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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General Questions

How can I book a concrete chipping appointment?

At Express Chipping, Inc., we offer a hassle-free booking experience. You can schedule a concrete chipping appointment online by clicking here, where you can select the service, date, and time that best fits your needs. If you prefer personal assistance, our customer service team is available at (562) 789-8058 to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and ensure your appointment is scheduled promptly.

When should I schedule silo maintenance or concrete removal services?

Scheduling in advance allows us to coordinate our expert team and equipment to provide efficient service tailored to your operation’s schedule. Regular maintenance is critical to prevent costly downtime and unexpected failures, especially during high-demand seasons. We recommend booking as soon as you notice buildup or as part of your preventative maintenance schedule.

Do you provide services nationwide?

Yes, Express Chipping provides ready mix concrete chipping services across the contiguous United States. No matter where your operation is located, our skilled team can mobilize to your site. Our national reach ensures that clients receive consistent, high-quality service, even in remote or underserved areas.

What tools and equipment does Express Chipping bring to each job?

Our team is equipped with state-of-the-art tools, including handheld chipping hammers, compressors, chisels, and specialized equipment such as impact rails and silo tripods. We ensure our technicians are outfitted with industry-standard personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, gloves, steel-toe boots, and hearing protection, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

What are your pricing options for concrete chipping?

Pricing varies depending on factors like geographic location, buildup levels, and the type of concrete mix used. While the industry average is around $0.10 per pound of concrete removed, we offer custom pricing models, including per-yard rates, to better meet your needs. Our team can work with you to create a cost-effective plan that aligns with your budget and operational goals.

How much does it cost to clean a fully inoperable drum?

Cleaning a fully inoperable drum typically starts at $7,500, but the final cost depends on factors like the extent of the buildup, the drum’s capacity, and access conditions. This type of job often requires specialized techniques and extended labor hours. Our team will evaluate your equipment and provide a detailed quote to ensure transparency and accuracy.

What qualifies as a ‘full load’ of concrete buildup?

In our experience, a full load is any drum with over five yards of hardened concrete. This is significant because buildup can reduce drum efficiency and increase strain on equipment, leading to higher operational costs. Understanding your drum’s capacity and buildup levels helps us tailor the chipping process for maximum efficiency.

How does Express Chipping prioritize safety?

Safety is our cornerstone. Every team member undergoes rigorous OSHA compliance training and follows industry best practices to ensure every job is performed safely. With over 50% of our crew having five or more years of experience, we bring unparalleled expertise to minimize risks and protect your valuable equipment.

How can I apply to join the Express Chipping team?

We’re always looking for dedicated individuals who value precision and hard work. Visit our Careers page to explore open positions and apply. We also provide training to ensure our employees are equipped with the skills needed to excel in the ready mix concrete industry.

Do I need regular chipping if my company uses chemical treatments?

Chemical treatments can reduce buildup but are not a substitute for regular chipping. Factors like seasonal demand, mix designs, and inspection requirements influence how often you’ll need chipping. A consistent schedule, informed by your operation’s needs, ensures your equipment remains in top condition.

Ready Mix Concrete Chipping Services Questions

What are ready mix concrete chipping services?

Ready mix concrete chipping services involve the removal of hardened concrete buildup from truck drums, silos, and mixers. This process restores equipment capacity and efficiency, ensuring your operation runs smoothly. Without regular chipping, buildup can cause equipment strain, reduce load capacity, and lead to costly repairs.

Why is chipping important for ready mix concrete trucks?

Chipping is essential to maintain the carrying capacity of ready mix truck drums and prevent equipment strain caused by hardened concrete. Regular chipping extends the life of your equipment, ensures accurate load measurements, and prevents regulatory violations due to improper maintenance.

How often should I schedule ready mix concrete chipping?

Most companies benefit from scheduling chipping every 3–6 months, depending on factors like the volume of use, mix designs, and seasonal demand. Frequent use of concrete mixes with high additives, for example, may require more frequent cleanings to prevent excessive buildup.

What equipment is used in ready mix concrete chipping services?

We use advanced tools designed specifically for concrete removal, including pneumatic hammers, chisels, and high-powered compressors. Our team is trained to use these tools effectively, ensuring minimal impact on your equipment while delivering thorough cleaning results.

Can you chip concrete from central mixers and silos as well?

Yes, our services extend beyond ready mix trucks to include central mixers, silos, and other concrete handling equipment. These components are critical to overall plant efficiency, and regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Is ready mix chipping safe for my equipment?

Absolutely. Our technicians follow strict safety protocols and use precision tools to ensure that your equipment remains undamaged during the process. Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of long-term wear and tear caused by concrete buildup.

How do I know if my ready mix truck needs chipping?

