What is Concrete Cutting?

Concrete cutting is a process of controlled sawing, drilling and 
removal of concrete performed by skilled operators using special 
saws that use diamond impregnated blades. Unlike the old-
fashioned dusty "jack hammer" method, modern concrete cutting 
leaves a smooth attractive finish and utilizes water so as not to 
create any dust or mess. There are many different kinds of 
concrete cutting but the most common are wall sawing, core 
drilling and slab or flat sawing.

Wall Sawing is the process of cutting openings such as doors or 
windows in concrete walls, usually no more than 12" thick but in 
some cases up to 24" thick. This is accomplished by using a saw 
that attaches to a track on the wall to be cut. This process 
utilizes an enormous 30" or even larger diameter diamond blade 
that can cut 12" or more of concrete all of the way through from 
one side. This aspect of our business requires the most skill and 
cannot easily be done by your average "do it yourselfer." As 
stated, wall sawing may entail cutting openings in concrete 
foundations but may also include lowering a foundation elevation, 
entire foundation removal and also the cutting of concrete 
retaining walls in part or in whole. This type of concrete 
cutting requires skill and experience to cut perfectly smooth 
plumb and level openings with virtually no dust or mess, so it is 
a rather expensive service. Most concrete cutting companies 
charge a minimum of $425 just to take their equipment to a site 
and cut.

Homeowners that build additions on to their home that have 
basements or cellars commonly find they need to cut into their 
existing concrete foundation to add an entry or passage between 
the new and existing basements. It is much easier and in most 
cases less expensive to have this service performed during the 
construction process and not after.

Core Drilling is the process of drilling perfectly round holes 
through concrete walls and floors. The diameters of the holes 
range from 1" to 12" round but average 5" for most homeowner 
applications. In commercial applications core holes can range 
anywhere up to 60" round and more. Core holes are used for 
"utility penetrations" such as electrical, plumbing and heating 
but are also commonly used for venting furnaces or clothes 
dryers. Although not recommended, core drilling can be performed 
by an advanced "do it yourselfer" and the equipment necessary to 
perform core drilling is readily available at your local tool 
rental and supply store. Most companies have a minimum charge of 
$250 to core a hole for you and it can take a professional as 
little as 10 minutes to unload his equipment, core the hole, and 
reload his equipment. Yet, I have seen homeowners rent the 
equipment and spend an entire weekend trying to core a single 
hole and then call a professional to complete the project. Just 
like with any trade a professional concrete cutter will make his 
job look easy.


Slab sawing, also known as flat sawing, is used to cut horizontal 
flat concrete surfaces such as floors, bridge decks and pavement. 
Slab saws feature a diamond blade that is mounted on a walk-
behind machine that requires only one operator. They can cut up 
to 33 inches in depth but generally only 6" or less is necessary 
in most homeowner applications. Slab sawing is the perfect 
solution for making penetrations or openings in concrete floors 
to access and repair a broken water pipe or sewer line. When a 
basement or cellar is being remodeled to add a bathroom the 
concrete is removed to add new plumbing for the fixtures. A slab 
saw is also useful in demolition work to break up and remove a 
cracked or unwanted patio, driveway or walkway. Sometimes a 
homeowner might want just part of a patio or other concrete slab 
cut in order to alter their landscaping. Attempting a slab saw 
project can be very time consuming for your average "do it 
yourselfer" however it can be accomplished. I always recommend 
spending a few extra bucks and saving yourself some very serious 
danger and aggravation by contracting a concrete cutting 
professional.

No matter what your project is, don't let a little concrete stand 
in your way. Concrete can be a homeowner's worst obstacle if he 
or she doesn't know that there are companies out there that 
specialize in removing it very quickly and neatly. To find a 
reputable concrete cutter I recommend that you start with the 
yellow pages and always check them out with your local Better 
Business Bureau or your local Department of Consumer Protection. 
To get more acquainted with the industry just do a search for 
"concrete cutting" and check out a few websites dedicated to 
the subject. Of course, be sure to visit our web site at 
http://www.affordableconcretecutting.com 

Affordable Concrete Cutting Boston services the contractor 
and homeowner in and around Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. 
We specialize in cutting doorways in concrete foundations. 
Visit our website at http://www.affordableconcretecutting.com