Why Do Footpaths Have Gaps In Between Them?

We’ve all come across a footpath; however, have you ever noticed that they have gaps or lines in between them? Better yet, have you ever wondered why there are gaps or lines in the first place?

These gaps are not placed in concrete footpaths for design purposes; rather, these gaps are intentionally added to help keep the concrete’s structural integrity intact. However, how do they do this? If you have often wondered about this, then we’re here to help provide all the answers you are looking for. If you would like to learn more, please continue reading below.

The Purpose Of Concrete Footpath Gaps

When concrete and other common construction materials are subjected to changes in extreme temperatures, they can be prone to expanding and contracting. If concrete is poured as one long slab, expansion and contraction due to the weather’s temperature can lead to cracks, buckles, and breaks.

As such, one way to avoid this from happening is by adding uniformed and evenly spaced gaps. These gaps are known as expansion joints, which are designed to let concrete have room to expand and contract without damaging its structural integrity. 

Why Footpaths Have Gaps Between Them

When concrete dries, it can also be prone to shrinkage. With the introduction of expansion joints, when the concrete dries and shrinks cracks that may form as a result should form in the path of the expansion joints. This is because this is where the concrete is the thinnest. If the cracks follow the expansion joints, the cracks won’t appear so bad. 

These cracks are installed by concrete sawing machines, special grooving tools, or plastic strips known as zip-strips. The joints should be placed deep enough to ensure that the cracks appear in the right or preferred places.

Therefore, if the concrete is constructed properly, it can be resistant to cracking due to expansion and/or contraction from changes in temperature. Of course, this will keep the concrete crack-resistant for quite some time.

Why Do Concrete Footpaths Crack?

While concrete is recognised as a long-lasting building material, at some point in its lifetime it will inevitably develop cracks – it’s just a matter of when. 

Concrete will be even more prone to cracking if it is subject to poor construction such as incorrect blending of cement mixture or not properly curing the concrete slab. Both of these problems can lead to premature cracking and the development of structural problems with the concrete. 

Additionally, cracks in concrete can also arise due to voids in the soil below the slab. If a new concrete slab is poured on a poorly-compacted surface, this can trap empty pockets of air in the soil. Over time as the soil begins to settle in those pockets, the concrete slab can sink and crack. 

Well-built concrete footpaths can still be prone to cracks, but with proper construction practices, this can be delayed as much as possible. Therefore, precautionary measures such as expansion joints are one way by which concrete cracks can be controlled and mitigated in the future.

Why Footpaths Have Gaps Between Them

Repairing Concrete Cracks

When it comes to repairing concrete footpath cracks, you can either replace the broken portions or carry out a slab jacking repair.

Replacement can be quite costly given that you will need to remove the old slab and construct a new one. You also have to consider whether the underlying soil needs to be stabilised, because if it isn’t stabilised and you add a new concrete slab then it will pretty much develop the same problem. 

Slab jacking is less expensive and can fill voids in the soil so that cracks are prevented. It is also quick, easy, and mess-free. Once the job is finished, the footpath will be levelled and restored. 

Summary

Concrete footpaths have gaps between them by design. Since concrete is prone to expansion and contraction from weather temperatures or during the drying process, cracks, buckles, and breaks can easily form. 

With gaps or expansion joints, cracks will be more easily controlled and concentrated on specific areas. While cracks are inevitable, expansion joints are just one way to put them off for as long as possible.

When it comes to concrete cutting, if you need concrete cutting performed safely and reliably, be it commercial or residential, please call us at MEGASAW.

We have over 20 years of experience providing quality concrete cutting services all over Melbourne. Our experience is your guarantee!

Please call us today on 1300 920 419 or leave an inquiry.

How To Locate A Drain Pipe In Concrete Before Cutting It

Many large-scale construction projects require an element of concrete sawing and drilling. However, have you ever wondered how this process is carried out?

Before concrete cutting and drilling is carried out, many contractors perform concrete scanning, a process that uses non-destructive technology to detect underground debris that could potentially be damaged or cause damage in the process of concrete cutting.

As such, if you plan to carry out a construction project that involves locating structures such as drainpipes, you should perform concrete scanning beforehand. 

What Is Concrete Scanning?

As previously mentioned, concrete scanning makes use of non-destructive technology such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR), a ferroscan instrument, a cover meter, or ultrasonic scanning equipment to scan concrete in various depth ranges and conditions. 

