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Concrete
Cutting: The Unknown Niche
By
Robert Short / Affordable Concrete Cutting
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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." |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Slab sawing, also known as flat sawing, is used to cut horizontal flat
concrete surfaces such as loors, 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 Affordable Concrete Cutting Inc. All Rights Reserved
About the Author
Affordable Concrete Cutting 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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