Frequently Asked Questions About Cutting Concrete
If you are trying to alter the shape of a freshly laid concrete patio or installing a fence or light fixtures in concrete, you will need to cut the concrete. If you have never done this before, you may have many questions about it. Here are a few commonly asked questions about cutting concrete and the answers.
Is Cutting Concrete Something I Can Do Myself?
Concrete cutting is a very tedious and laborious job. However, if you are physically able to lift a concrete cutting saw and have the determination and time, you can complete this type of job yourself.
If you are looking to cut concrete, you will need the right tools. The most important tool to have is a concrete cutting saw. Unfortunately, this piece of equipment is quite expensive, and as such, you may be rethinking completing the project on your own. If this is a one-time project, or you don't have the money right now for a concrete cutting saw, the majority of concrete equipment rental companies rent these saws out. This is a great way to get the tool you need to complete the job at a fraction of the cost of buying one.
Why is the Concrete Cutting Blade So Important?
Regardless of whether you rent or buy a concrete saw, you will have to purchase your own blade to go in the saw. It is very important that you select the right concrete cutting blade for project.
There are many different types of concrete cutting blades on the market. Some of these blades are designed to cut wet concrete and others are designed to cut dry concrete. Some are designed to cut cured concrete, while others are designed to cut concrete that has not yet fully set. Also, not every type of concrete is the same. Some concrete is stronger, based on the cement to sand ratio, and some concrete has aggregate materials, like shells, pebbles or rocks. Different blades can cut different types of concrete.
If you select the wrong blade, your blade may break, your concrete cutter may overheat, your blade may wear faster or you may be unable to cut through the concrete. Both a hardware store and concrete equipment rental companies can help you determine what type of blade you need for your project, ensuring you get the best blade to cut your concrete with.
Does it Matter if I Cut Concrete Wet or Dry?
Another question that you may have when it comes to concrete cutting is whether you should cut concrete when it is wet or whether you should cut it when it is dry. Unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
There are a few key differences to cutting concrete when it is wet versus when it is dry. When concrete is dry, you will have to deal with concrete dust and debris. This can make a huge mess, which you will later have to clean up. When you cut concrete that is wet, there is no dust to contend with. But since the water weighs down the cut concrete, you have concrete sludge that you have to remove. This is can be time-consuming and messing. Ultimately, you need to take the time to learn about the pros and cons of cutting concrete wet and dry and then make an informed decision as to which is best for you based on what you are cutting, the size of your cuts, and whether you prefer to clean up concrete dust or concrete sludge.
Cutting concrete is a hard task. However, that doesn't mean you can't complete it yourself. Taking the time to learn what to expect, what you will need and how to go about completing the project will help you know what to expect and help your project go as smoothly as possible.
Share