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Megasaw10 March 2015Concrete Grinding

The Difference between Dry and Wet Concrete Grinding Methods

If you are not very familiar with concrete grinding methods, the entire concept can be quite confusing. When dealing with this type of task, you want to be sure that you are using the best possible method for the job at hand. So, instead of sitting around wondering about the difference, continue reading to learn everything you ever wanted to know about these two methods of concrete grinding.

DRY CONCRETE GRINDING

The first thing you should know is that there are two methods used in concrete grinding. These are the dry and wet concrete grinding methods. The dry concrete grinding method is used to polish concrete, whether it is for floors, walls and countertops or something else. While they both are used for the same result, the truth is that their procedures are different.
The dry grinding process is usually done using a machine that measures about 32 inches in diametre. Basically, the machine grinds a certain concrete to produce a shine. While most people think of this as an aesthetic decision, there are several other reasons that people may want to polish the concrete on their property. These include:

Less maintenance
Resistant to stains
Energy savings

One main issue that people have with dry grinding is that the large amount of silica dust produced during the process. Not only does this settle on everything and make it look terrible, but it’s also risky to anyone’s health. This is especially true if you are able to breathe in this dust. It can cause several respiratory illnesses including problems with asthma and bronchitis.

However, there are some grinding contractor services companies that offer a dust-free dry concrete grinding method. This is generally a big advantage especially for people who are health conscious. But, with the noticeable amount of residual dust that remains visible once the job is done, these dust-free claims are still in question. Another problem with all of the dust that lingers in the air is that it may settle inside HVAC systems, air ducts and ventilation systems or in furnaces. Again, this is very harmful to your health and it is not something that should be taken lightly.

The dust that settles in HVAC systems can have a real impact on the way the system operates. For example, all of the dust can settle and clog the system. If and when this happens, you will have to shell out a significant amount of money to get things back in order. Many people who rely on dry concrete grinding method do so because they think they are making an environmental choice. The truth is that there is really nothing about this that seems like it is eco-friendly. That is why you need a skilled and knowledgeable professional to execute this job properly.

Medical Issues

You were told a bit of information earlier about the potential of dry concrete grinding to trigger some medical problems. Now, let’s discuss more in-depth information about it. The main medical issues that people will have to contend with are silicosis and lung cancer. While modern medicine can give a cure to one of these illnesses, it would be best to err on the side of caution. Prevention is always better than cure.

When workers are completing jobs that exposed them to this dust, they are required to wear face masks in order to keep the dust at bay. Unfortunately, there are still many people who get these illnesses despite the fact that they have tried to take the steps to protect themselves.

Maintenance

While floors that have been polished will always need to be cared for, completing the polishing with a dry method means that you will not have to put in as much work. While it will not show as much wear and tear as an unpolished floor, the reality is that you will have to look forward to scratches, worn areas and a lack of shine. While this is true, dealing with floors that have not been polished means that you will have much more work to do in order to properly maintain them.

THE PROS AND CONS

PROs

You will have much less maintenance to do, which means that you can save time on something else
The finish will look shiny and sleek, which makes a world of difference
This is more economical than the wet grinding method

CONs

The concept is not as energy efficient as it claims to be
There is the chance that this can cause health issues
The lifespan of the polished area is not as great

As you can see, there are some definite advantages and disadvantages when it comes to dry concrete grinding. Now it is time to expand a bit and discuss about its counterpart -the wet grinding method.

WET CONCRETE GRINDING METHODS

This is very different from the other process simply because water is used in this method. Water keeps the diamond abrasives at a decent temperature and it prevents the dust from getting everywhere. As you were told earlier, this dust can be quite harmful. So, it is a good idea to try using a method that will prevent that from happening.

One fact about the wet concrete grinding method is that the grinding process will last for quite some time. While you may have to call a company to provide maintenance for your floors that were completed using the dry method, you may have noticed that the need for this has diminished since you have started to use the wet method.