Ideally, you should always scan concrete if you are planning to perform drilling, coring, cutting, and other types of destructive work. Concrete scanning can be especially useful and helpful if you plan to perform the following:

  • Subsurface utility engineering
  • Underground utility locating
  • Private utility locating
  • Utility location within the existing concrete
  • Planning and preparing for CCTV, video, or other pipe inspections
  • Preconstruction utility mapping
  • Safety hazard recognition, marking, and avoidance

How Locate Drain Pipe Concrete Before Cutting 2

However, detecting anomalies is not where concrete scanning stops. Once these anomalies have been detected they will be interpreted by highly experienced engineers who will advise the construction project on how to appropriately move forward.

From here, you’ll be able to make markings of dangerous spots to perform destructive action, saving you both time, money, and of course, resources in your intended construction project.

What Can Concrete Scanning Locate?

Concrete scanning is capable of detecting the following:

  • Drain pipes
  • Post-tension cables
  • Voids
  • Electrical conduits
  • Gas pipes
  • Water lines
  • Various PVC conduits
  • Leaks
  • Other hidden objects 

They can also be used to conduct a structural review that includes rebar spacing and concrete slab measurements. The best part is that results can be produced on-site and in real-time, which leads to both minimal disruption and costs.

Is Concrete Scanning A Safety Measure?

The short answer: yes. Concrete scanning is not only designed to help you visualise underground anomalies you may not be able to see before performing destructive work, but it is an imperative safety measure to take.

For example, damage to post-tension cables and rebar can pose extremely dangerous safety hazards that can lead to structural failure, injury, and even death on site. Damage to electrical components within the concrete can also cause electrocution and death. 

As such, concrete scanning is not only helpful for your construction project but will keep your workers safe from possible hazards, while also providing you with a safe plan to move forward.

How Locate Drain Pipe Concrete Before Cutting

What Else Can Concrete Scanning Do?

Did you know that you can scan vertical surfaces? That’s right! You can even detect drain pipes in ceilings or vertical walls because GPR equipment is capable of locating rebar in concrete walls and columns. 

Concrete scanning can even be used to scan underneath floors and mark reinforcing steel or other embedded conduits. 

Concrete scanning can also help differentiate between rebar and a conduit. Generally, these two can produce the same GPR readings; however, there are subtle differences particularly in the pattern and spacing of rebar. If the rebar has a break, more often than not this means that there is a conduit.

However, it is also important to remember that concrete scanning cannot see through concrete! GPR can only detect embedded materials or voids. 

Final Thoughts

If your original plan was to just locate a drain pipe in concrete before cutting the concrete, then you’ll be surprised to know that the latest technology today can do much more than just detecting drain pipes!

Concrete scanning can be used to locate all sorts of sites and spaces unseen to the human eye, such as post-tension cables, voids, electrical conduits, and others that can potentially cause structural damage and pose disastrous safety hazards.

So, while concrete scanning will allow you to have a better idea of where to safely cut concrete, concrete scanning can also protect your workers and prevent you from wasting time, money, and resources!

If you need concrete sawing performed safely and reliably, be it commercial or residential, please call us at MEGASAW. We have over 20 years of experience providing quality concrete cutting services all over Melbourne. Our experience is your guarantee!

Please call us today on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website.

How To Cut Straight With A Concrete Saw? 

Cutting concrete is a tough enough job. It is even tougher to saw straight through a thick slab with a concrete saw. However, there are ways to make the work easier by using the right technique.

So whether you need to saw straight on concrete slabs, walls, floors, etc, follow our easy steps to make sure that you cut straight with a concrete saw.

Safety First

Before you start, make sure you wear proper protection to prevent accidents and harming yourself. Wear the following:

  • Heavy longsleeved shirt and pants
  • Shin guards
  • Knee pads
  • Steel-toed boots
  • Eye protection
  • Ear protection
  • Full face shield
  • High-filtration dust mask

Materials and Tools

  • Concrete Saw preferably using a diamond blade
  • Drop cloths
  • Duct tape
  • Chalk
  • Measuring tools
  • A ground fault circuit interrupter (protection for the extension cord)
  • Garden hose
  • Scrap wood the length of your cut (to work as a guide)
  • Wet or dry vacuum
  • Sledgehammer
  • Prybar
  • Claw hammer (optional)
  • Mason chisel (optional)
  • Broom
  • Dustpan

How Cut Straight With Concrete Saw PPE

Preparation

  • Clean the area of debris, mess, and obstructions. 
  • Make sure the area is safe and everyone is at a safe distance. 
  • Put on all your safety gear and equipment. 
  • Test the concrete saw to make sure it is working properly.

