Concrete
is one of the most versatile materials used in the construction
industry today. Concrete is relatively affordable and easy to work
with, which allows contractors to use concrete products for
foundations, walls, patios, and driveways.
The
durability of concrete can make it difficult to cut through once the
material has fully cured. You might need to cut through poured
concrete for a number of reasons. You may need to expose pipes for
plumbing repairs, cut an opening for a door or window, or install a
new floor drain in your basement.
Effective
concrete cutting requires skill, knowledge, and access to the right
tools. Keep these tips in mind to ensure that your concrete cuts are
smooth and precise.
To
complete most concrete cutting you’ll need the help of a
specialized saw. These saws are fitted with blades that are designed
specifically to cut through concrete materials. Concrete saws use
diamond blades because the diamond surface is tough enough to cut
through even the hardest concrete.
Be
sure to consider the bond when investing in a diamond blade. All
diamond blades are manufactured with a bond that holds the individual
diamonds to the surface of the blade.
The
thickness of these bonds can vary based on the intended application
of the saw blade. A bond that is too thin will wear out quickly. A
bond that is too thick will not wear away fast enough to expose the
concrete surface to the diamond cutting edge. This will result in
jagged or ineffective cuts. Use the right blade to maximize the
efficiency of your concrete cutting activities in the future.
Another
tip that can save you time and help you improve the quality of your
cuts is to begin each project with a surface cut. You will use your
concrete saw to make a shallow cut along your pre-measured cut mark.
This surface cut helps serve as a guide for your saw blade as you
begin making deeper cuts to penetrate all the way through the
concrete slab.
You
will end up with crisp and clean edges that preserve the structural
integrity of your slab when you take the time to start each project
with a surface cut.
Surface
cuts can also be beneficial in helping you maintain a straight line
while sawing concrete. Changing directions with the saw embedded deep
in the slab could cause a pinched blade, which creates a dangerous
kickback that might result in injury.
Disturbing
the surface of a concrete slab with a saw creates dust particles.
Concrete dust can be harmful when breathed into the lungs, so be sure
that you plan for the management of dust particles before you begin
cutting.
Use
a specialized vacuum designed to collect concrete dust with your saw
to suck up dust particles before they become airborne. You can also
manage dust by investing in a concrete saw that is equipped with a
water feed. The water will mix with the concrete dust to create a
slurry that can be disposed of once your cut is complete.
Cutting
through concrete requires a lot of skill. The wrong tools or
technique can result in a potentially dangerous job site. Large
cutting jobs are best left to the professionals if you have a slab
that measures 6
inches or more in depth.
Contact Capitol
City Concrete Cutters LLC to learn more about the professional
concrete cutting services we can offer. Our team can safely and
efficiently saw through slabs and walls to help you complete your
home renovation or repair.