Signs include reduced drum capacity, visible buildup on drum walls, or operational issues such as uneven mixing. If your trucks are not performing as efficiently as before, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection and chipping service.

Do you provide emergency ready mix chipping services?

Yes, we understand that emergencies happen. Our team is equipped to handle urgent situations, such as drums that are completely inoperable due to excessive buildup. Call us at (888) 919-2447, and we’ll work to resolve your issue as quickly as possible.

What sets Express Chipping apart in ready mix concrete chipping services?

We bring decades of expertise, OSHA-trained professionals, and nationwide service capabilities to every job. Our focus on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction makes us a trusted partner in the ready mix concrete industry.

How does ready mix chipping improve my plant’s efficiency?

Regular chipping ensures that your equipment operates at full capacity, reducing downtime and improving delivery accuracy. By keeping your trucks and mixers in optimal condition, we help you maintain high standards of service for your clients.

Cement

A fine, powdery substance composed primarily of ground minerals such as limestone, chalk, clay, and shells. Cement is a critical ingredient in concrete and serves as a binder, creating a chemical reaction called hydration when mixed with water. This reaction causes the cement to harden and bind other materials, such as aggregate, into a solid mass. Cement is classified into different types (e.g., Portland Cement, White Cement) based on its composition and application, playing a key role in construction, infrastructure, and decorative applications. Express Chipping does work for cement companies as well.

Cement Mixing Drum

A rotating cylindrical container designed to combine cement, aggregate (such as gravel or sand), and water to produce concrete. Found commonly on the rear and sometimes the front of ready mix concrete trucks, these drums rotate continuously to prevent the concrete mixture from setting before delivery. Freestanding cement mixing drums, often used at stationary production facilities, are similar in function but remain fixed in place. The rotation of the drum is critical for ensuring a homogeneous mix and preventing material separation during transit.

Cement Storage Silo

A large, vertical cylindrical structure made of steel or concrete, designed to store bulk quantities of powdered cement until needed for production. These silos often feature advanced systems for maintaining dryness and preventing contamination, such as air-tight seals and temperature regulation. Cement is discharged through hoppers or pneumatic systems for transport to batching plants or mixing drums. Silos play an essential role in ensuring a consistent supply of cement for concrete manufacturing.

Central Mixer

A high-capacity, industrial mixing machine that produces large volumes of concrete. These stationary or semi-portable devices are typically located at ready mix facilities and use high-speed rotating blades to mix cement, water, and aggregate thoroughly. Once mixed, the concrete is discharged into the drums of waiting trucks for transportation to job sites. Central mixers reduce mixing time in transit and improve concrete consistency, making them ideal for high-demand projects requiring large-scale production.

Concrete

A versatile, durable building material made by mixing cement, water, and aggregate (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone). Depending on the intended application, the composition of concrete can vary significantly. Additives or admixtures may be included to alter properties such as strength, workability, curing time, or resistance to environmental conditions. Used extensively in construction, concrete is prized for its compressive strength, fire resistance, and long lifespan, making it the backbone of modern infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings.

Concrete Chipping

A specialized maintenance process where trained technicians use handheld pneumatic hammers or jackhammers to remove hardened concrete buildup from the interiors of mixing drums, central mixers, and cement silos. This service restores equipment capacity, prevents contamination of fresh concrete, and extends the lifespan of the equipment. Crews adhere to strict safety protocols and often work during off-hours to minimize disruption to operations. Regular chipping is essential to maintain equipment efficiency and compliance with quality standards.

Portland Cement

The most widely used type of cement, named after its resemblance to the natural limestone quarried in Portland, England. It is manufactured by heating a mixture of limestone, clay, and other materials in a kiln to form clinker, which is then ground with gypsum to create a fine powder. Portland cement is a critical ingredient in concrete, mortar, and stucco, offering high strength, durability, and versatility for a range of applications in residential, commercial, and industrial construction.

Ready Mix Concrete (RMC)

Concrete that is pre-batched and blended at a production facility, ensuring precise control over proportions and consistency. Designed to meet specific project requirements, RMC is transported to job sites in mixer trucks equipped with rotating drums to maintain its workability. Variations such as lightweight, fiber-reinforced, and high-performance concrete can be customized based on structural and environmental needs. The term is sometimes spelled as Redi Mix, Redi-Mix, Ready Mixed, or Ready-Mixed Concrete.

Volumetric Mixer

A mobile concrete batching plant on wheels, often in the form of a truck. Volumetric mixers carry raw materials (cement, water, and aggregate) in separate compartments and mix them on-site to produce concrete in the exact amount and specifications required. This on-demand production reduces waste and allows for adjustments to the concrete blend mid-job. Volumetric mixers are ideal for remote locations or projects requiring multiple small batches.

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