Step 1

Choose the process you are going to use – are you dry-cutting or wet-cutting? There are different types of diamond blades for a concrete saw.

There is one specifically designed for wet sawing and there is one for dry sawing.  Wet sawing is most preferable because it produces much less dust and is less stressful for the concrete blade.

Wet cutting requires the use of water so have your water hose ready and make sure the water pressure is reliable.

Step 2

Prepare the work area. If you are working in an enclosed space, tape drop cloths to any doors, windows and any air intakes to make sure that the dust and flying debris do not enter the other parts of your home or building. 

If you are working in an open space, make sure that you have enough space away from people and anything that will break. Only authorised and necessary personnel and workers should be within the vicinity.

Step 3

Measure and mark the spots you are going to cut. Apply the lines as thick as possible. Try to get waterproof markers or chalk so the marks won’t disappear once you start cutting and the water trickles over the markings.

Step 4

Position the garden hose properly so it will hit the diamond blade generously and the water will trickle down to where the blade makes contact with the concrete.

This will ensure that the blade is kept cool and the dust does not become airborne. The water stream should be steady and consistent.

Doing this is easy when you are working on a horizontal area like floors, pavements, and roads. For vertical spaces like a wall, it is more challenging to keep the water stable and on point.

You will require assistance from another worker or two to keep the water jet spraying on the blade and the marked area while you focus on the sawing.

Step 5

Position the scrap wood (preferably 1 inch thick) along the outside of the marked lines. This will serve as a guide as you cut along making sure that the line is straight.

Step 6

Before turning on the concrete saw, set the depth lever or the knob to half an inch deep. This will ensure that the cuts you make will not go over half an inch deep.

Doing shallow cuts will give you more control and help your blade to cool off. This is a better strategy than cutting deep all at once.

By going all in, you will be pushing your concrete blade too far which can cause costly damage to the saw and the concrete.

Power the saw at the lowest revolutions per minute. Maintain a constant but firm grip on the concrete saw. Move the saw slowly forward against the guide board. Let the concrete saw do the work.

Do not push or put too much pressure on the concrete, just guide it and keep a firm hold. Cut for 30 to 45 seconds at a time. Running the concrete saw at longer times will cause the blade to overheat or break.

How Cut Straight With Concrete Saw curb

Step 7

When you are done cutting, let the saw continue to run while you remove the blade away from the concrete.

This will give the blade a chance to spit out any dust and debris which will stop it from clogging up and also allows the blade to cool down. Alternate cutting and cooling down for 30 to 45 seconds each time.

Step 8

Once you have completed the straight line, remove the guide board. Go back to the start of the cut and continue cutting deeper until you achieve your desired or target depth. Continue doing intermittent cuts.

Step 9

Take breaks to take out the accumulated dust and debris. Even with wet sawing, dust and debris will still accumulate. Clean the workspace regularly using a broom or vacuum to do the job.

Step 10 

When you are done cutting, use a sledgehammer or mason chisel to clean the edges. Use the tools carefully so you will not cause the concrete to break or chip off on the edges.

Step 11

Clean up and put away all equipment and tools especially the concrete saw. 

Operating a concrete saw is a big feat. For quick, accurate, cost-effective, and timely, concrete cutting, let Melbourne’s most trusted do the job.

For all concrete cutting needs, be it commercial or residential, call us at MEGASAW. We have over 20 years of experience providing quality concrete services in Melbourne. Our experience is your guarantee!

Please call us today on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website.

Different Types of Concrete Sawing Techniques And Their Benefits

Concrete sawing is fairly essential to the whole construction process. And because concrete quality varies with different types of projects, concrete techniques vary too.

This means that different concrete cutting techniques are used for various purposes.

Some of the factors that need to be considered when deciding what concrete cutting technique to use include the following:

  • Type of concrete
  • Materials used for the concrete
  • Strength of the concrete
  • Thickness
  • Type of infrastructure
  • Indoor or outdoor concrete

There are only two methods of concrete sawing:

  1. Dry sawing – this method is only suited for outdoor concrete sawing because it generates an enormous amount of dust. Dry sawing requires the use of diamond blades to prevent the sawing machine from overheating and to reduce the production of dust.
  2. Wet sawing – the most popular method because it produces less dust and is environment-friendly. The blade does not overheat because the water keeps it cool.

