How To Cut Concrete To Make A Door Opening Square? 

Sometimes it is necessary to have to cut through old concrete walls when renovating. Although it is ideal to cut concrete within a few hours after it is poured, it is still possible to cut through old concrete without causing too much damage, if any at all.

When cutting concrete walls, you have to consider a few things:

  • Ductworks
  • Electrical conduits
  • Piping
  • Mechanical and electrical systems
  • Other building materials that run your walls

It is important to know what is inside your walls before you start cutting. By doing so, you avoid damaging any important pipes and lines saving you time and money in repairs.

Once you have mapped out the cables and pipelines inside the concrete wall, it is time to determine the right tools and equipment to use. 

Things You Need

  • Chalk or Marker
  • Straight edge
  • Tape
  • Plastic Sheets
  • Tape Measure
  • Rotary Drill
  • Sledgehammer
  • Concrete Saw (preferably diamond blade)

Then most importantly, you must make sure that you use the right PPE or Personal Protective Equipment:

  • Respirator
  • Goggles
  • Face Mask
  • Ear Protection
  • Helmet
  • Coveralls
  • Gloves
  • Safety Boots

Now It’s Time To Cut!

Now that you have everything you need, you are ready to cut through the concrete wall. Remember not to rush and follow these steps:

  1. Mark the space on the wall where you plan to cut the square opening. Make sure you do not cut on an area where there are any utility lines. Use a tape measure to ensure you make accurate, straight cuts. 
  2. Do the same on the other side of the wall. Make sure that both sides have the same measure and are on the same level.
  3. Cover all entrances with plastic sheets and tape them in place to make sure that the dust is contained within the area. Cover all furniture, fixtures, and other items in the area to protect them from the concrete dust during cutting. 
  4. Ensure proper ventilation.
  5. Drill through each corner of the square outline using a masonry bit and rotary hammer. The holes will mark the boundaries of the outline and help guide you when sawing.
  6. Start cutting using your concrete saw. Start sawing over the marks on one side of the wall. Carefully cut along the lines. Start with shallow cuts.
  7. Do the same on the other side of the wall. Start with slow and shallow cuts.
  8. Knock the cut concrete slowly using a sledgehammer. 
  9. Chisel out any remaining concrete from the edges of the square opening.

Important Reminder:

Consult your structural engineer regarding your measurements and process of cutting out the square opening on your concrete walls before you start cutting out a new door. 

Safety Reminder:

DO NOT forget to wear your personal protective equipment. SAFETY FIRST!

Important Tips:

  • Use the wet sawing to minimise concrete dust. Wet sawing also keeps your saw blade from overheating. Overall, wet sawing is environment-friendly, more effective, and efficient.
  • Do a regular check and maintenance on your concrete saw. Do not use your saw unless it has been checked for any potential safety issues. 
  • Keep your work area clean and free from debris and anything that can trip you or cause any accidents.
  • Turn off and unplug any devices when not being used.
  • Make sure you know how to operate a concrete saw before you decide to do it yourself.

Get the Pros

For most projects, it may seem cost-effective to do it yourself. That is not true for concrete cutting. Handling the concrete saw itself is a challenge and very dangerous.

And if you are not an expert concrete cutter, you may cause damage to your walls and end up spending more money on repairs. Renting equipment is expensive too. So, leave it to the pros.

By hiring professional concrete cutters, you pay a one time fee with a guarantee that the work will be done properly and will be done on time. There will be no re-dos and delays, no damages, no extra time for repairs. 

Professional concrete cutters can do quick but precise cutting. This will make your renovation project run smoothly and without any delays. The best part is, you do not have to lift a finger or risk losing one.

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

Can I Purposely Put A Controlled Crack In Concrete? 

Concrete cracks. It is unavoidable. However, cracking can actually be controlled and minimised. How? By cutting and putting a controlled crack before the concrete cracks on its own.

By cutting the concrete in strategic areas, you preempt random cracking and keep the integrity of the concrete – visually and internally. 

The cuts you make on concrete to actually prevent cracks are called “control joints.” The depth and length of the control joints will vary depending on the type of concrete and its usage.

Making the cuts needs to be precise and timely. Otherwise, you will cause more harm than good.

When To Cut Concrete?

Timing is important when it comes to cutting control joints into the concrete. If you do it too soon can it cause ravelling which causes the aggregates to be pulled out of position, weakening the edges of the concrete that was cut.

