Jackhammering is an essential component of laying down a secure paving surface in any driveway. It’s necessary to use a jackhammer in order to break up the existing pavement, whether it’s concrete, asphalt, or stone, so that a suitable sub-base can be properly formed.
With proper preparation and the right tools, executing a jackhammering project can be a relatively straightforward task—one that you can even manage yourself with the right precautions.
Safety Gear and Other Gear
The most important part of any jackhammering job is ensuring that all safety precautions are taken to protect yourself and those close by. This includes wearing protective gear such as hearing protection, safety glasses, and a full face helmet. It also includes wearing a sturdy pair of work boots, and a long sleeved shirt and long pants to minimize scratches.
In addition to safety gear, you’ll also need the following:
Jackhammer – Choose a jackhammer that is powerful enough for the size of the job. Consider renting a jackhammer for larger jobs to avoid overworking a standard jackhammer.
Electric power source - If the jackhammer is electric, you’ll need an adequate power source to plug it into.
Lifting hoist – A lifting hoist may be necessary to move heavy equipment into place or remove the broken pieces during demolition.
Roby shank – to create holes and breaks in the pavement.
Chipping Hammer – to remove concrete residue from small areas.
Determine Working Area
Once you’ve acquired the necessary safety and other gear, begin by determining the working area. Generally, the larger the area, the more effort it will cost to fully break up the pavement and remove it. Mark off the working area with flagged poles and string ensuring to exercise caution when expecting traffic.
Start Jackhammering
With the work area marked off, you’re ready to begin jackhammering. Start the job by clearing away any loose debris from the working area. This will minimize the amount of dust particles that are created during the project.
Next, you’ll need to make a visible pattern in the pavement. Start at the furthest section of the working area and make a grid of holes in the pavement using the jackhammer. Make sure to distribute the holes evenly to ensure that you don’t overload any single area.
Once the grid is created, you can then begin breaking up the pavement. Move the jackhammer in long steady strokes, breaking the pavement in one-foot chunks. When breaking up the pavement, hold the leading edge of the jackhammer bit against pavement rather than the side edge. This will help avoid damaging the sub-base beneath.
Remove Debris
Once you’ve fully broken up the pavement, remove the debris with a wheelbarrow and shovel. As you remove the debris, make sure to avoid clogging the wheelbarrow or other machinery.
Executing a jackhammering project requires a considerable amount of time and physical effort. However, with the proper preparation and the proper safety gear and tools, the job can be done relatively safely and efficiently.
Once you’ve finished jackhammering the pavement, you can then lay down the materials for the new sub-base and paving surface.
