Concrete Cutting & Coring

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.

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Wall sawing 

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. At Honestly Handy we have the experience to cut perfectly smooth plumb and level openings with virtually no dust or mess. 

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Homeowners that build additions to their homes 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.

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Core drilling 

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. Core holes are used for "utility penetrations" such as electrical, plumbing and heating but are also commonly used for venting furnaces or clothes dryers. Just like with any trade a professional concrete cutter will make his job look easy. You can trust the experts at Honestly Handy. 

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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. 

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Engineering

Do you need an engineer when cutting concrete? Well, that depends on what you want to cut. The experts at Honestly Handy will let you know if engineered drawings and permits are required. We can take care of this for you. We work with local engineering firms and have extensive experience pulling permits with the city of Winnipeg. Typically, if you are expanding the size of a window horizontally or if you want to cut a new window or door opening an engineer will need to be involved. Your house's floor joists sit on the concrete foundation. If you cut it out part of the foundation to install a window then a structural beam will need to be installed to support the floor and wall load above. Give us a call for more information at 204-792-3216.

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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. Luckily, Honestly Handy can help you with all your concrete needs. We have over 18 years experience in everything concrete related.