On the other hand, cutting too late can cause even more cracking. When it comes to cutting concrete, you have to consider the following factors:

  • The concrete mix
  • Aggregates used
  • The hardness of the concrete
  • The type of equipment used
  • Weather conditions – if the weather is hot, you can start cutting as early as four hours after you pour the concrete. If the weather is cool, cutting needs to start 12 hours after the concrete was poured.

Cutting Tip:

The best way to determine if the concrete is ready for cutting is to make test cuts to check for ravelling. When the ravelling stops, you should start cutting.

Where to Cut Concrete to Prevent Cracking?

Cutting control joints should be strategic, otherwise, cutting is useless. Always consult a structural engineer before making the cuts.

Usually, control joints should be spaced at 24 to 36 times the thickness of the concrete. They should be spaced between 4 to 6 metres depending on the amount of reinforcement the concrete has.

You also have to consider the shrinkage of the concrete. This is why you need to consult your structural engineer when making the cuts.

Concrete Cutting Tips

Once you have determined the right time to cut control joints into your concrete, complete the following steps:

  • Mark the areas you are going to cut. Use bright chalk powders to mark the areas. If you are wet-cutting, use a bright-coloured crayon to mark the spot.
  • Use the right saw for the type of concrete you are cutting. There are various types of concrete saws you can use in cutting concrete. For example, large floors will require the use of a walk-behind saw. For smaller concrete, hand-held concrete saws can come in handy. 
  • Choose the right saw blade. Diamond blades are more popular and highly recommended. They make more precise, clean cuts and produce less concrete dust.
  • Control the dust. Make sure you have dust collectors and other necessary tools in controlling dust. Concrete dust contains crystalline silica which is very harmful to your health. Crystalline silica can cause lung scarring and can cause Silicosis, a fatal, incurable, irreversible disease. Use the wet cutting method when making control joints. Wet cutting produces less dust and keeps the concrete dust from becoming airborne and getting inhaled.
  • Use waterproofed, GFCI extension cord when using electric saws. GFCi or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is an affordable device that is built into your power cord to protect you from power surges, overloads, and electric shocks. 
  • Use a guide board. Secure a straight smooth board outside the chalk line to use as your guide in making straight, clean lines. 
  • Do not force the blade. Do not push too hard. Just let the saw do the work. All you need to do is guide it in the direction you want to cut. Pushing the saw too hard can cause overheating and can damage the saw.
  • Try to form square patterns.
  • Make shallow continuous cuts.
  • Do not twist the saw blade. You will damage the blade, jeopardise the finish of concrete, and put yourself in harm’s way.
  • Use saw blades with soft metal segments when cutting concrete with heavy rebar.
  • ALWAYS use the required PPE or Personal Protection Equipment. The Australian Code of Practice for Concrete and Masonry Cutting and Drilling requires the use of the following:

Safety helmet

Safety footwear – steel-toed shoes are recommended

Safety goggles

A face shield

Hearing protection

Sun and weather protection

Gloves to improve hand grip  and reduce force and vibration

Respiratory protection when hazardous dust or fumes  cannot be eliminated

  • Avoid using loose-fitting clothing or jewellery. Long hair and long beards can be risky too.

Cutting concrete yourself is doable but we do not recommend it. Aside from the health risks, your lack of training might just cause more damage to your concrete and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. Let the professionals handle the work for you. 

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

Is Concrete Dust Harmful?

Concrete dust can be very harmful. Even the slightest amount of exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Prolonged exposure can lead to lung cancer and other respiratory problems. 

It is for these reasons that it is essential to protect saw machine operators from this harmful situation. PPE or Personal Protection Equipment is an absolute must. Safety first before concrete cutting

Hazardous Materials in Concrete Dust (Wet and Dry)

Crystalline Silica – harmful to human skin and has the potential to cause lung cancer. Recent studies show prolonged exposure to crystalline silica is connected to lung cancer and other respiratory problems.

Alkaline Compounds like Calcium Oxide – corrosive to human tissues and can cause minor to severe health issues.

Chromium – even the smallest trace amount can cause severe allergies.

Harmful Effects of Concrete Dust

Eyes – can cause minor irritation up to severe and permanent damage. All trace compounds found in cement dust can get into the eyes and cause damage to the eye tissues.