The type of sawing technique and the type of saw you use is the most important consideration in concrete cutting.

Concrete Sawing Techniques And Their Benefits

Chain Sawing

  • Precision cuts
  • No over cuts
  • Perfect corners
  • Straight lines

Core Drilling

  • Perfect tubular holes
  • Quick and easy
  • Makes light work when creating holes for electrical wiring, cables, plumbing, and anchor bolts
  • Can drill at any angle even upside down

Diamond Drilling

  • Quick and precise cuts
  • Perfect for acute corner-cutting and small concrete edits
  • It is quiet, so it’s good for residential use

Flat Drilling

  • Avoids broken wiring pipes and engrained materials
  • Useful when there are utility lines underneath the concrete
  • Less likely to severe any important areas

Floor Sawing

  • Perfect holes and cuts for concrete floors, roads, and slabs
  • Precise cuts on flat concrete surfaces

Ring Sawing

  • Perfect for small to medium concrete projects
  • Because it uses handheld saw machines, it is easy to use and provides accurate holes and openings

Slab Sawing

  • Perfect for bigger projects
  • Can handle bridges, roads, roofs, and even water channels
  • Can be used for both indoor and outdoor cutting
  • Can cut up to 32 inches

Wall Sawing

  • Can cut up to one metre deep on each side of the wall
  • It can cut any angle
  • Used for removing vertical sections for HVAC, elevator openings, stairs, and windows. 

Wire Sawing

  • Used for removing large portions of concrete
  • Very versatile
  • It can cut lengths and depths that the spindle-mounted blades can’t
  • Used for abutments, equipment pads, foundations, pillars, and thick walls
  • Safe
  • Less noise

SAFETY FIRST

Handling high-powered concrete sawing equipment is dangerous. Therefore, all the necessary safety precautions should be followed at all times including wearing your safety protective gear at all times. 

Concrete protective gear includes:

  1. Goggles – concrete sawing produces dust, and there are small to big chunks of concrete materials flying around, and other harmful particles that can cause severe and permanent damage to your eyes and your eyesight.
  2. Face mask – avoid inhaling dust. Concrete dust contains crystalline silica. Prolonged exposure can lead to fatal lung problems. Several studies indicate a link between crystalline silica and lung cancer.
  3. Ear protection – concrete sawing can be very noisy. Be sure to protect your ears by using noise-cancelling earmuffs.
  4. Helmet – construction work requires the use of protective, industry-standard head protective gear. Saw cutting can cause small to large concrete chunks to fly around so keep your head safe by wearing a helmet.
  5. Gloves – Keep your fingers safe by wearing the right gloves for cutting concrete.
  6. Steel-Toe Boots – When dealing with concrete, keep your limbs safe all the time by wearing steel-toed boots. 
  7. Protective Clothing – With concrete flying around along with dust and other potential hazards, make sure you follow the required clothing guideline to stay safe.

Also be mindful of the following:

Control the Dust – keep dust production to a minimum. Wet sawing is highly recommended and always wear your personal protective equipment.

Keep Organised – make sure there are no wires and other materials that can trip you when you are sawing. Keep the area clean.

Unplug, Turn-off, and Deactivate Equipment When Not In Use – always keep your machines unplugged, turned-off, and deactivated when you are not using to avoid any accidents and potential harm to humans and infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with concrete sawing requires professional training and knowledge as well as extensive experience. Concrete sawing can be very risky and should really only be attempted by professionals.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website

What Is The Purpose Of Saw-Cutting Asphalt Or Concrete? 

It’s an unfortunate fact that concrete and asphalt can crack when they dry. This can be caused by the excessive water content of the concrete mix, drying too fast, thermal expansion and contraction, among other causes. 

For homeowners, cracks in concrete can be an eyesore. What’s more, it can also deteriorate the concrete which can become very costly and inconvenient to rectify. 

If you do have cracks on your driveway, or worse, your walls, you will have to use fillers and paint to fix the problem. 

For a commercial building, cracks on your walls, floors, and driveways can be a safety concern. Fixing them can cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Therefore, prevention is better than cure. 

