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If you don't have access to commercial equipment, you can utilize a pickaxe or circular saw with a masonry blade to break up asphalt. However, this is generally only effective in small areas. A jackhammer is usually needed to break up slabs of asphalt into smaller pieces. The most effective method when removing an entire driveway is an excavator that breaks apart and pries away asphalt.

Vinegar has become popular because it’s wallet-friendly, easy to find, and sounds like a great alternative to harsh chemicals and expensive machinery. However, vinegar isn’t strong enough to remove concrete sealant. Sealants can resist acid, and vinegar is a much weaker acid than chemical removal agents. And worse, vinegar can damage concrete by dulling it and causing pitting.

Some homeowners have luck using pressure washers, but this only works for old or weaker concrete sealants and with very powerful pressure washers. You’ll get better results by pressure washing water-based sealants. However, it’s worth trying on any sealant if you’re hoping for the least toxic, least expensive, and most DIY-friendly option. To try this method, rent or buy the most powerful pressure washer you can find and take several passes at the concrete, completely pressure washing the entire area. You may need to repeat the process multiple times to see results.

Yes, but used or reclaimed bricks can be more brittle, cracked, or uneven than new bricks, so they’re harder to cut cleanly by hand. For that reason, you should take extra care when scoring and striking, and expect a higher chance of breakage. If a brick feels especially fragile, score deeper before attempting to split it.