Respiratory System – when inhaled through the mouth and nose, concrete dust can cause an allergic reaction, irritation of the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs. 

Prolonged exposure can lead to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases like silicosis. Silicosis happens when silica particles scar your lungs. Silicosis is irreversible and incurable.

Skin – concrete dust can cause allergies, skin irritation, and other skin problems. This can range from mild and moderate skin issues through to more severe issues like:

  • Skin irritation
  • Rashes
  • Cracking of the skin
  • Skin ulcers
  • Thickening of the skin
  • Chemical burns

It is important to avoid the harmful effects of concrete dust. First, you should always opt for wet sawing where possible. It does not completely eliminate dust but it reduces dust production significantly. 

For personal protection, these are the following steps one can follow to be safe:

Personal Protection

  • Use alkali-resistant gloves. This will not just protect you from cement dust, it will also be your first defence from any sawing accidents.
  • Use coveralls with long sleeves and full-length trousers to keep the dust away from your skin. Make sure that your sleeves are pulled down over the gloves and the trousers are tucked inside your boots. Use duct tape over them to make sure that dust and mortar do not go inside.
  • Use water-proof, high-cut boots.
  • Use proper respiratory protective equipment like a P, N, or R 95 respirator. Dust is unavoidable but inhalation can be avoided.
  • Use proper goggles and do not use contact lenses.

Work Conditions

  • When cutting concrete, cut wet instead of dry where possible. This will help to minimise dust production.
  • Mix dry cement in open areas or well-ventilated areas.
  • Use different sizes of cement blocks whey laying concrete to avoid or at least minimise cutting or hammering to make them fit.
  • Work upwind from the dust sources. Avoid the dust as much as possible.
  • Do not wear any accessories like watches, rings, and necklaces, because dust can accumulate on and around them.
  • Avoid mixing cement on site. Use a ready-mixed concrete as much as possible.

Training

Australian National Code of Practice requires sufficient training for individuals handling cement. They must be educated in proper methods, safety, hazards, and controls.

First Aid

Skin contamination and eye irritation must be handled right away. Call for medical attention immediately.

While waiting, wash with running water right away. Avoid touching and self-medicating. Seek medical treatment right away.

Silica Exposure

Silica exposure is a serious problem. As mentioned earlier, this can lead to Silicosis. If you start to feel symptoms like cough or shortness of breath, see your doctor immediately.

Silicosis can occur only weeks after getting exposed to concrete dust or it can take years before signs and symptoms manifest. 

Here are the three types of Silicosis to watch out for:

  • Acute Silicosis – this is caused by exposure to high levels of crystalline silica. This can happen within months, even weeks of exposure, and can lead to death in extreme cases.
  • Accelerated Silicosis – this can occur in five to ten years after exposure. This is a result of high-level crystalline silica exposure.
  • Chronic Silicosis – this is the most common type of Silicosis. This is due to prolonged exposure to low levels of crystalline silica. This usually occurs after ten or more years of exposure.

Other Safety Measures

  • Shower right away if possible. Wash away all dirt and cement dust.
  • Use washable or disposable protective clothing.
  • Do not eat or take a break near the area you are working on. You will be exposed to dust and possible inhalation.
  • Have an annual medical checkup to monitor your health.
  • Stay educated with proper practices, health effects, and protective equipment.
  • Use dust control equipment like local exhaust ventilation or dust collectors.
  • Remove collected dust right away. Do not let the dust get airborne.
  • Check your dust controls regularly.

Concrete dust inhalation and contamination are dangerous. If you have projects that need concrete cutting, leave it to the 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

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 Types Of Concrete Saws Are There?

A concrete saw is a common tool for masonry and construction work. It is a common but very effective power tool for cutting concrete for different types of concrete work for both residential and commercial projects.

If you are wondering how a concrete saw is made, we have the answer right here. Concrete cutting is our thing!

Before we tackle the step by step by step process of making a concrete saw, let us first discuss some basic information about concrete cutting and types of concrete saws.

Two Methods of Sawing Concrete

  • Wet using water while cutting concrete is a popular and healthier way of cutting concrete. Water is sprayed manually or through a built-in pump that sprays water onto concrete as you cut it. It also keeps the blade of the saw lubricated and cool. This means the blade lasts longer and produces less dust. This means less dust is inhaled by the handler making it safer to use.
  • Dry – using the concrete saw as it is, with no water being used. This produces a lot of dust, which is very harmful when inhaled. A diamond-bladed saw is often used in dry sawing because the diamond keeps the blade cool so it doesn’t heat up so easily. A diamond blade reduces the dust produced from sawing but it does not reduce it as much as using water.  

