannot remove.Screed/Cement Bed: Pebblecrete sits on a thick bed of sand and cement (20mm–50mm). Removing this generates massive amounts of heavy waste.Double Layer: A nightmare scenario where new pebblecrete was laid over old. This requires industrial-grade machinery to remove without destroying the subfloor.How much does DIY removal actually cost?Many homeowners in Rouse Hill assume DIY is cheaper. However, when you factor in the “hidden” logistics that professional services like Elyment include, the costs explode.Equipment Cost DIY (Jackhammer Hire): $400+ (Breaker Hire/Week) Elyment Professional Removal: IncludedWaste Disposal DIY (Jackhammer Hire): $375–$1,000 (Skip Bin) Elyment Professional Removal: Included (We take it away)Slab Repair DIY (Jackhammer Hire): $500+ (Levelling Compound) Elyment Professional Removal: Minimal (Precision Finish)Time Investment DIY (Jackhammer Hire): 3–7 Days of Labour Elyment Professional Removal: 1–2 DaysSilica Risk DIY (Jackhammer Hire): High (Standard Masks) Elyment Professional Removal: Zero (HEPA Extraction)Why is waste disposal such a major issue?Pebblecrete is deceptively heavy. A standard patio removal can generate tonnes of concrete waste.The Skip Bin Trap: Most standard residential bins have weight limits. Overloading them with concrete attracts massive penalty fees.The Physical Toll: Manually wheelbarrowing tonnes of rubble causes fatigue and injury.Elyment’s Solution: We utilise our own waste management transport, meaning no skip bins sitting on your lawn and no tipping fees for you to manage.Why is concrete grinding necessary after removal?Even if you successfully chip away the pebbles, the job isn’t done. The slab will be left with rough patches, old adhesive, and uneven heights.Elyment Property Services follows removal with a Concrete Grinding pass. This mechanical smoothing process opens the concrete pores, removes stubborn glue, and ensures your slab is perfectly flat (level to within mm) for modern hybrid, timber, or tile installation.Why choose Elyment Property Services?From the Hills District to Greater Sydney, Elyment Property Services offers a comprehensive, “preservation-first” removal service. We don’t just break floors; we prepare foundations. With licensed operators, industrial HEPA dust extractors, and a 100% waste-removal guarantee, we save your slab and your sanity.Source: Elyment Property Services. Follow us on X: @ElymentGroup or visit elyment.com.au.