Concrete Cutting: The Unknown Niche
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. |
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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.
Copyright 2005 AffordableConcreteCutting.com All Rights Reserved
About The Author
Robert Short
Affordable Concrete Cutting services the contractor and homeowner in and
around Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. Specializing in cutting
doorways in concrete foundations. Visit our website at
www.affordableconcretecutting.com .
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