02 What's Included
Removal that sets up a better new pour.
We assess the existing slab first — is it cracking from soil movement, tree roots, poor original base prep, or just age? That diagnosis shapes how we prep the site afterward, so the new concrete doesn't fail for the same reason the old one did.
Saw-cutting controls where the concrete breaks, which keeps demolition contained and protects nearby structures, landscaping, or utilities. Where possible, we recycle broken concrete as base material rather than sending it straight to a landfill.
03 How We Do It
Our demolition & removal process.
STEP 01
Assess the failure
Diagnose why the existing concrete cracked, settled, or heaved.
STEP 02
Saw-cut & break
Cut clean break lines, then break out the slab with the right equipment for the job.
STEP 03
Haul off & recycle
Remove debris, recycling crushed concrete as base material where possible.
STEP 04
Prep for the new pour
Grade and compact the site correctly so your new concrete starts on solid ground.
04 San Diego Considerations
Why we look past the crack itself.
A huge share of the cracked and heaved concrete we remove across San Diego County failed because of expansive clay soil or tree root intrusion — not poor concrete quality. If we just break out the old slab and pour new concrete on the same unaddressed problem, you'll be back to square one within a few years.
That's why our removal process includes fixing the underlying cause where it makes sense — better base compaction, root barriers, or improved drainage — before your new pour goes in.
05 Permits & Timeline
What to expect.
Usually covered under your project permit
Demolition tied to a replacement project is typically covered under the same permit — we confirm this for your city.
Responsible disposal
We recycle concrete debris as base material where possible instead of defaulting to landfill disposal.
Often the fastest phase
Most residential removal jobs (driveway, patio) take about a day from breakout to haul-off.
06 Before You Repour
What good site prep after removal actually looks like.
Removing the old slab is only half the job. Proper grading, compaction, and drainage planning on the freshly exposed ground is what determines whether your new concrete lasts — skipping this step to save a day is the most common shortcut that leads to repeat failures.
If root intrusion caused the original damage, addressing the root (barrier installation, or in some cases coordinating with an arborist) before repouring is what actually prevents the same lifting from happening again.
Only part of the slab actually needs to come out? Precision concrete saw cutting lets us isolate and remove just the damaged section instead of demolishing concrete that's still in good shape.
"Great experience with GR Concrete Inc. Professional, on time, and the quality of work was excellent."
— Isaac R.
"This company is the best! Great prices and friendly service. This company is clean and professional."
— Francisco L.
07 FAQ
Demolition and removal questions we get most.
What happens to the old concrete you remove?
Where possible, we recycle it as compacted base material rather than sending it straight to a landfill — better for your project and more responsible overall.
Do I need a separate permit just for demolition?
Usually not — if it's tied to a replacement project, it's typically covered under the same permit. We'll confirm your city's specific requirement.
Will you tell me why my concrete failed in the first place?
Yes, always. Understanding the actual cause is how we make sure your new concrete doesn't have the same problem in a few years.
Get a Free Estimate
Tell us about your removal or replacement project and we'll get back to you fast — usually within 1 business day.
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