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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