Concrete sawing contractors play an important role in the construction industry, offering specialised services that are essential for a wide range of different projects.
Whether you’re a project manager working on a large-scale construction site, or a homeowner needing wall or floor sawing for a smaller scale renovation, understanding the ins and outs of concrete cutting and sawing can save you both time and money.
Concrete sawing and cutting are both important for modifying existing structures, creating openings, preparing surfaces and, in the case of floor sawing, preventing cracks and damage.
As concrete drilling and sawing contractors with over 50 years of industry experience, we’re here to share our knowledge so that you can make informed decisions for your project.
Definition and Purpose
Concrete cutting and sawing are essential processes for many construction and renovation projects. These specialist techniques involve making precise cuts and openings in various tough materials including concrete, masonry and brick.
Key Differences
Though the terms are often used interchangeably in the industry, they actually refer to different techniques. To put it simply, whilst concrete sawing is a type of concrete cutting, not all concrete cutting will involve using a saw.
Concrete cutting is a broad term that includes all methods of cutting through concrete, including core drilling, wall sawing, wire sawing and flat sawing. Applications include creating openings, removing sections of material and even altering the shape, width or height of existing concrete structures.
The method of cutting chosen by your concrete contractor will depend on the specific needs of your project. For example, if you need to create precise holes, your contractor will likely choose diamond core drilling, whereas if you’re looking to create expansion cuts in your concrete floor slab, floor sawing techniques will be used. It’s for this reason that it’s important to use an accredited concrete contractor who will be able to choose the best technique for the task at hand.
Concrete sawing, on the other hand, is a specific type of concrete cutting that involves using a saw to create straight cuts in concrete. This primarily involves the use of saws including hand-held saws, walk-behind saws or diamond saw blades, with the saw type chosen based on the depth and type of cut needed for the project. This technique is used for cutting expansion joints, cutting through walls and floors and making precise cuts in existing structures.
When your concrete contractor conducts a site visit, they will first consider the project requirements to choose which technique is best. For example, floor sawing is best for flat surfaces such as roads or concrete floor slabs, whilst wall sawing is used for vertical structures such as doorways, windows and lift shafts.
Got a more complex project in mind? Wire saws are ideal for complex shapes or hard-to-reach areas, and ring saws are incredibly handy for small-to-medium projects that require working in confined spaces.
If you’re not sure which technique is best for your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today. We offer free site visits and quotes, so you can be assured that we’ll choose the best method for your unique project requirements.
Diamond Blade Technology
Diamond blades are at the forefront of concrete cutting. These state-of-the-art tools offer top quality cutting performance with reduced vibration and noise levels, as well as enhanced safety and efficiency.
Specialised Saws
Most concrete cutting contractors will have a wide range of specialised saws suitable for different projects. Hydraulic chain saws are ideal for precision cut-outs up to 24 inches deep, whilst handheld circular saws work well for smaller jobs.
Walk-behind saws are excellent for larger projects like road sawing, and wire saws are perfect for removing larger sections of concrete. For projects that require perfect holes, core drilling is the way to go.
When cutting through concrete, safety is of the utmost importance. Essential safety gear includes safety glasses or goggles, heavy duty gloves, respiratory protection, hearing protection, hard hats and steel-toed boots.
Slab Sawing
Slab sawing is necessary for cutting flat surfaces such as roads or floors, and is achieved using walk-behind saws which are also known as floor saws or flat saws.
These powerful tools can cut through pavements and concrete slabs with ease, and can also be used to create precise joints to prevent random cracking. Slab sawing ensures clean, professional-quality finishes, particularly effective for materials like asphalt.
Wall Sawing
Wall sawing, or track sawing, is the go-to method for cuts created vertically or horizontally on flat or curved surfaces. This technique utilises a circular blade on a track-mounted system, making it ideal for creating openings for doors, windows and ventilation.
Wire Sawing
Dealing with large, reinforced concrete structures or complex shapes? You’ll need wire sawing.
This versatile technique uses a flexible steel cable coated with diamond beads to cut through hard materials. It’s particularly useful for removing large concrete portions and cutting through steel-encased concrete.
Hand-held Sawing
If you’re working in an area with limited access, hand-held saws are your ideal choice. These portable tools have diamond blades, and their mobility and adjustable cutting depth mean that they’re perfect for cutting masonry, stone and reinforced concrete.
Concrete cutting and sawing techniques are essential for a wide range of construction and renovation projects. From slab sawing to wire cutting, each method offers unique advantages to tackle specific projects. Using the right equipment, coupled with proper safety measures, ensures efficient and precise results.
If you’re looking for a team of accredited concrete contractors near you, we’re here to help. We have over 50 years of experience concrete sawing, cutting, drilling and coring, and we offer our commercial services across the United Kingdom.
Alternatively, if you’ve got a smaller project in mind, we also offer our domestic services across the North West, East Midlands and North Wales. Find out more about the areas we cover here, or get in touch with us to arrange your free site visit and quote today.
