How to Avoid Some Very Common Mistakes With Concrete Cutting and Core Drilling

It is possible for a homeowner to handle their own concrete cutting and core drilling, but cutting concrete is not like cutting wood or any other common material around the house. Not understanding how to cut concrete or drill it properly can mean trying to tackle the job as if you're cutting or drilling wood or drywall, and you can wind up making a mess of the job or failing to get the concrete cut altogether. Note a few ways to avoid some very common mistakes with concrete cutting and drilling at home.

1. Find out if there is rebar under the concrete

Rebar is often used when concrete is poured in order to give it more strength and durability. You may not realize that rebar was used for your home's foundation and is behind a basement wall, and that it may even be used when pouring driveways and patios. If there is rebar in the concrete, you may need a diamond drill or saw in order to cut through the metal, otherwise, you may damage your saw blade or drill bit.

2. Always use a floor saw for flat sawing

To cut a concrete floor such as in your garage or basement, you want to use an actual concrete floor saw. This has a circular blade attached to a type of cart that you push forward while standing up. This type of saw keeps the blade in place and allows you to easily guide it as you exert the force needed to cut through concrete. This is also known as slab sawing. Slab sawing is the best choice for cutting concrete floors as you can more readily guide the saw when you're standing over it, pushing the cart from behind.

3. Use water properly

You often need to use water when cutting or drilling concrete, since the job creates a tremendous amount of dust. However, you don't want to simply pour a long stream of water over your cutting or drilling area as this might create too much splash and too much mess, but you need enough water to rinse away dust and keep the work area clear. It can be good to stop your cutting or drilling if you notice you cannot see a chalk line or the drill bit as you work and wash away the area, and then adjust the amount of water you use during the work accordingly. 

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