Types of Concrete Saws

1). Based on how they are handled

  • Handheld concrete saw (small) – these are small, handy but powerful tools that are usually used for smaller projects or for areas that are hard to access when using larger equipment.
  • Walk-behind concrete saw (medium to large) – as the name suggests, they need to be held from behind when operating them. These are larger, heavier, and far more powerful than handheld saws. They can also get the job done faster.

2). Based on how they are powered

  • Diesel-powered concrete saw – these types of saws do not need an electrical source as they are diesel-powered. This makes them very convenient to use and can be used anywhere. They are recommended for dry sawing because they usually have a dust-containment feature. It still produces some dust and some fumes, so it is often used for outdoor jobs. 
  • Electric-powered concrete saw – these saws are usually lighter, less noisy and do not produce a lot of dust. They are often used indoors as you need an electrical outlet to use it. They are easy to start, convenient, faster and environmentally-friendly. 
  • Battery-powered concrete saw – these are cordless concrete saws that are usually charged and connected to an electrical source when the battery runs out of power. They are very convenient and can be used anywhere in any given condition. They are also less of a working hazard due to the absence of a cord.

3). Based on Usage

  • Chain Saw and Ring Saw – these are usually small, handheld saws that are used for smaller projects. Because they are small and compact, they are often used in hard to reach areas or any projects where access is an issue. They are ideal for cutting bricks, concrete pipes, floors, and walls. 
  • Floor Saw – these are used to cut mostly flat surfaces like roads, pavements, floors, slabs, and much more.
  • Wall Saw – wall saws usually require a track-mounted system because they are used on vertical surfaces. Wall saws are used to make openings for windows, doors, ventilation ducts, etc. They are also called a track saw. 
  • Wire Saw – wire saws are made of diamond-laced cables that are pulled through concrete to get the job done.

Choosing The Right Concrete Saw

It is important to know what, how and when you are cutting the concrete so you can use the right concrete saw that is perfect for the job.

When you have determined what type of concrete saw you need, you can start by following these steps:

  • Determine the type of blade you will be using – are you using a corundum or diamond blade, handheld or walk-behind? Depending on the usage and how it is powered, you can start choosing the size and the type of blade you will use.
  • Enclose the blade with a blade guard – this is a major safety requirement. Do not operate a saw without a blade guard. This is to protect the user from any accident or bodily harm. 
  • Add a water pump or a water source – a wet saw poses fewer health hazards compared to dry saws. Incorporate a built-in water pump so your concrete saw will produce less dust.

Adjustments will have to be made if you are going to assemble a cordless, electric or gas-powered concrete saw. 

Safety Tips

When assembling your DIY concrete saw, make sure that you have turned the power off. Always use complete protective gear.

Saw blades, whether diamond or conundrum made, are very dangerous. SAFETY FIRST! It is better to be safe than sorry.

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 A Concrete Floor?

Concrete cutting is important in construction especially when it comes to concrete floors. Concrete will crack no matter how careful you are, however, the good news is that you can control and reduce the cracking.

The trick is in the timing – if you cut your concrete floor too soon, it will ruin the integrity of the concrete. If you cut too late, you have defeated the purpose of cutting it.

In this article, we will look at the different ways of cutting concrete floors but before we do, please take note of some important factors to consider:

When:

  • New Construction – for new construction, you can anticipate cracking and reduce it by sawing your concrete floors in a strategic way that you can incorporate into the design.
  • Remodelling or Renovation – when installing new drain lines and a new plumbing system for a new bathroom or kitchen.

Factors to consider when it comes to cutting:

  • The type of mixture – how strong is your mixture?
  • Kind of aggregates used – sand, crushed rocks, synthetic, etc. 
  • Weather conditions – if sunny or hot weather, the concrete may dry too fast and will cause cracking.
  • The hardness of the concrete – if your concrete is hard, you may need to cut earlier.
  • The type of equipment – the type of concrete saw will also help determine the timing of cutting concrete. You may need to cut the concrete earlier while it has not set depending on the capacity of the saw.