Concrete Sawing

Concrete sawing helps control cracking and will save you from expensive repairs and maintenance however, timing is very important in cutting. If you saw-cut too soon, you will spoil the integrity of the concrete. If you cut too late, it will defeat the purpose of cutting. 

For concrete, depending on the local weather conditions, cutting can be done within four to 12 hours after the concrete is poured. In hot weather, cutting can be done within one to four hours after the concrete is poured. 

Cuts should be about one third the depth of the concrete. Once you start cutting, you must make sure that you continue the process and finish as soon as possible before the concrete temperature falls. 

It should be done when the concrete has set enough to tolerate the sawing but not set too long that it cracks even before cutting. 

Asphalt Sawing

Cutting asphalt is necessary for fixing cracks, asphalt replacement, repairs, and maintenance. Asphalt deteriorates because of soil movement, wear and tear, and many others. 

Unlike concrete, asphalt requires a specific saw blade for cutting. Asphalt is softer compared to concrete, so soft-bonded blades will not cut it. A diamond blade with a hard bond is more effective. 

Two types of blades are used for cutting asphalt – wet and dry blades. 

Megasaw Services

If you are looking to have some concrete cutting done, it’s important to use a reputable and experienced company such as Megasaw. At Megasaw, we provide the following services:

  • HAND SAWING – Using primarily Husqvarna Hand Saws, our concrete hand sawing is a versatile cutting process that will save you time and money. We can cut through bricks and concrete depending on what your requirements are.
  • RING SAWING – we provide cutting of up to 300mm deep using top quality tools and equipment that are handled by our highly-trained cutting experts.
  • WALL SAWING – we provide cutting of up to 725mm in depth. We usually use a road saw for wall sawing using only the most trusted brands for quality services and safety of our team.
  • ROAD SAWING – this is perhaps one of the most important steps in the construction of pavements, roads, walkways, bridges etc. We have a team of professionals who are experts in road sawing, cutting and drilling.
  • WIRE SAWING – we use top of the line diamond wire saws to help you remove large concrete structures and save you time and money by cutting thick layers of concrete for your business or residential structures.
  • DIAMOND GRINDING – this is a cost-effective way of restoring and maintaining pavements and other concrete projects.
  • CONCRETE REMOVAL – we specialise in demolition and concrete removal from residential to full-scale commercial projects. 
  • CONCRETE SCANNING – we provide high-resolution concrete scanning services to ensure the structural integrity of your projects.
  • PERCUSSION DOWELL BAR DRILLING – we drill dowel bar holes into concrete slabs or on the sides of bridges. We use only the latest in technology and the best air powered rock drill for your drilling needs.

Cracking on concrete and the deterioration of asphalt is unavoidable. This is why saw-cutting is essential so you can anticipate and control where the cracking will happen and ensure the structural integrity of your building or structure. 

From a visual perspective, cracks should be avoided. This is where integrating the cuttings into the design can be a creative way of combining smart engineering and creative design and is something that should be considered.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website

How Are Concrete Saws Made?

Concrete is a hard material to work with. If you were to try to cut concrete with a normal saw you will find that the teeth of the saw would become blunt very quickly.

Rather than concrete sawing with a standard saw, you need to use a circular saw with the appropriate type of blade made with a strong-enough material to be able to make a clean cut into concrete.

Let’s take a look at how concrete saws are made, and how they work:

Concrete Saws Usually Use Diamond Blades

Most concrete saws use blade made of diamonds, either natural diamonds that come from a mine and that were considered to be ‘not perfect enough’ to use in jewellery or lab-made/synthetic diamonds.

These small diamonds form near-indestructible cutting ‘teeth’ that can break down concrete and make a clean cut.

How the Saw is Made

The saw itself is a circular disk, usually made of steel, with a rim that is coated with diamonds. The diamonds are the substance that does the cutting.

They are held in place with a matrix – a metal bond that keeps the diamonds secure until they are worn away.

The saw rotates, and the diamonds use an abrasive action to cut into the material. Depending on what type of concrete you are cutting, you may want a different type of matrix.

If you are cutting green concrete then you would want a hard metal bond.

This means that the diamonds will hold together stronger for longer, so they can be used fully before the adhesive wears away.

In contrast, if you are cutting very hard, nonabrasive concrete then a softer bond is better because this means that the diamonds will shed quickly, and the dull diamonds will fall away to expose sharp diamonds, allowing for uninterrupted cutting.

