When it comes to sawing roads and asphalt, it is important that you utilise the proper tools and equipment. Compared to other surfaces such as concrete, marble, or granite, asphalt is softer, meaning that it requires a special blade to cut through it.
So how exactly should you cut asphalt? What tools are necessary to carry out this job? And what tips should you keep in mind? If you want to learn more about the best way to cut asphalt, then feel free to continue reading below to learn more.
Why You Would Need To Cut Asphalt
You may be wondering in what scenarios you would need to cut asphalt. Cutting asphalt is necessary if you plan to replace asphalt. It is also often required for asphalt repairs that need to cut away deteriorating pieces of asphalt such as filling potholes.
Blades For Cutting Asphalt
Using the right equipment for cutting asphalt is critical. While many people might assume that using a tool such as, say, a jackhammer might be suitable, this is actually quite wrong. This is because equipment like a jackhammer can potentially weaken the surrounding asphalt.
Rather, an asphalt cutting blade should be utilised in order to produce the best results. More specifically, asphalt requires a diamond blade with a hard bond especially since asphalt is typically softer than other surfaces.
When you use a diamond asphalt cutting blade, the exposed edge will wear away the more it cuts through the asphalt. This is conducive for sustained cutting since the wear on the blade can expose new layers of grit.
You may find asphalt cutting blades in both wet and dry varieties. Dry blades have a softer bond than wet blades, and wet blades require water in order to cool and lubricate a cut while cutting.
Steps For Cutting Asphalt
Once you have secured the proper cutting equipment, you can start the asphalt cutting process. Whether you plan to fix a pothole or remove a damaged section, here are the steps for cutting asphalt:
Step #1: Clean Up The Area
Before cutting asphalt, it is important that your working area is clear of all debris. This is so that your saw does not catch pebbles, rocks, or other debris that can pose safety hazards. Remember that this is a crucial step, so be sure to conduct it thoroughly!
Step #2: Mark Out The Cutting Lines
When cutting asphalt, don’t just cut the damaged area. Make sure to slightly widen your cutting zone so that you have good, solid edges. Squaring up the edges can help for a more long-lasting repair compared to a round patch.
Once you have figured out where you want to cut, mark it out with a chalk line then dent the chalk line with a screwdriver and a hammer to give the blade a path to cut along through.
Step #3: Make The Cuts
Before cutting, set your blade depth according to the paving’s thickness. To check this, you can dig at the edge of the pavement to gather how deep it is. Make your first straight cut, stop, then lift the blade to the next position of your next straight cut.
When cutting asphalt, make sure that you never turn the saw while the blade is still running. This can possibly lead to a breakage of the blade.
Moreover, if you plan to cut to run a cable, then one straight cut path is all that is necessary. Mark, cut, lay the cable, and then crack fill.
Asphalt Maintenance
When it comes to asphalt maintenance, it is relatively easy. Most of the maintenance revolves around filling surface cracks and seal coating every two or three years to prevent damage in the long run.
Unrepaired cracks, for example, are one of the biggest drivers of blacktop excavation. Cracks can result in poor foundations that will lead to asphalt replacement. They can also arise from earth movement, heavy traffic, weather, tree roots, and more.
In situations such as cracks, it is recommended to use a crack filler. It is usually very easy to pour as it can be directly poured into fissures.
Applying a seal coat to your asphalt every two or three years can help minimise the need to perform blacktop excavation and replacement. Coal tar asphalt sealer is a great option as it has unique asphalt rejuvenation abilities. It is also environmentally friendly and prevents liquids from ruining the surface.
Summary
Cutting asphalt requires different techniques and tools that are typically required for other surfaces such as concrete or granite. As a softer material, it requires an asphalt cutting blade that can produce sustained cuts for the cutting project.
If you need asphalt sawing performed safely and reliably, please call us at MEGASAW. We have over 20 years of experience providing quality concrete and asphalt cutting services all over Melbourne. Our experience is your guarantee!
Please call us today on 1300 920 419 or leave an inquiry.