Equipment Used

The generic term for a concrete saw is consaw or road saw. The saw blade is mostly diamond-tipped so it can withstand the hardness of the concrete.

They are far more powerful than the conventional saws you are familiar with. There are different kinds of concrete saw blades that can be used for cutting your concrete floors.

Types of blade: 

  • Corundum Masonry Blade – used for short shallow cutting. These blades are weak and can break off fairly easily.
  • Diamond Blade – cuts concrete with greater efficiency. Diamond blade saws have serrated edges that keep the blade cool when cutting. They are perfect for concrete sawing. They can be used for short and shallow cuts or deep and long cuts. 

How They Are Handled:

  • Handheld concrete saw – these are small, lightweight handheld saws that are used for tight inaccessible areas. They have low horsepower but is also slow in cutting.  
  • Walk-behind concrete saw – these are bigger, heavier and more powerful. They cut fast but they are heavy so they are hard to move. 

How They are Powered:

  • Gas-powered concrete saw
  • Electric-powered concrete saw
  • Battery-powered concrete saw

How To Cut A Concrete Floor

  1. Locate the designated area to cut. Be accurate. Use a tape measure and mark the outline of each end of the channel. Use chalk to mark the perimeter to be cut. Make sure there are no plumbing or electrical lines underneath. If you are unsure about the location of these lines, consult a professional. You don’t want to damage your plumbing and electrical systems. These are expensive to repair and replace. 
  2. Be safe. Always put on safety goggles, ear protection, and steel-toed shoes. Safety first all the time. You are far more important than your structure. If you are putting yourself in harm’s way, better put down that saw and hire someone who can do it safely and efficiently.
  3. Start cutting. Stick to the outline and the markings you made. Try to keep it as accurate as possible. Make sure you are fully-equipped and knowledgeable in using a concrete saw before you start the job, otherwise, let a professional cutter do the job. You might end up causing damage to your concrete floors, causing you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in repairs. 

Important Tips

  • Make sure that your concrete saw is well-lubricated.
  • Check the blades before, during and after use. Make sure they are not damaged.
  • Do not exert unnecessary pressure. Let the concrete saw do its work. Just guide and reinforce it.
  • Do not operate a concrete saw alone. Always have someone with you. In case of accidents, you have someone to help or call for help.
  • SAFETY FIRST.

Cutting concrete floors is a job that is best left to the professionals. Although you can do it yourself, using the services of professional cutters can be more efficient and can save you a lot of time and money.

Cutting concrete is hard work, it is not as easy as you may think. Aside from putting yourself in harm’s way, you may jeopardise the whole project by causing more damage on your concrete floors.

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

Great Tips On How To Cut A Concrete Floor

Are you planning a concrete cutting job? Do you need to learn more to see if you are capable of doing this on your own?

If your answer to the above questions is a resounding yes, you have come to the right place.

Concrete surfaces, including floors, are usually hard to cut through. However, with the right preparation, this highly demanding task can be much easier to accomplish.

Read on below to find out what is required to cut concrete floors.

Choose The Right Concrete Cutting Saw

The first and probably most important step in cutting concrete involves choosing the right concrete cutting saw.

There are many different types of concrete cutting saws available out there, from wet and dry variants to handheld and walk-behind saws among others.

While walk behind saws are great for large scale concrete cutting jobs, the handheld variety is best suited to making shorter superficial cuts in concrete.

Wet saws are great at minimising the amount of dust produced during the concrete cutting process, while dry saws do not require the use of water; eliminating the likelihood of the production of messy slurry.

Before the commencement of any concrete cutting job, be sure to choose the right saw from the variety that’s available.

Get The Right Blade For The Task At Hand

Once you have settled on the right type of concrete cutting saw for the task at hand, the next step is to choose the most appropriate blade.

Choosing the right blade will not only ensure that you get the job done faster but also at a lower overall cost.

Diamond blades are the most popular and effective blades for concrete cutting. While these blades are costlier than abrasive type blades, they cut faster and longer.

If you are looking to cut long stretches of concrete, diamond blades are definitely the way to go.

It is also worth noting that while dry blades can be used for wet or dry concrete cutting, wet blades can only be used for wet cutting applications.

Mark The Area To Be Cut

To keep your cuts as accurate as possible, it is recommended that you properly mark the area to be cut. Use chalk to clearly draw a line through the area you want to cut.

For wet cutting jobs, use a crayon, which is harder to wash off, to mark the area to be cut.