Whether you believe it or not, most people have a huge problem dealing with the wet method. This is because when the liquid mixes up with the concrete, it creates a paste. This has to be disposed of properly or it will create a huge mess that can be hard to clean up. The good thing is that most companies that offer grinding services will provide a thorough cleanup. Therefore, you need to find a company that is very serious and takes pride in their work.

The wet grinding method is more preferable because it provides a sleeker look. However, there are some serious downsides to this choice including:

A Lengthy Process

One problem that many users have in common when it comes to wet concrete grinding is the longer process compared to the dry method. If your chosen contractor will charge you hourly for labour, this can get quite costly. The best option if you are insistent on having this method used would be to find a company that is willing to charge you a daily rate.

The Mess

You may be wondering why this is being discussed again. It’s because this is the only way to convey how huge of a problem this is. Have you ever looked inside of a concrete mixer and seen the concrete being mixed? This is not only messy, but it will take a substantial amount of time to get things back in order. Again, this is something that the contractor will be more than happy to take care of for you, as long as you have hired a reputable company that’s worth the pay.

The Cost

While this method guarantees that the polish will last longer on the floors, it also means that you will have less maintenance to worry about. As you know, the idea of having less maintenance generally means that you will have to pay a premium. Therefore, you will have to weigh the pros and cons and decide which is more important to you, saving on time or saving on money. If you would prefer the former, then wet concrete grinding would probably be the best method. However, you may be wondering how come this is true since the process can take a bit longer. The fact that you will not need as many return visits begins to even itself out.

As you can see, there are some definite disadvantages, but the benefits tend to outweigh that. Now it is time to discuss a bit about the type of projects that require one or both of these methods.

Floorings

As you already know, you can use this process to create a stunning floor that can be the envy of the neighborhood. If you have ever walked into a home and seen a designer tile floor in the foyer, it is likely that they hired someone to create this polished look. You may also have noticed these polished floors in places like courthouses and banks. It can certainly help give a room a much better look.

Countertops

If you have been thinking about buying a huge slab of concrete for a countertop, keep in mind that most of it does not come already polished. You may end up paying a ton of money for a huge slab of concrete, and then look for someone to polish it for you. Remember, it is possible to buy one that has already been polished. However, sometimes, there is a specific design you are interested in applying in your countertop. There is no other way to get it than to buy the unpolished material.

Wall Tiles

If you are a proud owner of a traditional bathroom, you know that you need to buy tile, putty and a few other things to go with it. These days more and more people are inclined to have a custom shower area. In this case, you will have to buy large slabs of concrete and have them worked on before they can be put up. This is a very expensive job and requires a skilled professional. However, doing this guarantees a durable work that can last for a long time. This makes it more than worth the money.

There are several other reasons why polished concrete is needed, but these are the most common. If you are thinking about having this done to your home or business, you will have to decide which of the two methods of concrete grinding would be more beneficial to you. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when you are looking for a contractor:

Quotes

Make sure that you always get a quote before hiring a certain contractor. Every contractor had their own fee rate and be sure to verify that the price you pay is the best one available. Contact the company and make appointments for quotes. Ideally, you should meet with a few people before making a final decision.

Experience

It will always be in your best interest to hire someone who knows what they are doing. Talk to the people at the company and ask how long they have been in business. If you are not given a solid answer or the rate is fairly low, you should continue on your search. There are too many available contractors out there to get sidled with one that does not know what they are doing. That will only lead to shoddy work.

References

Always ask a contractor for references. If you are told that they do not have any or they are very hesitant, this generally means that they have something to hide. You would be better off looking for someone else instead of taking a chance on them.

That is probably all you need to know to hire a great concrete grinding contractor. Always heed this advice to find the best person for the job. Keep in mind the pros and cons of each method before you decide which one is the best to use. Choose wisely and make sure that you won’t make a choice that you will regret later.

