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Concrete Cutting: The Unknown Niche
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. 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 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. |
