Concrete Removal

Concrete Removal Services in New Orleans, LA

Driveways crack. Slabs settle. Old foundations need to come out before new construction can start. Big Easy Demolition provides residential and commercial concrete removal in New Orleans and the surrounding parishes, from single driveway panels to full slab foundations. We handle the breaking, hauling, and disposal, so your project doesn’t stall waiting on a contractor to show up.

Concrete removal in New Orleans involves conditions you won’t find in most other cities. Expansive clay soil, a high water table, and a housing stock built almost entirely without basements create a specific set of challenges. Our crew works with these conditions daily.

Why Concrete Fails Faster in New Orleans

New Orleans sits on soft alluvial soil with a high clay content. That clay expands when it absorbs water and contracts during dry periods, and it does this repeatedly across seasons. For concrete slabs, that means constant pressure from below. Driveways crack unevenly. Patios tilt. Sidewalks heave. Slabs that were poured flat are rarely flat five or ten years later.

The high water table compounds the problem. During wet seasons, water can sit beneath a slab and slowly undermine it. Voids form under concrete that looks intact from above. When the slab finally gives, it doesn’t just crack, it often settles in sections or collapses entirely into the void beneath.

None of this means concrete doesn’t belong in New Orleans. It just means concrete removal here requires understanding what you’re working with. We assess the condition of the subgrade before removal to determine whether backfill or grading is needed before new concrete can be poured.

Concrete Structures We Remove

• Driveways — single and double-wide, including asphalt-over-concrete layered driveways
• Patios and pool decks — including removal of attached pavers and surrounding concrete edging
• Sidewalks and walkways — residential and commercial, including City sidewalk replacement coordination
• Slab foundations — full slab removal for lots being cleared for new construction
• Concrete piers and footings — common on raised pier-and-beam homes; we remove existing piers and grade beams after demolition
• Steps and stoops — front and rear, including brick-faced concrete stoops common in older New Orleans neighborhoods
• Commercial floors and loading pads — warehouse slabs, loading dock pads, and industrial concrete floors

Raised Homes and Concrete Work in New Orleans

Most homes in New Orleans are raised on piers, either original wood piers on older properties or poured concrete columns on newer or renovated structures. When a raised home is demolished or undergoes a major renovation, the concrete piers, grade beams, and any slab sections at grade need to be removed and the soil graded before the lot can be built on again.

This work requires careful sequencing. Removing piers too early in a demolition compromises the structure above. We time concrete removal to coordinate with the overall demolition scope so the work is done safely and efficiently. For renovation projects where only the foundation concrete needs attention, we can work around the standing structure.

Repair or Remove: How to Decide

Not every damaged concrete surface needs full removal. For minor cracking without settling, patching or mudjacking (pressure-injecting grout beneath the slab to level it) is a more cost-effective option. We’ll tell you honestly which approach makes sense for your situation.

Full removal is typically the right call when:

• Cracks are wide (over 1/4 inch), multiple, and running in multiple directions
• Sections have settled unevenly by more than an inch
• The slab has dropped due to soil erosion or void formation beneath it
• You’re clearing the lot for new construction and the existing concrete is in the way
• Concrete has spalled heavily or developed structural compromise from freeze-thaw cycles during an unusual cold event

What Happens to the Concrete After Removal

Broken concrete is heavy and dense, but it’s recyclable. Crushed concrete (also called recycled concrete aggregate, or RCA) is used as base material for roads, drainage projects, and new construction. When volume allows, we coordinate with recycling facilities in the New Orleans area to divert concrete from C&D landfills. Recycled disposal can also reduce your overall project cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does concrete removal cost in New Orleans?
A standard two-car driveway removal typically runs between $1,200 and $2,500 depending on thickness, rebar content, and access. Slab foundation removal is priced by square footage and ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 for most residential-scale jobs. We provide firm quotes after a site visit.

Do I need a permit to remove a driveway or patio?
Generally no for removing concrete on private property. If you’re replacing a driveway apron that connects to a public street, the City of New Orleans may require a permit and inspection for the new work. We’ll identify any permit requirements during the estimate phase.

How long does concrete removal take?
A standard driveway is typically removed in a single day. Larger slab work or jobs with difficult access may take two to three days. We’ll give you a realistic timeline during the estimate.

What equipment is used for concrete demolition?
We use hydraulic jackhammers, electric breakers, and for larger slabs, a compact excavator with a hydraulic attachment. For tight access areas, we use hand tools and smaller equipment to avoid damaging surrounding structures, landscaping, or utilities.

Can you remove concrete near a pool or landscaping without damaging it?
Yes. We work carefully around pools, trees with exposed root systems, and established landscaping. We’ll flag any concerns about root proximity or drainage impact before work begins.

Schedule a Concrete Removal Estimate

Call 504-688-4399 or fill out our contact form to describe your project. For most residential concrete removal jobs, we can give you a firm estimate within 24 hours of a site visit. We serve New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Harahan, Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, and surrounding communities.