Megasaw3 March 2015Concrete Removal

Safety Measures Necessary for Concrete Removal

Safety measures are crucial when dealing with concrete removal. Anything short of this can put a worker’s life in danger along with anyone else that is around the site. It is important to make sure all legal requirements are adhered to. Here are some of the key safety measures that have to be applied with regards to concrete removal and demolition.

safety first

Hard Hats

This is one of the most important safety measures when dealing with concrete removal. Hard hats are key because the head is the most vulnerable when carrying out this kind of work. If the head is not protected, it can be very dangerous due to the amount of falling debris a worker is exposed to.

Respirators

When removing concrete, a lot of dust is generated which is then inhaled by the workers. Thus, it is key to provide your workers with these devices which ensures they don’t breathe in construction dust but clean air.

Breathing in construction dust can become problematic especially in the long term along with the short term discomfort that will be felt. Thus, it is essential to make sure the workers are well taken care of and have access to respirators for their own benefit.

Safety Glasses

The next safety measure that is employed when it comes to concrete removal and demolition are safety glasses to ensure the worker is not only able to see better, but to ensure flying debris and particles do not injure their eyes. The worker’s eyes have to be covered at all times in this environment.

hard hat, safety shoes, and goggles

High Visibility Clothing

High visibility clothing is a must in order to ensure all parties involved are able to see each other at all times. This is done to make sure no one gets caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and gets hurt because their fellow worker did not see them. This could lead to severe injuries which could have been prevented had they been wearing high visibility clothing.

Protective Footwear

Workers are obligated to put on protective footwear in the form of steel toe safety boots at all times to protect their feet from being injured by heavy objects. Due to the heaviness of the equipment that is being used and the materials that can often get sprayed around, it is key to have these boots on at all times and not to take them off. If they are taken off, the exposed feet are likely to get injured.

Hearing Protection

There is a lot of prolonged loud noise in these work environments because of the machinery used when removing concrete. Due to the noise pollution, it is imperative they have the right kind of hearing protection. All workers are provided with high quality hearing protection to ensure they do not have their hearing damaged due to the work that is being completed. Not only is there a lot of exposure to noise, but there is continuous exposure which can cause a lot of damage to the ears.

Quality Dust Control Methods

There is a lot of dust that ends up flying about when it comes to concrete removal. It is a part of the environment that a worker is exposed to and thus it becomes important to get rid of the dust as soon as possible and to keep the air clean. The oxygen requirement for these workers is high as the air thickens due to the dust itself. There are ventilation options available along with the respirators mentioned above.

Concrete removal and demolition jobs require professionals with years of experience. There are numerous processes that take place before the worker is able to begin and this is essential when it comes to making sure they do not get injured and are not putting themselves at risk. The safety measures that have been listed here are all part of a checklist that must be followed to ensure the workers are as safe as possible at all times.

dirty concrete cutting tool in operation

Megasaw19 February 2015Tools

An Introductory Guide to Storing and Maintenance of Concrete Cutters

Concrete cutting tools such as a diamond chainsaw and concrete disc/circular saw are like other tools in the trades. They are designed to make construction work convenient. Manufacturers such as Husqvarna produces these tools, along with the tools is the maintenance and care guide. Being an owner, you are responsible to know how to maintain and service your tools.

This is especially true if they are part of your livelihood. As with any tools, you need to maintain them so that you can rely on them when construction work comes. Have you ever seen a video where a tool underwent sudden freak catastrophic failure, and someone loses a limb? Did the tool in the video look well-maintained? I doubt.

Protecting yourself from harm is a natural instinct. You know that a chainsaw can kick randomly, and it is a great way to lose fingers if one isn’t paying proper attention when cutting.

Regular Maintenance is Necessary

dirty and clean concrete cutting tools

One of the best ways to prevent needless injuries is to maintain tools. Concrete tools, specifically, have some unique requirements when compared to other tools. You may leave a circular saw for cutting wood in a dusty shop for a short bit; this isn’t a problem and won’t negatively affect the life of the saw or its blade. But this is not applicable for a concrete saw.

