Frequently Asked Questions

Concrete Chipping Services FAQS

Whether you’re considering working with our concrete chipping company for the first time or are a returning customer looking to learn more about cement silo maintenance and central mixer cleaning, we believe arming yourself with information is a good thing. Below, you’ll find answers to some of our most common questions, from scheduling a concrete chipping appointment, to our most-used equipment and how we go about chipping concrete.

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How do I book a job?

We try to make the booking process as simple as possible. You can set up a concrete chipping appointment online by clicking here. Additionally, if you would prefer a phone call, you can always reach us at (888) 919-2447.

We typically ask that you book silo maintenance and concrete removal appointments with enough time to allow for proper scheduling.

Do you service companies in my area?

If your company works within the contiguous United States, yes! Express Chipping carries out concrete chipping work nationwide. Visit our Service Areas page for added insight into our service areas.

What tools does your concrete chipping company use on the job?

Our team uses a wide range of tools to keep your ready mix concrete trucks, cement storage silos and central mixers operating at peak performance. We arrive at your jobsite with a fully-loaded truck packed with everything we need. That list includes, but is not limited to:

Handheld Chipping Hammers (also known as jackhammers)
Compressors
Chisels
Shovels
Hoes
Impact Rails
Silo Tripods

In addition, we ensure each Express Chipping team member has the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to carry out their work safely. Such equipment includes:

How much does concrete chipping cost?

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, the national average for chipping concrete is 9 cents per pound of chipped concrete. Pricing varies from project to project, and depends on a range of factors such as your company’s geographic location, maintenance practices and the individual concrete blends your team puts to use. Certain mixes and additives, for instance, can result in added buildup. In addition, Express Chipping is open to negotiations and can work with you. We can even charge per yard of concrete chipped, if necessary. Call (888) 919-2447 or fill out our online form to schedule your free assessment!

How much does it cost to chip a full load of concrete?

As with many of these answers, it depends. If a redi-mix concrete truck’s drum is so full that it is rendered inoperable — and therefore can no longer turn — it proves a more difficult job for our team, and the price will likely be higher. Pricing starts around $5,500, but every job is different. Contact us for a quote.

What does Express Chipping consider a “full load?”

Each situation and vehicle is different, but at Express Chipping we consider a full load to be any redi-mix truck with more than five (5) yards of concrete buildup along drum walls. Five yards is about half of most ready mix truck drums’ capacity. Keep in mind that all drums have an internal volume capacity higher than their rated size, and there is always the chance for a drum with capacity for 10 yards to hold up to 14 yards of hardened concrete. Do not be surprised if you go over five yards of chipped-out concrete, even if you can fit nine yards in your drum.

Take McNeilus’ Standard Drum, for example. The rated drum size of their 10-yarder is 7.65 cubic meters (10 yards), but the volume capacity is 12.74 cubic meters (16.6 yards). In other words, if we placed the drum vertically, it could hold 12.74 cubic meters of volume. When tilted at a 12.7-degree angle, however, the carrying capacity reduces to 7.65 cubic meters, and any excess spills out. Notice, though, that when concrete hardens, it attaches to the drum’s walls. Thus, any buildup exceeding the 7.65 cubic meters will not spill out. Rather, it will remain attached to the fins and walls, with no effect on the carrying capacity.

This is an issue many producers ignore. They tend to believe that, if you can haul 10 yards, you have a clean drum. But time after time, that has proven incorrect. Still don’t believe us? Take a look at the following specs, which come directly from truck manufacturers:

Is concrete chipping safe for my equipment?

All maintenance work carries a risk of damaging a company’s equipment and/or vehicles. Still, proper upkeep is necessary to ensure safe and efficient operations. At Express Chipping, our team is dedicated to doing the job right. We require ongoing safety and OSHA training to ensure our concrete chippers know the ins and outs of the job at hand. In fact, approximately half of our staff boasts five or more years of experience chipping concrete.

I’m interested in working with Express Chipping. Where can I learn more?

Thank you for your interest in our company! We are always looking for hardworking, dedicated individuals to join the Express Chipping team. You can apply online by visiting our Careers page and filling out our application form. If you have additional questions, please feel free to reach out through the other means of communication listed on the webpage. We look forward to hearing from you!

I use chemicals to protect my drums against concrete buildup. Do I still need concrete chipping?

YES! While certain chemicals do an excellent job of warding off concrete buildup, no product is 100% perfect. Even if your company is using chemicals, we still recommend scheduling regular cleanings, albeit on a slightly extended timeline, as chippings every three months are most likely unnecessary. It all depends on your company’s needs in relation to seasons, projects, inspections and, of course, your drivers’ cleaning practices. Strong mixtures during the summer, for instance, tend to result in more buildup. Likewise, a broken-down cement mixer truck or an incident involving a loaded truck will typically mean more buildup is present. Please contact our team to see what chipping maintenance schedule works best for you.

How long does a concrete chipping appointment take?

The specific amount of time for any given project depends on factors such as your company’s geographic location, the number of trucks in your fleet and the amount of concrete buildup present. However, our team of concrete chipping pros can generally complete most jobs within one overnight appointment, which spans 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. We can provide a more accurate estimate if you provide the details of your specific job. Request a quote through our Service Form page, and remember to include pertinent information — the number of vehicles, length of time since the last chipping, where your company is located, etc. This helps us better plan for your concrete removal job, and ensures we have everything we need to keep your trucks ready to roll.

Will Express Chipping come to me to carry out our concrete chipping work?

Of course! Our team is proud to provide service throughout the U.S. We’ll work with you to schedule the date, time and location of your job. We typically work through the night and leave by early morning.

My plant is in a residential area. Can you work during the day?

Yes. We have dealt with many special cases, including plants surrounded by residential areas, those in areas with mandated noise restriction ordinances, night shift plants that only park their trucks during the day, and even holiday-only locations. So, don’t worry. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. We can always find a solution that makes sense for all parties involved. Please get in touch today so we can start planning your chipping.

How do I know how much buildup has accumulated inside my ready mix concrete trucks?

At Express Chipping, we recommend having someone experienced in chipping concrete perform an inspection by entering the drum. Remember, such work can be highly dangerous and should only be carried out by experienced professionals. Never allow an untrained team member into the drum of your cement mixer truck.