Wet Cut vs Dry Cut Saws

Depending on where you are working (for example, whether you’re cutting a concrete wall inside a property or you are cutting construction materials outside) you have a few options for cutting.

If you are cutting indoors, then you may be restricted to just using dry cutting saws, but if you are outdoors and cutting large chunks of concrete, wet cutting is often a better option.

Wet cutting utilises water to help reduce the amount of dust kicked up by the saw, and also cools the blade, stopping the matrix from overheating.

Saws that support wet cutting spray a jet of water onto the cut, keeping the blade lubricated.

Many dry saws have a dust extractor that helps to collect some of the dust that is being kicked up by the vibrational movement of the saw.

This is an important feature that can help to protect the user of the saw from exposure to concrete dust and the potential health issues associated with that.

Choosing a Saw and a Blade

While just about all concrete saws work on roughly the same principles, you will find that if you choose the wrong saw for the job or the wrong type of blade, the job will take longer and the blade might wear out more quickly than you expect.

Make sure that you choose a saw that can spin at a suitable RPM. Too slow, and the saw may ‘chew’ through materials instead of cutting them clean. Too fast, and the blade might overheat.

Sintered diamond tools are a good choice for very hard materials because they rely on a metal bond.

Resin-bonded or electroplated blades can be useful for cutting softer materials, but the diamonds may wear away too quickly if you try to cut very hard substances with them.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website

How Does A Concrete Saw Really Work?

Do you need to use a concrete saw to cut a block of concrete? Are you curious as to how a concrete saw actually works? If so, please keep reading below.

Concrete saws have become some of the most essential construction tools in the industry today. They are quite efficient in cutting big and small concrete blocks.

Knowing how a concrete saw works will help you use it more productively to cut blocks or slabs of concrete.

There are many reasons to use a concrete saw when it comes to concrete sawing efficiently.

Whether you want to remove excess concrete material in your home or create a different look for a new patio, you need to use a concrete saw for the job.

Therefore, in this article, we will take a look at the following:

  • How Does A Concrete Saw Work?
  • Use The Best Concrete Saw For The Concrete Job
  • Select The Right Blade For The Project
  • Use Protective Gear At All Times

How Does A Concrete Saw Work?

A concrete saw is a power tool used for cutting hard construction materials such as concrete, masonry bricks, tile, and asphalt slabs.

The concrete saw uses diamond blades to cut through hard materials with ease. The saw can be powered by gasoline, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure or an electric motor.

Diamond blades are the best blades to use but they should be cooled when cutting hard materials like concrete because of the significant friction generated during the process.

This is important to prolong the life of the blade and reduce concrete dust when cutting the material. Wet and dry cutting are two popular methods of using a concrete saw to cut concrete blocks.

Wet cutting reduces the amount of concrete dust generated during the cutting process and helps prolong the lifespan of the diamond blade.

Use The Best Concrete Saw For The Concrete Job

There are a number of different types of concrete saws on the market today. You need to choose the best saw for the job at hand.

For example, a walk-behind saw is ideal for a large cutting project on the floor.

Walk-behind saws are the heaviest saws on the market today. They make the deepest cuts – which eliminate the requirement for several shallow cuts.

Walk-behind concrete saws use the wet cutting method to reduce the amount of dust during the cutting process. Water helps keep the blades cool and dust down during the process.

Select The Right Blade For The Project

Next, you need to make sure you choose the right blade for the concrete saw. Diamond blades are the most popular today due to their efficiency and long life.

The exposed diamond crystals of the blade do the cutting. When the exposed diamonds become dull, they will automatically fall away and new ones are exposed.

You can use a wet cutting blade with water and a dry cutting diamond blade without water.

Use Protective Gear At All Times

Cutting concrete is a highly specialised job that comes with a range of risks. It’s vital to use the right protective gear when cutting concrete.

You should be aware of the hazards posed when cutting concrete and use the right protective gear to protect yourself during the process.

For example, eye goggles should be used to help protect your eyes while cutting concrete.

As concrete cutting can be quite noisy, you also need to wear protective equipment for your ears during the cutting process.

Heavy-duty gloves and industrial boots should be used to help protect your hands and feet. Hard hats or helmets should be used to help protect your head during the process.

These are all important things to consider when cutting concrete using a concrete saw.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website

What Is A Concrete Saw and How Does It Work?

What is a concrete saw? A concrete saw is simply a special power tool that’s used to cut through concrete slabs, walls and other solid structures like masonry, brick and asphalt.