Concrete contains chemicals that help prevent corrosion of the steel and rebar that reinforces buildings. Leaving these curatives on your blades can quickly wear down the blade and can easily damage the mechanics. Letting the concrete dry upon the tool leads to a host of health issues during handling as well.

Not to mention concrete is a pain to clean off once it dries on the tools. Are you willing to clean those dried concrete for hours? Of course not. Don’t needlessly create more work for yourself.

In the case of the concrete saw, you can easily clean the concrete and its residue off the blade or external housing of the saw with a shop rag and a non-abrasive cleaner if needed. Just remove the blade and do the cleaning.

If you aren’t certain on how to clean the chain, check with your manufacturer for the best way to clean your specific tool.

Concrete contains nitrates and chromates that are added to protect the underlying steel from corrosion. Concrete is also acidic (high pH, 12.5 and even higher. It is comparable to lye). Both of these factors need to be taken into consideration when working with concrete. High levels of pH exposure can cause damage to you and your tools over time.

Plasticizers are often added to concrete to add levels of weather resistance to the mixture. These are harmful to your tools if you let them set and don’t clean them immediately. Don’t let these additives build up and wear out, or worse, dull your tools.

Cutting anything with a dull blade is an accident waiting to happen. Often, it can be difficult to know if your blade/chain is dull and needs replacement. Letting concrete build up on your tools and not cleaning or storing them properly exacerbates the wear and tear on both the tool and the blade/chain itself.

Proper Storing of Your Tools is a Must

Storing your tools in a dry place out of the weather is key to both preventing wear and tear as well as preventing damage caused by working with concrete, in general. Cutting on hard objects like concrete adds heat and stress to the blade and the motor of the tool, even though they are designed to withstand certain levels of such treatment.

In addition, rest your tool every two hours of solid cutting. When we push our tools to the maximum, we need to rest them as well. Store concrete tools in a dry, (never put them away wet or damp) non-humid location away from the weather.

Do not store your tools directly under the sun or in a place where temperatures fluctuate radically (such as in the tool box on the back of a work truck.) Storing for small periods, like over lunch, is fine. Storing overnight or between shifts (5+ hours) in such an environment is damaging to the tools and lowers its lifespan.

Responsible tool use is something we all learnt, sadly tool maintenance is not. It is everyone’s job to prevent tool related injuries. Clean your blade every time you need to do so. Simply making the effort whenever possible will add years of safe use to your concrete cutters.

Not having to replace those diamond dusted chains as often would go a long way toward that sweet new work truck though, just saying. Having all your limbs intact to drive it wouldn’t be so bad either.

Megasaw12 February 2015Concrete Removal

Why You Need Concrete Removal Companies and Demolition Expert

Concrete removal, particularly in construction sites, is no small feat. Although most construction firms and do-it-yourself enthusiasts are willing to do the hard work, concrete removal is easier with the help of an expert. To successfully remove and demolish concrete, you need to consider many factors such as the tools and the technical expertise.

Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about these factors because there are concrete removal services that will do the heavy lifting for you. In other words, concrete removal is a job that should be done only by experts.

concrete demolition site

Of course, you can try to demolish that driveway or floor with a jackhammer. However, that’s not the way to do it. Eventually, you’ll realize that you’re doing it the wrong way. Why? Because you need the expertise and the right equipment. Here are the reasons why you need a concrete removal and demotion expert:

Effective Concrete Demolition and Removal

Breaking and removing concrete can be tricky. There could be wires and pipes underneath the concrete. So, if you were to do this yourself, you could end up breaking the pipes and cables, adding more problems.

Experienced concrete removal companies, on the other hand, know the risks and are able to perform the job without damaging any wires or pipes. By hiring an expert, you are saving time, energy and money.

Safety and Experience

The highly skilled concrete removal firms are also safety-conscious. Like other construction trades, there are safety protocols to follow. If you decide to do the work without knowing the rules, the results could be catastrophic.

However, if you’ll hire a good concrete removal service, you’re not just hiring that company to do an excellent job, you’re also hiring the company to protect yourself and your business. Concrete removal companies like Megasaw, for example, have the requisite industry standard safety protocols put in place to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the project.

