Concrete flooring is good while it lasts, but it can be somewhat difficult to repair or demolish. This is especially true in the event that only a section of a concrete slab requires repair. If your home or business has concrete, then it’s likely you’ll need professional cutting concrete service at some point. Concrete is much thicker and stronger than many other materials in construction, and, therefore, it requires a special process when you need to cut into it. If you want to make any improvements or repairs to your property, you will need to cut the concrete to get it done.
But what exactly is concrete cutting, and how will you know when you need it? Read on to learn what you need to know about concrete cutting and the times that it is useful.
Concrete Cutting & Sawing Helps Control Cracking
As concrete cures, water evaporates off of its surface. This evaporation often causes concrete to pull apart from itself, resulting in cracks. When concrete is poured, it is very important to cut expansion joints in the concrete. Saw cuts are used to create control joints in concrete, which help control where cracking inevitably occurs soon after the concrete is poured and set.
When to Saw Cut Concrete
Concrete sawing helps control cracking and will save you from expensive repairs and maintenance down the road. But it’s important to make the cuts at the right time. Cutting too early causes raveling, an effect created by the saw blade pulling the aggregate out of position. This can leave a messy, weakened edge along the cut. If you cut too late, you can actually create more random cracking than would have occurred had you not begun cutting expansion joints at all.
Saw cutting can start anywhere from three to six hours after the concrete is poured, depending on the weather conditions. The best way to determine whether the slab is ready is to make trial cuts to check for raveling.
Where to Cut Concrete
Before saw cutting concrete, it is important to select where these cuts will be done. Saw cuts are typically made on or at the center of column lines. Joint spacing normally ranges between 12 to 18 feet, depending on the amount of reinforcement the slab has. When cutting concrete, the cuts should be about ⅓ the depth of the concrete.
How We Cut Through Concrete
Most concrete cutting companies are limited by the technology they use. Some companies use cumbersome devices that can’t fit into small spaces. Others use diesel-powered machines that emit noxious fumes.
At Interstate Sawing, we stand out from our competitors by using top-of-the-line electrical equipment. By combining brute force, sharp blades, and hydraulic support, our expert technicians can cut through just about anything. Our electric saws are able to cut up to 24” deep and can cut along any horizontal or vertical plane. Due to the fact that we use electric saws, our workers can complete indoor and outdoor jobs alike.
Contact Interstate Sawing for Your Concrete Cutting and Sawing Needs
Cracking concrete 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. But don’t leave the job up to just anyone. Turn to the experienced professionals at Interstate Sawing.
Since 1996, Interstate Sawing & Demolition has been servicing customers like you with the highest quality construction materials, equipment, and services available. Our track record shows that we exceed expectations every time. Let us help make your company’s dreams and goals a reality on your next project.