{"id":15793,"date":"2017-09-22T02:03:54","date_gmt":"2017-09-22T07:33:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/?p=15793"},"modified":"2020-03-10T19:57:53","modified_gmt":"2020-03-11T01:27:53","slug":"9-steps-avoid-common-concrete-cutting-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/blog\/9-steps-avoid-common-concrete-cutting-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Steps on How To Avoid the Most Common Concrete Cutting Mistakes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Most of us don\u2019t think about concrete much until we have to do something like cut it to meet our home improvement needs. Many people don\u2019t have have any idea how to go about such a task, and then when the need arises they feel completely daunted by the task.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-15824\" src=\"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/concrete.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/concrete.jpg 600w, https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/concrete-300x210.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Experts say that cutting concrete mostly comes down to having the proper tools. Another important thing to remember is that cutting concrete isn\u2019t like cutting wood or any other material in your home. Not doing the proper research before beginning the project can lead to a failed project and sometimes even injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">What are some of the most important things to remember while undertaking this project? We\u2019ve compiled a list of tips for any beginner at cutting concrete.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">#1 It\u2019s Critical to Wear Appropriate Safety Gear for this Task<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The risk of injury is high. The recommended items include the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Respirator<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Safety glasses<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Hard hat<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Steel toed boots<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Hearing protection<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">High visibility clothing (if you are near traffic)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">#2 Prepare your Work Space<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Certainly you\u2019ll want to avoid getting concrete dust in your home or any other space you might be working in. If outside, make sure all windows are closed. You may also want to consider covering doors and air vents with drop cloths and turning off any fans.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">#3 There are Three Possible Methods for Cutting Concrete:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Chisel and hammer:<\/strong> This method creates a jagged effect. With chalk or a pencil, mark the line that you want to cut. Chisel 1\/8 of an inch for a score and proceed to chisel until you have completed the line that you mark for chiseling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Power saw:<\/strong> Using a power saw or special chainsaw will create a more polished look with a clean line. It\u2019s important to make sure to let the power saw come to a halt before removing the power saw.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Splitter:<\/strong> A third option is using a splitter which can be rented since they are expensive pieces of equipment. It will give a jagged look, but it is more precise than using a chisel and hammer. By inserting the concrete into the splitter and lining it up with the drawn line, you can then press down on the lever until the concrete splits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"g1-message-counter-1\" class=\"g1-message g1-type-info\" ><div class=\"g1-inner\">For more information, read this comprehensive guide on how to select the <a href=\"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/guides\/concrete-chainsaw\/\">best concrete-cutting chainsaw<\/a> for the money.<\/div><\/div>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">#4 What Kind of Blade Should I Use for a Power Saw?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Since the power saw method is the most popular method to use, it\u2019s a good idea to take a look at the types of blades that are on the market. There are pros and cons to each type. What are the different types of blades?<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Dry-cutting diamond blade:<\/strong> This works with a circular or handheld chainsaw. In spite of the name, it\u2019s advisable to wet the concrete slightly for maximum results.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Wet cutting diamond blade:<\/strong> Using this type of blade requires using more water and keeping it constantly wet throughout the whole process. Many experts recommend setting up a garden hose nearby, if possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">#5 Is a Diamond Blade Worth the Investment?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">An abrasive masonry blade is much less expensive but, in the long run, it is far better to invest in a diamond blade. Abrasive masonry blades can work well for shallow cuts, but that\u2019s all. You will spend less time buying and changing blades with a diamond blade.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"g1-message-counter-2\" class=\"g1-message g1-type-info\" ><div class=\"g1-inner\">Read this comprehensive guide about leading <a href=\"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/guides\/ics-chainsaws\/\">ICS concrete-cutting chainsaws<\/a> with diamond blade.<\/div><\/div>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">#6 How Deep Should Concrete be Cut?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">The general rule of thumb is to cut joints at one quarter the depth of the concrete. It\u2019s important to always make sure that your cuts are deep enough. If they\u2019re not, you will have more hassles later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">#7 When Should I Use a Gasoline or Electric Saw?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Using a gasoline or electric saw is needed when cutting up to 6 inches into concrete is needed. Many, if not most projects, need to cut this deep\u2014including sidewalks and walls. Otherwise, use the same steps as for using a circular saw.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">#8 Do your Homework and Find Out if Rebar is Under the Concrete.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">Rebar is sometimes used to strengthen concrete. If it is under the concrete you are working on, different tools will be necessary. If rebar is present, a diamond drill or saw will be needed because other types won\u2019t get the job done. Detecting rebar can be done through radar or GPR.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">#9 Use a Floor Saw for Flat Surface Concrete Cutting<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">If you are working with a flat surface, a floor saw is recommended in most cases. Another term for this method is slab sawing. This method keeps the saw in place because it makes it easier to guide by putting pressure on the concrete as it is cut.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\">By following all of these suggestions, your concrete cutting project should be a success. This project doesn\u2019t have to be overwhelming with a little pre-planning along with some good old fashioned hard work. Best of luck on your concrete endeavors!<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Assigned category:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/concrete-contractors\/\">Concrete Service<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most of us don\u2019t think about concrete much until we have to do something like cut it to meet our home improvement needs. Many people don\u2019t have have any idea how to go about such a task, and then when the need arises they feel completely daunted by the task. Experts say that cutting concrete [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15824,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15793"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15793"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15793\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/15824"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15793"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15793"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youthfulhome.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15793"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}