Gear Up

Concrete cutting applications expose you to a variety of risks. For starters, concrete cutting leads to the production of huge amounts of toxic crystalline silica dust and small concrete particles.

Therefore, it goes without saying that you need to protect yourself by using the right protective gear.

Safety goggles, earplugs and dust mask respirators are necessary not only for the concrete cutter but also for anyone else who will be in the area during the cutting work.

Start Cutting

Once you have completed all of the above steps, you will be ready to cut concrete.

Concrete cutting saws, whether electric or diesel-powered, tend to be quite powerful; as such, there is no need for you to force the blade into the concrete surface.

All you need to do is guide the blade along the marked area.

Forcing the blade increases the likelihood of overheating. Also remember to set, and keep, the blade running at low RPM to keep it from overheating.

Conclusion

Cured concrete is quite hard to cut through. However, with the right equipment and knowledge, this challenging job can be much easier to get done.

Diamond blades are the most effective and long-lasting when it comes to concrete cutting jobs involving expansive floors.

The hazardous nature of the crystalline dust produced during concrete cutting jobs means the use of protective gear for all involved is essential.

When the cutting begins, the trick is to allow the saw to do all the heavy lifting, while you as the cutter gently guide it along the area to be cut.

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

The Many Advantages Of Using A Saw To Cut Through Asphalt Or Concrete

Does your construction or repair project require cutting through asphalt or concrete? Do you want to know about the most effective and precise method of cutting asphalt or concrete?

When it comes to removing asphalt or concrete, the first thing most people think of is a jackhammer.

However, using a jackhammer in certain situations is not necessarily the best option as it can lead to cracks in the surface.

You can avoid these cracks with the help of a cutting saw that will provide clean cuts. Saw-cutting asphalt and concrete offers a number of benefits compared to other options.

Here’s a list of some of the major reasons experts recommend using saw-cutting for asphalt or concrete.

1. More Precise Cuts

Using a saw to cut through asphalt or concrete results in precise cuts as these powerful saws cut through the material precisely and do not waver.

Precise cuts ensure minimal wastage which saves a lot of money. The other methods of cutting through asphalt or concrete usually produce a lot of avoidable waste and that adds onto your budget.

Therefore, it is better to use a saw as it is designed to give precise cuts.

2. It is Faster

Saw cutting is a much more efficient way of cutting through concrete or asphalt as the tool doesn’t waver and the job is completed right the first time.

You get faster results and don’t have to deal with a lot of waste. Saving time means saving a lot of money and saw cutting is the best way to save time when it comes to cutting through asphalt or concrete.

3. Customisation

In many asphalt or concrete cutting projects, personalisation is the reason for cutting. By using a saw to cut through this material, you get a much more professional result which is great for customisation.

4. Better Finishing

Since you get a lot more control over the equipment when using a saw to cut through asphalt or concrete, it helps in getting a much better finish compared to other solutions.

Simply put, you get a much better finish with a saw.

Steps for Saw Cutting Asphalt or Concrete

There are some simple steps involved in making precise cuts through asphalt or concrete.

Here’s a list of the steps you need to follow whether you are removing a damaged asphalt/concrete section or fixing a pothole:

1. Clean the Area

The most important thing you need to do before you begin cutting is to clean the area to make sure there is no debris around. This will prevent the saw from catching on stones that would put you and others at risk. So, make sure there is no debris, pebbles or rocks lying around.

2. Cutting Lines

To make precise cuts, it’s important to mark the cut lines before you begin. Experts recommend using a chalk line to mark the cut lines. You should dent this line with the help of a hammer and chisel, or a screwdriver. It will give the saw a precise path to follow for making precise cuts.

3. Making the Cuts

Before you start cutting through the pavement, it is recommended to check the thickness of the pavement. You will need this thickness to set the blade depth.

Checking the thickness of the pavement is easy. Just dig out the edge of the pavement to find the thickness. After selecting the blade depth, make a straight cut to the precise thickness and lift the saw.

Always make straight cuts and do not try to turn the saw as it will break the blade. Once the desired section has been cut, remove the waste and carry on with your project.

Conclusion

Overall, using a saw to cut through asphalt or concrete offers more precise cuts, saves time, saves money and allows better finishing.

That’s why it’s important to use the services of a professional and experienced concrete cutting company to make sure the job is done right the first time.

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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