Concrete saw cuts are used for a wide range of reasons. One is to create joints in concrete slabs and blocks, that help to prevent cracking or damage due to shrinkage.
Concrete saw cuts should be pre-planned and performed only after the concrete has completely dried but before it has started cracking.
With that in mind, you need to establish what is the best time to perform the cuts in order to achieve suitable results.
Timing plays a critical role in how the cuts will turn out.
Your choice of timing should take into consideration different factors such as the design of the concrete mix, the temperature of the surrounding air, the aggregate used in forming the concrete as well as the type of admixture used.
As mentioned above, timing is key when making any type of saw cuts on concrete blocks and slabs.
In order to get the timing right, you need to consider the materials that have gone into the concrete as well as the prevailing weather conditions.
You also need to consider the type of equipment you have and how hard the concrete cutting is.
Any missteps in timing can lead to undesirable results that can be really costly and time-consuming to mend.
For instance, cutting too late can lead to uncontrolled cracking of the concrete as it has already become too hard.
On the other hand, sawing the concrete too early can lead to ravelling, which is a situation where the aggregate is removed out of position resulting in a huge mess and a weakened structure.
When it comes to weather conditions, it’s advisable to begin sawing 4 hours after pouring the mix if it’s hot, windy and sunny.
On the other hand, if the weather is considerably cooler with limited sunlight and low temperatures, it’s advisable to begin sawing after at least 12 hours.
If you are not sure whether the concrete is ready for sawing, you can attempt to do some miniature trial cuts in order to see how the concrete reacts.
If any unravelling occurs, you should wait a little bit longer for the concrete to gain full strength.
Making the perfect concrete saw cuts is by no means an easy task.
Even some professional contractors find it difficult to perform some simple cuts due to various reasons such as bad weather conditions and poor equipment.
Equipment especially plays a key role in how the cuts turn out. There are various types of saw blades you can use to cut concrete too.
The type of saw blade you use should be determined by the type of concrete you are dealing with.
Wrong use of equipment can lead to damage such as blade abrasion, and excessive wear and tear.
Some of the reasons why your equipment may suffer damage during cutting are using the wrong saw blade, using a saw blade with a bent spindle, sawing at high speeds, and pushing the blade too hard.
Before you begin any sawing, it’s important to establish where exactly you’ll be making the cuts.
The position and spacing of each cut need to be perfect if you don’t want to redo the entire job all over again.
It’s advisable to make your first cuts at the centre of the concrete slab, block or column.
The cuts should be spaced out evenly at intervals no more than 36X the thickness of the concrete block.
If the type of concrete you are using has a high shrinkage rate, you should make more cuts and reduce the spacing between each cut.
The aim of this is to provide more joints for the concrete to relieve pressure.
Other tips you should remember when determining the positioning and spacing of your saw cuts include:
Once you get the timing, positioning and spacing right, the only thing left is mastering your technique.
Your saw-cutting techniques will be influenced by various factors such as the type of base, length of the slab, thickness of the slab and the curing methods being employed.
Once you have established each and every one of these parameters, you can proceed to positioning your equipment on the concrete.
You should always begin by checking your saw blade to ascertain that it’s in physical contact with the surface of the concrete.
Next, if you are using water cutting equipment, make sure the water has reached all parts of the blade before sawing.
The blade should cut through the concrete to the desired depth before you start pushing it forward along the cutting line.
In order to make the perfect concrete saw cuts, you should avoid twisting or spinning the saw blade while cutting.
You should also wear the right protective gear in order to avoid injury.
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 www.megasaw.com.au/contact-us/
Luxury used to be all about flashing big logos and bold statements. But lately, the game’s changed. Quiet luxury is all about subtlety: investing in quality, craftsmanship, and classic pieces that don’t cry out for attention but quietly elevate your space. It’s that feeling you get walking into a room where everything just feels right, without needing […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Buying a mini excavator isn’t something you do on a whim. Whether you’re expanding your fleet or picking up your first machine, you need to know it’s the right fit, not just for today’s jobs, but for what you’ll be tackling a year or two down the line. These machines might be smaller than full-size […]
“Dream kitchens don’t just happen — they’re designed with care and style.” Walking into the same old and outdated kitchen in your home? It’s time to change the design and get that wow factor, according to your needs and wise design choices. Seems like a challenging task, right? But let’s be clear here, the kitchen […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
The integration of screening evergreen trees serves as an artful blend of practicality and natural beauty. These screening evergreen trees, with their lush foliage and diverse benefits, play a crucial role in enhancing privacy. It also blocks unwanted views, and contributes to the overall well-being of homeowners. From the majestic Jamun trees to the versatile […]