Home Improvement Information

Concrete Cutting: The Unknown Niche


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

Affordable Concrete Cutting services the contractor and homeowner in and around Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. We specialize in cutting doorways in concrete foundations. Check out our website at http://www.affordableconcretecutting.com


MORE RESOURCES:

ABC News

Rebuilding at Home Improvement Stores?
Motley Fool - 16 hours ago
... and Home Depot (NYSE: HD), and while they weren't pretty, life finally may be starting to get easier for the two big-box home improvement retailers. ...
Home improvement won't improve quickly MarketWatch
No.2 US home improvement retailer's profit falls 7.9% in 2nd quarter Xinhua
Home improvement stocks mixed CNNMoney.com
Seeking Alpha - New York Times
all 670 news articles


US Home Improvement Announces New Line of Replacement Windows
MarketWatch - 16 hours ago
PEABODY, MA, Aug 19, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- US Home Improvement is happy to announce a new line of replacement windows has been added to its line ...


Rock Star's Home Improvement Irks Marin Hikers
CBS 5, CA - 20 hours ago
TERRA LINDA (CBS 5) ― It's a heavy metal dispute that has noting to do with music. A metal fence on Metallica frontman James Hetfield's Terra Linda property ...


Access Discounts Offers Economical Lighting Solutions for Home ...
WebWire (press release), GA - 7 hours ago
... using energy saving lights can help reduce usage and costs, as well as provide an economical solution to renovations or home improvement projects. ...


Home improvement for Build It magazine
Press Gazette, UK - 22 hours ago
The new-look October issue of the Ocean Media Group publication includes a new section on home improvement, featuring case studies of readers' home ...


Brits 'looking to long-term' with home improvement projects
Safestore.co.uk, UK - Aug 19, 2008
British homeowners are now willing to "invest a bit more in the long-term" for the duration of the credit crunch through improving their homes. ...


Los Angeles Times

LA ordinance would require new home improvement stores to set ...
USA Today - Aug 15, 2008
New home improvement stores would be required to provide amenities to day laborers under a bill that the Los Angeles City Council approved this week. ...
LA adopts day laborer rules for home improvement stores Los Angeles Times
Should big home-improvement stores be required to provide shelter ... NBC Sandiego.com
City ordinance seeks to encourage laborer shelters in Los Angeles Xinhua
New York Times - Los Angeles Times
all 55 news articles


Residents stock up for storm at SW Fla. home improvement stores
The News-Press, FL - Aug 18, 2008
It showed today at home improvement retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot where crowds were active but orderly as people prepared for tropical storm Fay ...


24dash

Connaught completes first property in Blackpool home improvement ...
24dash, UK - Aug 18, 2008
... relax in style after her home became the first to receive a brand new kitchen and bathroom as part of a multi-million pound home improvement programme. ...


Home improvement must wait for Morton
Greenock Telegraph, UK - Aug 18, 2008
By Roger Graham FRANKLY, Morton got what they deserved out of this match at Cappielow on Saturday — nothing. After the opening two displays of the season ...

Home-Improvement - Google News

home | site map
© 2006