How to cut control joints
 

I need to cut 2 control joints in my 4' concrete patio slab, each 11 feet
long.

Can I do that with my old circular hand saw? Would I use a masonry blade
(the clack stuff) or a do I need a diamond blade (expensive)?

How deep should the control joint be?

--
Walter
www.rationality.net
-

How to cut control joints
 

You need to rent a concrete sway. Typically there is a hourly fee plus
whatever portion of the diamond blade you use (like a tile saw). I have
used a masonry blade and skil saw before, but the rental will likely
prove cheaper than burning up your saw.

I think theyr'e supposed to be 1-2" deep, but I could be wrong on that.

How to cut control joints
 

That should say concrete SAW.

How to cut control joints
 

I really don't think it's 1-2" deep. Do some research to find the
exact value.

How to cut control joints
 

Walter R. wrote:
I need to cut 2 control joints in my 4' concrete patio slab, each 11 feet
long.

Can I do that with my old circular hand saw? Would I use a masonry blade
(the clack stuff) or a do I need a diamond blade (expensive)?

How deep should the control joint be?

--
Walter
www.rationality.net
-

On small jobs like yours we use a skill saw with a diamond blade.
Typically we go 25% of the thickness of the slab.


What are the dimensions of your patio?

How to cut control joints
 

The patio is 11x40'. It has some small cracks in them that have served as
"control joints". To avoid further cracks, I thought it might be wise to cut
a few more control joints where it can break with ease. The whole patio will
be covered with a layer of split paver bricks, laid over heave roofing felt.

--
Walter
www.rationality.net
-
wrote in message
oups.com...

Walter R. wrote:
I need to cut 2 control joints in my 4' concrete patio slab, each 11 feet
long.

Can I do that with my old circular hand saw? Would I use a masonry blade
(the clack stuff) or a do I need a diamond blade (expensive)?

How deep should the control joint be?

--
Walter
www.rationality.net
-

On small jobs like yours we use a skill saw with a diamond blade.
Typically we go 25% of the thickness of the slab.


What are the dimensions of your patio?

How to cut control joints
 

Walter R. wrote:
The patio is 11x40'. It has some small cracks in them that have served as
"control joints". To avoid further cracks, I thought it might be wise to cut
a few more control joints where it can break with ease. The whole patio will
be covered with a layer of split paver bricks, laid over heave roofing felt.

--
Walter
www.rationality.net
-
wrote in message
oups.com...

Walter R. wrote:
I need to cut 2 control joints in my 4' concrete patio slab, each 11 feet
long.

Can I do that with my old circular hand saw? Would I use a masonry blade
(the clack stuff) or a do I need a diamond blade (expensive)?

How deep should the control joint be?

--
Walter
www.rationality.net
-

On small jobs like yours we use a skill saw with a diamond blade.
Typically we go 25% of the thickness of the slab.


What are the dimensions of your patio?


Yes, the patio should have had joints so the patio is sectioned in 5.5'
x 10' sections. For this many joints, rent a walk behind saw at your
local tool rental place. It will be much easier. Or, if savings are a
priority, get a diamond blade and skill saw. It will take a while.
This is why I prefer to install tooled joints while the concrete is
wet, much easier.

How to cut control joints
 

"Walter R." wrote in message
...
The patio is 11x40'. It has some small cracks in them that have served as
"control joints". To avoid further cracks, I thought it might be wise to
cut a few more control joints where it can break with ease. The whole
patio will be covered with a layer of split paver bricks, laid over heave
roofing felt.

Out typical spec is:

1. SAWCUT CONTROL JOINTS , 2" DEPTH, EVERY 100 SF OF PAVING MAX
2. SQUARE PATTERN SAWCUT JOINTS, 1" DEPTH, APPROX. EVERY 5'x5' GRID

So for your patio you'd have two control joints at 5.5' and 20'.

Greg M

How to cut control joints
 

"Walter R." wrote in message
...
The patio is 11x40'. It has some small cracks in them that have served as
"control joints". To avoid further cracks, I thought it might be wise to
cut a few more control joints where it can break with ease. The whole
patio will be covered with a layer of split paver bricks, laid over heave
roofing felt.

--
Walter

Walter,
Why cut it if you're covering it? Control joints are basically cosmetic. The
concrete's going to crack anyway. The saw cut just controls where. If you do
cut it, don't go over 150 sf per section and also don't have a section more
than 1 1/2 times longer than it's width. Real good chance of cracking
between cuts if too long.

Tim