Your outdoor landscaping makes your first impression, it creates a relaxation zone for your family, and it can boost your property values. Landscaping involves lots of different elements including concrete. Hi, my name is Diane, and I love landscaping. However, I also love patios, magical pathways, sports courts and other concrete creations. Want help creating your fabulous outdoor space? Want help with concrete ideas in particular? Then, I would love to be there for you. I have a keen eye for decoration and have helped a lot of friends create their outdoor areas. I hope my tips and ideas can help you.
Cutting concrete flooring or a driveway is different than cutting wood on a sawhorse, which is why a homeowner would do well to ensure they know what's involved with the job before they make their first cut. Note a few mistakes you will want to avoid if you've decided to handle your own concrete cutting project at home so the job is done safely and effectively.
1. Sweeping dust
Even if you use a wet saw to cut concrete, dust will typically still be something of a problem. A mistake that many homeowners make is to take a break from their cutting and try to sweep that dust away from the cutting area. This can just stir up the dust even more and cause a bigger problem, as it may then settle into your tools and permeate a thin dust mask. A better choice is to use a shop vacuum with a strong filter and which is meant for collecting concrete and other industrial dust so you don't make even more of a mess with a broom.
2. Cutting too much by hand
Most concrete contractors will use a track saw for cutting concrete walls; this is a saw that is mounted on a track that attaches to the wall. The track keeps the cutter in place as the cut is made. For floor sawing, a contractor might use what is called a floor saw, which uses a type of stand that you push in front of you, similar to pushing a lawnmower or cart. These methods allow for safer, more precise cuts of concrete than hand sawing. If you're going to be doing your own concrete cutting, you would do well to invest in a track saw or floor saw for either of these jobs so it gets done right and you stay safe.
3. Not using the right blades for the concrete mix
Concrete is a mix of materials that create the density of the surface you'll be cutting, and you need to use the right blades accordingly. For example, concrete used for a driveway may be softer than the concrete you'll find along your basement walls. When shopping for cutting blades, note the PSI of the blade and choose a lower PSI for softer concrete and a higher PSI for tougher, thicker concrete. This will ensure the concrete is cut easily and you don't damage the blades by using something meant for a softer material.
Share1 April 2016
