Understanding All Types of Concrete Cutting

Despite living in a technological time, when it comes to erecting buildings, tried-and-true concrete is still king. Strong, durable and thick, concrete structures watch generations of industries come and go, but sometimes businesses and contractors need to alter slabs, walls, and even ceilings.

That’s when it’s time to call in a specialized outfit such as Cobra Concrete . By understanding how various concrete cutting methods work, you can make an informed decision about which type best serves your needs.

This type of concrete sawing is also commonly called “flat” or “road” sawing. It’s often used to cut trenches in rehabilitation projects. For example, developers riding the wave of retooling old mills into live-work spaces, light manufacturing and condos generally need to run additional water, sewer, and power lines. Cobra Concrete comes in with a slab saw that hits a 32-inch depth and cuts new pathways for plumbers and electricians. It’s a much more efficient method than jack hammering.

Contractors and property owners require wall sawing for similar reasons as slab sawing, like changing an existing wall to retrofit windows, doors, and create spaces for power and HVAC lines. Sometimes an archway needs to be widened or heightened for warehouse machinery such as forklifts. Wall sawing is particularly specialized work due to the precision and expertise required to operate the equipment safely. A contractor or property owner should never consider renting equipment and handing it off to an untrained person. Cobra Concrete can hit a depth of 36 inches at any angle, including overhead.

There are times when large concrete obstacles simply need to be removed, and standard demolition methods can be a headache. By using diamond-edged wire, you can reduce large items into smaller, more manageable ones. Wire saws can also make precision cuts through items that exceed the depths of saw blades. Wire sawing works a lot like band sawing. The actual cutting is done by abrasion rather than traditional saw teeth, and water is generally used as a lubricant during the process. Wire sawing allows you to make enormous cuts while being cost effective.

Commonly used to slice through materials such as cinder blocks, handheld sawing works a lot like a carpenter’s circular saw. Although generally larger and supplying greater torque, handheld concrete saws hit depths of about 6 inches and are effective for creating small openings and shaving rough edges. The big upside is that they can be carried around a job site easily and deployed as needed.

In many ways, concrete cutting tools mirror their woodworking counterparts and hydraulic saws are a prime example. This setup utilizes hydraulic pressure much like nail guns merged with a traditional-type chainsaw. The biggest differences are that the chain is designed to cut concrete and brick, and it also includes a water supply line for lubrication. While these tools can make significant standalone cuts, they are commonly employed with wall sawing to complete long cuts that connect at corners.

The decision to bring in a gas or electric powered concrete cutting tool often comes down to work environment and air quality concerns. That being said, there are pros and cons to either type. Here is a short list to consider.

• Electric Saw Pros: These tend to be lightweight, easy to manage, create less noise and are environmentally friendly.

• Electric Saw Cons: Tend to be less powerful, require power cords or recharging, present an electric danger in wet environments.

• Gas Saw Pros: Tend to be more mobile, powerful and safer in wet conditions.

• Gas Saw Cons: Can compromise air quality, loud and tend to be on the heavy side for operators.

If you have a concrete cutting need, it’s important to work with a trained professional service. Contact Cobra Concrete for more information or to get an estimate today.