It is possible to cut through concrete using a diamond blade and the right safety procedures.
As intimidating as concrete cutting in Sydney may seem, with the many videos found on the internet, though, you might be tempted to think it may not be as difficult as you think. However, it is important to remember that there is no substitute for a professional, especially for slabs that are over six inches thick.
For less tasking projects, however, if you have the correct tools and know-how, you might be able to carry out DIY concrete cutting projects. Providing you with that know-how is why we are here.
What You Need to Know Before Getting Started
Having a diamond blade is a must if you’re attempting to cut concrete at home. While abrasive blades can cut concrete, they deteriorate fast and may need to be changed numerous times during a single job.
This situation may lead to other dangerous situations, such as the saw becoming uncontrollable and you receiving an even more serious cut if you “push” it with abrasive blades. Instead of taking a chance, consider spending $30 to $55 on a diamond blade.
A diamond blade isn’t the only equipment you would want to invest in if you would be carrying out DIY concrete cutting in Sydney though. And keep in mind that while these other tools might sound rudimentary, they are all necessities. Even for professionals. So if you are going to do some concrete cutting yourself, you want to make use of them.
Now, with that said, let’s get to it.
8 Vital Tools Needed For Concrete Cutting
Protective Gear
Construction site workers who mix and pour concrete need to wear eye protection all the time because the cement in concrete can burn their eyes.
When using power saws, plate compactors, power mixers, or any other type of power instrument, you should always wear hearing protection.
To avoid inhaling cement and dust particles while demolishing or pouring gravel or sand, you must wear breathing gear at all times during these processes.
Protective Rubber Gloves
When working with concrete, rubber gloves are essential. Skin irritation can occur due to chemicals and admixtures in concrete.
Moisture from the skin is drawn away by the cement in concrete, leading to long-term harm. Workers who have worked with concrete for a long time without proper skin protection have had to have their hands amputated. According to OSHA, skin ailments are the most common reason concrete employees miss work time.
For concrete work, contractor-grade gloves are available in various styles, with some built for optimum flexibility and others for high puncture resistance.
Natural latex or synthetic latex (neoprene) and rubberised cotton or nylon fabric can be used in various applications. Furthermore, Fleece-lined rubber gloves can be purchased for use in cold weather.
Rubber Boots
Rubber boots guarantee that you are ready to tread on concrete at any given moment. You can stand in the concrete and work simultaneously while wearing them.
Concrete workers need footwear that is waterproof, chemical-resistant, and comfortable to wear to ensure their safety and productivity. Concrete cutting professionals use their boots for long periods every day, so they need to be just as attentive with their selection as they are with high-quality leather work boots.
Generally, rubber boots should have steel toe caps and drawstring cuffs to keep concrete out in your calves.
Mixer
A portable concrete mixer may mix small volumes of concrete on the job site. Using a mixer is a good idea for pours too tiny to be mixed in a wheelbarrow or mixing tub but too large to be mixed in a ready-mix order.
Many portable mixers are available in various sizes, from those that fit in the back of a pick-up truck to ones that you can pull to the construction site. Including both electric and gas-powered vehicles
Drills and Hammers
Concrete cutting in Sydney will most likely require drills and hammers.
Contractor-grade power drills and rotary hammers will be used on many projects. Power tools, both corded and cordless, are now readily available.
Many finishing chores, such as mounting posts and railings on concrete steps or connecting sill plates and ledgers to foundations, necessitate their use.
Groove Cutters and Edgers
Groove cutters create control joints, also known as groovers, in areas where a concrete saw is not generally employed, such as sidewalks, driveways, and residential slabs. Numerous groovers are designed with a horizontal plate and a vertical fin for cutting the groove. It is also common for the plate to have rounded sides for sculpting the groove’s edges.
An edger is a similar tool with one rounded edge and is used to form a slightly rounded-over edge along the sides of a slab.
Vapour Barriers
Moisture evaporation from concrete weakens the concrete; hence vapour barriers or retarders are employed to keep moisture from escaping. It is possible to use barriers to prevent surface water from mixing with the concrete or dry foundation materials from sucking moisture out before it is poured.
Using standard 6 mm plastic sheeting as a concrete vapour barrier isn’t particularly effective. A thin plastic-type vapour retarder does not prevent moisture from moving beneath slabs, but it works well enough when applied to concrete while it dries to speed up the process.
Saws
Power saws are ubiquitous on concrete construction sites.
Demolition and removal of old concrete and cutting control joints while the concrete is hardening are common uses for concrete saws. A diamond blade specifically developed for cutting concrete is essential when utilising a concrete saw.
Saws like circular saws and mitre saws are required to cut wood forms.
Rebar and other metal reinforcing materials can be cut with reciprocating saws or chop saws equipped with metal-cutting blades.
So there you have it. Concrete cutting in Sydney doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you have the right equipment and follow the steps. But that is for the easier, less dangerous tasks though. For the more complex ones, please, please, and please, contact professionals. One wrong move and you can cause the collapse of parts of a building… or worse.
And even for simple concrete cutting tasks, ensure that you follow the appropriate safety guidelines and procedures. If you don’t know what does are, you are better off contacting an experienced concrete cutter near you. Remember, it’s better safe than sorry. Especially when you are dealing with power tools that cut through solid cement, like butter.
Disclaimer: This is a generic Information & post; content about the services can be changed from time to time as per your requirements and contract. To get the latest and updated information, contact us today or visit our website.