A concrete saw can also be referred to as a con-saw, asphalt saw, cut-off saw, quick-cut saw or a slab saw. Currently, there are many different variations of concrete saws you can find on the market.

They range from small hand-held concrete saws used in small-scale building projects to large pushable concrete saws used in big construction projects.

Concrete saws can also be categorised according to their shape, style, design and functionality. It’s important to learn all you can about concrete saws before making a decision to buy one or even hire one.

What Powers A Concrete Saw

As mentioned above, a concrete saw is a power tool, which means that it relies on some form of power source to function.

Most concrete saws are powered by either gasoline, hydraulic pressure, pneumatic or electric motor engines.

The respective engine powers the saw which in turn rotates a special blade that cuts the concrete. There is a special type of blade used to cut concrete known as a diamond blade.

A diamond blade is suitable for cutting concrete as it is very strong and is capable of cutting through steel bars. It is common for concrete blocks used in construction to be reinforced with steel bars.

For this reason, a strong and durable blade must be used to cut through reinforced concrete or concrete with rebar.

Friction During Cutting

As you can expect, there is a lot of friction that’s produced when cutting through concrete.

This friction force can make cutting very difficult and that’s why most concrete saws need to be lubricated during the cutting process.

Failure to cool and lubricate a saw and it’s blade during occurring can lead to excess production of heat, rapid wear and tear of the blade, unnecessary cracking of the concrete block, and damage to the saw itself.

Cooling and lubrication are therefore an essential part of any concrete cutting process.

Choices of Blade

There are many different types of diamond blades you can use with your concrete saw.

Depending on the construction project you are working on, you may choose a blade based on features such as diameter, saw size, arbour size, blade quality and many others.

There are other factors you should also consider when choosing a diamond blade for your saw.

Dry Cutting or Wet Cutting

As already mentioned, most concrete saws need to be constantly cooled and lubricated during cutting in order to maximise efficiency.

However, there are cases where lubrication may not be necessary such as when a person is making small or shallow cuts on concrete blocks.

This form of cutting where no lubrication is needed is known as dry cutting. Both wet and dry cutting techniques can affect the choice of blade you choose for your saw.

Therefore, you should determine what type of cutting you will be doing before choosing a blade.

Blade Compatibility With Saw and Material

Some diamond blades are only compatible with certain brands and types of concrete saws.

It’s important to establish which range and type of diamond blades your concrete saw is compatible with before making a purchase.

Also, the blade you choose should be compatible with the material you are cutting. A concrete saw can be used to cut through different types of solid structures like concrete and asphalt.

You should ensure that the features of the blade you choose match those of the material you intend to cut.

Lastly, working with a concrete saw may expose you to numerous safety risks and hazards. It’s important to talk to a trained professional before using a concrete saw.

It’s also important to follow all safety information provided by the saw manufacturer for a smooth cutting experience.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website

Important Tips For Cutting Concrete Safely

Are you planning to cut concrete with a concrete saw? Are you aware of the safety measures when cutting concrete? Please continue reading for some important safety information.

If you are involved in any type of construction work in Australia, you know the importance of concrete in the industry.

With over $20-billion worth of construction work being done every month, the industry has never been as busy as it is today.

Due to the work overload in the industry, there is a high demand to do as much as you can as fast as possible.

This means a lot of short cuts are taken when cutting concrete. If the short cut is unsafe, you may experience disastrous consequences in the process.

That’s why you need to follow safety tips when cutting concrete including the following:

  • Follow The Local Standards
  • Check The Concrete Saw For Safety
  • Wear Safety Gear
  • Check The Blade
  • Keep The Air Clean

Follow The Local Standards

Local safety standards may change constantly. You should be aware of the latest safety standards in your locality.

You can’t expect the workers to abide by the safety standards in the area if they are not aware of the rules.

You should always check with the local authorities for the latest updates to the safety standards for concrete cutting.

If there any updates, make sure to inform all workers of the latest updates. This is important so you aren’t exposed to fines for not abiding by the safety standards in the construction industry.

Check The Concrete Saw For Safety

Make sure the concrete saw is in good condition before you decide to use it. A dull or damaged saw can injure your workers. The power cord and water pump of the saw should also be in good order.

Don’t forget to double-check the water tank before anyone uses the saw. Check the handle and guards for any signs of wear or damage.

