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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
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