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By: Robert Short
What is Concrete Cutting?
Concrete cutting is a process of controlled sawing, drilling
and removal of concrete performed by skilled operators using
special saws that use diamond impregnated blades. Unlike the
old-fashioned dusty "jack hammer" method, modern
concrete cutting leaves a smooth attractive finish and utilizes
water so as not to create any dust or mess. There are many
different kinds of concrete cutting but the most common are
wall sawing, core drilling and slab or flat sawing.
Wall Sawing is the process of cutting openings such as doors
or windows in concrete walls, usually no more than 12"
thick but in some cases up to 24" thick. This is accomplished
by using a saw that attaches to a track on the wall to be
cut. This process utilizes an enormous 30" or even larger
diameter diamond blade that can cut 12" or more of concrete
all of the way through from one side. This aspect of our business
requires the most skill and cannot easily be done by your
average "do it yourselfer." As stated, wall sawing
may entail cutting openings in concrete foundations but may
also include lowering a foundation elevation, entire foundation
removal and also the cutting of concrete retaining walls in
part or in whole. This type of concrete cutting requires skill
and experience to cut perfectly smooth plumb and level openings
with virtually no dust or mess, so it is a rather expensive
service. Most concrete cutting companies charge a minimum
of $425 just to take their equipment to a site and cut.
Homeowners that build additions on to their home that have
basements or cellars commonly find they need to cut into their
existing concrete foundation to add an entry or passage between
the new and existing basements. It is much easier and in most
cases less expensive to have this service performed during
the construction process and not after.
Core Drilling is the process of drilling perfectly round
holes through concrete walls and floors. The diameters of
the holes range from 1" to 12" round but average
5" for most homeowner applications. In commercial applications
core holes can range anywhere up to 60" round and more.
Core holes are used for "utility penetrations" such
as electrical, plumbing and heating but are also commonly
used for venting furnaces or clothes dryers. Although not
recommended, core drilling can be performed by an advanced
"do it yourselfer" and the equipment necessary to
perform core drilling is readily available at your local tool
rental and supply store. Most companies have a minimum charge
of $250 to core a hole for you and it can take a professional
as little as 10 minutes to unload his equipment, core the
hole, and reload his equipment. Yet, I have seen homeowners
rent the equipment and spend an entire weekend trying to core
a single hole and then call a professional to complete the
project. Just like with any trade a professional concrete
cutter will make his job look easy.
Slab sawing, also known as flat sawing, is used to cut horizontal
flat concrete surfaces such as floors, bridge decks and pavement.
Slab saws feature a diamond blade that is mounted on a walk-behind
machine that requires only one operator. They can cut up to
33 inches in depth but generally only 6" or less is necessary
in most homeowner applications. Slab sawing is the perfect
solution for making penetrations or openings in concrete floors
to access and repair a broken water pipe or sewer line. When
a basement or cellar is being remodeled to add a bathroom
the concrete is removed to add new plumbing for the fixtures.
A slab saw is also useful in demolition work to break up and
remove a cracked or unwanted patio, driveway or walkway. Sometimes
a homeowner might want just part of a patio or other concrete
slab cut in order to alter their landscaping. Attempting a
slab saw project can be very time consuming for your average
"do it yourselfer" however it can be accomplished.
I always recommend spending a few extra bucks and saving yourself
some very serious danger and aggravation by contracting a
concrete cutting professional.
No matter what your project is, don't let a little concrete
stand in your way. Concrete can be a homeowner's worst obstacle
if he or she doesn't know that there are companies out there
that specialize in removing it very quickly and neatly. To
find a reputable concrete cutter I recommend that you start
with the yellow pages and always check them out with your
local Better Business Bureau or your local Department of Consumer
Protection. To get more acquainted with the industry just
do a search for "concrete cutting" and check out
a few websites dedicated to the subject. Of course, be sure
to visit our web site at www.affordableconcretecutting.com.
Copyright 2005 Affordable Concrete Cutting Inc. All Rights
Reserved
About the author:
Affordable Concrete Cutting and Core Drilling Boston services
the contractor and homeowner in and around Boston and Eastern
Massachusetts. We specialize in cutting doorways in concrete
foundations. Visit our website at www.affordableconcretecutting.com
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