If you find any signs of damage or wear, make sure to keep the saw away from workers and have these replaced immediately.

Wear Safety Gear

Every construction worker should have the right safety gear and equipment to protect themselves from injuries.

This is one of the most important things to do to when running a safe construction workplace.

Ensuring the protection of your workers is part of your job as a contractor, site manager or supervisor.

Long pants, protective garments, and safety boots are some of the most important safety gear you need to protect yourself when engaged in concrete cutting.

Don’t forget to wear eye goggles to protect your eyes from sharp objects when cutting concrete.

Concrete cutting involves a lot of water. Boots with weak treads are not the best for construction workers as this may cause the worker to slip and fall.

Masks and face shields are important for people who are working in the cutting area. Ear protection equipment is also important because concrete cutting involves a lot of noise.

Check The Blade

Concrete saws use diamond blades. The blade should be the right size depending on the concrete saw you use and should be sharp enough to cut the concrete.

Diamond blades come in different sizes and shapes for various purposes. If the blade vibrates too much when you switch on the machine, stop the machine and inspect the blade.

This is important to guarantee the safety of the workers on your construction site.

Keep The Air Clean

Make sure all workers have the necessary respiratory equipment in place when cutting concrete blocks.

Although water will flow over the diamond blade to reduce concrete dust, eliminating all the dust isn’t totally possible.

Where possible, you should encourage wet cuts to keep the air clean and reduce the concrete dust.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website

How To Cut Through A Concrete Floor Without Cracking or Breaking The Concrete?

Typically, concrete structures are built to be strong and durable. They are built to withstand the test of time and remain intact or solid for many years.

As such, tough materials such as gravel and steel bars are used to ensure that nothing can cut through or bring down these structures.

However, what happens when you need to renovate or bring down a specific concrete structure? What do you do when you want to make precise changes or fixes to concrete structures like floors?

Please keep reading as this article will reveal how you can cut through concrete structures like floors without cracking or breaking them.

Concrete Floors

More and more people are finding themselves in situations where they need to cut through concrete floors within their buildings in order to undertake certain repairs or renovation tasks.

However, a good number of these people do not how to correctly undertake this job. Cutting through concrete is highly a delicate and complex task.

One simple mistake can have massive repercussions.

One of the most common problems that people face when cutting through concrete structures like floors is cracking and breaking of the concrete.

Just imagine yourself in the process of cutting through a concrete floor and then boom, the concrete beneath you suddenly cracks or breaks.

This situation can be nerve-wracking and sometimes, disastrous.

Concrete Saws

To cut through concrete floors, you need a powerful concrete saw that can cut through various layers of hardened concrete mix.

The saw also needs to be able to cut through reinforced steel bars that are often found within the structure of concrete floors.

No other power tool is as effective as a concrete saw with a wet diamond blade.

There are two types of concrete saws you’ll find in the market. The first is hand-held concrete saws that are typically used to cut small blocks or slabs of concrete.

The others are walk-behind concrete saws that are commonly used to cut concrete floors and other large concrete structures.

Cutting Mistakes and Problems

There are various mistakes and errors that you can make that can lead to serious problems such as cracking and breaking. Remember, concrete floors are usually very sturdy and strong.

However, they are also very brittle which means that they can crack or break easily when mishandled. Concrete floors are like biscuits, one wrong cut can cause them to break up.

Unfortunately, most people only learn about this when it’s too late. A cracked or broken concrete floor is a huge safety hazard that can make a building uninhabitable.

So, when undertaking any concrete floor cutting job, it’s important to follow the right steps and procedures.

Precautions To Take

Cutting through a concrete floor may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. You only need to be careful and patient.

The first thing you need to do is mark the area you want to cut on the concrete floor. Make sure there are no electrical or plumbing lines under the area.

Next, connect your concrete saw to a running supply of water and power it up. Make sure you wear the necessary safety gear and clothing before you begin cutting.

Finally, position the saw on one of the edges of the marked area and start cutting slowly. Move the saw forward gradually and make sure to monitor the depth of the blade.

Make sure to raise the blade and reposition the saw every time you reach the end of an edge. You should never try to cut corners or change direction without stopping and repositioning the saw.

As we can see, there are many things to consider when cutting through concrete which means this is a task that is best left to reputable and experienced professionals.

If you are looking for a specialist concrete cutting company who uses only the best practices to get the job done right, then please call us at Megasaw on 1300 920 419 or contact us through our website

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