Whether you have a footpath, an old driveway or terrace, or an asphalt surface that needs to be removed, you’ll need to consider the best course of action when it comes to concrete demolition and removal. You’ll be utilising tools such as a concrete saw or jackhammer depending on how big the job is. Using a range of equipment can facilitate safe breakage and removal of any concrete surface to then allow you to progress to the next stage of your project.
The demolition of concrete is a crucial part of the preparation lifecycle that needs to be carefully considered. Concrete is the second most consumed material in the world after water. In New Zealand, construction and demolition waste count for over a quarter of total waste generated in the country, with concrete making up 7% of that total. This is one of the major reasons why the recycling of concrete is greatly encouraged. It’s a tough, strong material that lasts a long time, and its resilience and longevity explain its enduring popularity.
So, what are the optimal tools for cutting concrete, and what’s the best way to go about the process? Read on to find out more.
Concrete can put up a fair amount of resistance, and it’s for this reason that you’ll need the appropriate tools for the job. It’s heavy-duty, back-breaking work but with the right equipment, tools and strategy, it will hopefully be a fairly straightforward process. It is not only important to use the right equipment and blades, but also to ensure you have good quality equipment, as this will greatly increase the safety and well being of you and your team, along with increasing your return on investment.
The main question to ask yourself before you begin is: Do we have the right equipment and accessories to complete this job safety and efficiently? If you are unsure ask. It is of everyone’s interest that you and your staff do their job well and get home safely.
Once you do your research, gather all the essential information and get familiar with what to expect, this could save you a substantial amount of time, effort and potentially money further down the line. You’ll also find that you might not actually have to hire a contractor to do the work for you and it might be more cost effective, long-term, to invest in good quality equipment.
Sections of concrete slab
When it comes to cutting out smaller sections of concrete slab, utilising both a Concrete Floor Saw and a jackhammer will generally give you the best results. Debris and cut sections then, if accessible, are removed with a small excavator.
Vertical surfaces
Handheld, lightweight pneumatic or petrol saws, or wire saws are perfect for vertical jobs. When working with tight spaces and/or vertical surfaces you may need to consider asking a professional concrete cutting contractor to assist.
Drilling holes in concrete
Some projects, particularly ones in maintenance and construction, might require holes to be drilled in concrete. The right tool for this kind of job would be a rotary hammer drill with the correct type of drill bit to ensure optimal results.
Concrete Saws & Blades
With most general concrete demolition of floors, driveways, patios and footpaths, the best practice is to cut the area into manageable sizes before removing. This is best done with a Floor Saw, which are safe, ergonomic, fast and effective. Blades cutting to a depth from 80mm to 380mm can be used. It is also important to choose the right diamond blade for your job.
A Concrete Floor Saw can also be used in many other applications – Cutting expansion cuts in newly laid (green) concrete, cutting 8mm – 10mm slots in asphalt or concrete for cable laying, demolition, asphalt cutting, crack chasing, grooving for animal herd areas, plus a lot more.