Adequate Insurance Policies

Concrete removal is a dangerous task; it can result in significant injuries. For instance, it’s easy for a construction firm to start removing a concrete without studying a property’s foundations. If something goes wrong and the workers are injured, the construction firm is liable and will have to pay the necessary medical bills.

On the other hand, concrete removal companies have insurance policies that are able to handle situations like this. In other words, hiring a concrete removal service is safer for everyone. Accidents can happen anytime, so you need to be careful. That means getting an expert.

The Right Tools and Equipment

concrete building demolition

A good work requires a good set of tools. Let’s face it, you don’t have the right tools to demolish large concrete. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars buying the necessary equipment. The most practical way is to get a concrete removal expert. They have the right tools, they are knowledgeable about the task and they are affordable too.

MegaSaw: Concrete Removal and Demolition Expert in Melbourne

Now that we’ve established a strong reason to hire a concrete removal expert, it’s time to find the right company to help you. Introducing MegaSaw, your concrete demolition specialist. We’ve been providing excellent services for over 40 years. We have the talent, the skills and the tools needed to get the job done. Plus, MegaSaw is fully-insured.

So, if you need a highly experienced concrete removal and demolition service in Melbourne, you’re in the place. Give us a call now at 1300 920 419 or email us at info@megasaw.com.au.

worker with complete safety and dust protection gear

Megasaw6 February 2015Concrete Cutting

Tips on Safe and Efficient Concrete Cutting

Concrete construction frequently requires cutting into cured concrete. This is a specialised job that requires quality equipment and well-trained workers. As with many skills in the construction industry, concrete cutting has a lot of specialised safety considerations. Here’s a brief overview:

How concrete gets cut?

Concrete cutting is a significant part of construction work in both commercial and residential applications. It’s also commonly required in civil engineering projects and road work.

Cutting concrete is a job for heavy-duty power tools. Hand-held concrete cut-off saws exist, but the most common tool for significant cutting jobs is a walk-behind saw. Today, most concrete saws use diamond blades, although abrasive wheels are a less-common option.

Concrete sawing can be done either “dry” or “wet,” with wet sawing making up the majority of the work. Water helps to cool the saw blade and reduces the impact of dust created by cutting (see below).

Basics About Equipment

Matching the cutting gear to the job is extremely important if work is to be done safely and efficiently. Manufacturer’s recommendations provided by both the makers of the saw and the makers of the blade should be followed at all times.

Different blades are made for different materials, and also for different cutting depths. The composition of the concrete to be cut – aggregate fill, reinforcement, and density – must be ascertained before picking the right blade to do the job. As covered in greater depth below, it’s important to ensure that the saw’s blade is in good working order before starting to cut. This is a skill that’s essential for any trained concrete cutter.

Safety Gear

concrete cutting worker with complete safety gear

Appropriate clothing must be worn by all workers using a concrete saw. Exposed skin must be avoided if at all possible. Eye protection is a must, as is hearing protection. (Concrete saws are extremely noisy while operating.) For road work, a high-visibility vest is an essential part of the concrete cutter’s working outfit. As with all power tools, concrete saws should only be operated in properly-posted environments with adequate first aid supplies within easy access.

Precautionary Checks

Every concrete saw has a full start-up checklist to run through prior to cutting. It’s important for concrete cutters to be thoroughly familiar with the exact equipment they’re using and to make each appropriate check before starting operations.

For all concrete saws, verifying the condition of the diamond blade is a must. Cutters must check for any cracks, missing blade segments or other signs of wear and remove blades that are in any way damaged. Experienced cutters also know how to look for signs of discoloration (commonly blue-black) that can indicate heat stress and a possibly weakened blade.

Safe Operations

Patience and certainty are very valuable traits for concrete cutters. Despite their amazing cutting power, diamond saw blades are surprisingly fragile. Forcing them beyond their normal operating conditions can easily result in damage or injury.

