Tips to Consider When Cutting Concrete Without Much Experience
Are you a DIY enthusiast and would like to know how to cut concrete? Making sure you are well prepared will ensure that the job gets completed efficiently, and in a manner that is safe. If you have never cut concrete before, or have very little experience doing so, then read on for these vital tips on how to get the job right.
The Correct Tools Must Be Used
By using the correct tools for a concrete cutting job, you will be decreasing the amount of time it takes, and increasing the safety aspect of the job. For example, all you might really need is a sledge hammer if the width is south of 8 centimetres, and the concrete isn't reinforced.
For thicker and reinforced concrete types power equipment should be used. The appropriate options include pneumatic jack hammers, hammer drills and electric breakers.
Protection
Some DIY enthusiasts believe that just because they are not on a construction site, then the rules of protective clothing do not apply to them. However, this is a serious mistake to make when cutting concrete because of how dangerous the job is.
Concrete debris will be flying around, and therefore make sure to wear steel toe capped boots to protect your feet. A fair amount of dust will be generated while working with the power tools so goggles should be worn while using them. Finally, gloves must be worn to protect your hands from scratches.
Perform a Surface Cut
Before you make the cut, use a piece of chalk, or a thick heavy-duty pencil to mark the line of the cut.When you are cutting along the line using the circular saw, make sure to cut as deeply as possible. Deeper cuts provide a much neater edge once you begin to break through the concrete.
The advantage of starting with a surface cut is that it will reduce how compact the concrete is. Consequently, it will be easier to break through it.
Cutting Through
Along the marked zone, use the tip of your tool to chip away at the concrete. Make sure the tool you are using is leaning away from the concrete that is to remain. This will help you prevent the destruction of the concrete that you want to keep.
Start from one corner, and keep working away until the entire area of the saw cut is penetrated. Once you make a start it becomes easier if you simply work on the edge of the area that has already been penetrated.
For more tips and assistance, contact local experts such as Crosscut Concrete Sawing & Drilling.