In most concrete cutting jobs, cuts should be laid out with a string or chalk line in advance and lined out for the cutter with a clearly-visible wooden board. It should be easy for him to follow a straight line in order to minimise blade wear due to twisting and turning.

“Pilot” cuts are frequently employed to make concrete cutting easier; these are shallow (usually quarter-inch) cuts laid out at the start of a job to identify where deeper cuts are needed. When cutting begins in earnest, cutters will let the tool do the work. The blade should be allowed to settle to the proper cutting depth on its own and then moved at its own pace.

Dust Control

worker with complete safety and dust protection gear

Aside from the threat of physical injury, the most important safety concern in concrete cutting is probably dust control. Most concrete contains plenty of crystalline silica, and the act of cutting it creates respirable crystalline silica, commonly known as RCS.

RCS is a severe irritant and can be so fine as to be almost invisible. Water-assisted concrete cutting reduces the production of dust but does not eliminate it. Most concrete saws except the smallest hand-held models have an on-board ventilation system to further reduce the creation of airborne RCS dust. Concrete cutters (both saw operators and assistants) should wear respirators at all times.

While concrete cutting is a complex, skilled job with a lot of potential dangers, it’s not hard for properly-trained cutters to stay safe while they work. As in many professions, a level-headed concrete cutter is one who always keeps safety in mind. With that mindful attitude, cutters can easily get their jobs done without putting themselves or their co-workers at risk.

Megasaw29 January 2015Concrete Grinding, Tools

Types and Uses of Hand-Held Concrete Grinding Tools and its Pros and Cons

Concrete grinders are specialised tools which use abrasives to grind or polish. They are very useful in:

Removing concrete work flaws or glue
Making rough spaces smooth
Getting rid of protrusions or formwork seams, paint spills, and bad concrete jobs

There are various concrete grinders but for this article, we’ll look at hand-held grinders. Usually, they are the smallest concrete grinders and can be an extremely important, dynamic grinding tool for concrete demolition companies.

hand-held concrete grinding tool

Incredible Benefits of Hand-Held Grinders

1. Can be used to Roughen up Surfaces

Most handheld grinders are popular for smoothening out rough surfaces before concrete or any other coating is applied. However, they can also be used to roughen up surfaces when your walls and floors need some coating.

2. Effectively Removes Defaced Items

Hand-held grinders are better suited to these projects and jobs:

Graffiti or worn murals wither painted on walls by some teenagers
Floors that need smoothening
A home’s defaced parts that have to be removed

3. Can Access Difficult to Reach Places

Often, standard sized concrete grinders cannot reach difficult locations in a home or building. Hand-held concrete grinding tools on the other hand can:

Work in vertical structures, standard concrete pulverisers never work on vertical structures
Fit into tiny spaces like those areas right by or before the walls

4. Lightweight Tools

Hand-held concrete grinders are usually between 5 and 9 inches. This makes them very portable and easy to use for getting rid of concrete work blemishes. Most concrete grinding tools are heavy and often unable to access some difficult areas. But with hand-held concrete grinders, it’s easy to:

Carry them around
Reach difficult places

Disadvantages of Handheld Concrete Grinders

A. They Aren’t Suited to Large Projects

Most hand-held concrete grinders, while useful for small sized projects and small spots, aren’t effective for large areas. To work on a large area or space, you will need bigger concrete grinding machines. Hand-held concrete grinders are also ineffective for profiling large areas of concrete, unlike bigger walk-behind machines.

B. No Vacuum or Dust Collector

Bigger concrete grinding machines often have vacuums or dust collectors. Some of them even have a water dispenser to minimise dust released from the grinding. Concrete dust often contains high amounts of silica, harmful to workers’ health because they can cause:

Silicosis
Other respiratory diseases

In Melbourne and its surrounding areas, get the services of highly experienced concrete grinding services like Megasaw. We offer world class and very professional concrete grinding services. Get in touch with us now at 1300 920 419 or email us at Megasaw@bigpond.net.au for all your concrete grinding projects and other related works.

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