Concrete is hard. But it can be cut with the proper tools and skills. Once the cuts are made, portions of the concrete slab can be removed and repairs made. Most do-it-yourselfers do not own the tools necessary for this type of job. However, they are available for rent at most home improvement or rental stores. Does this Spark an idea?
Cutting a Concrete Slab
Rental concrete saws come in several sizes rated on the depth of cut the saw can make. Select one with the proper capacity. Concrete slabs are usually no more than five inches, however, if you suspect the slab is thicker, then a larger saw may me necessary. Saws that are too large are difficult to handle and can be dangerous to operate. Make sure the proper blade is installed correctly and read all operating instructions before starting the saw. Saw blades used for cutting concrete are usually diamond edged and made to the specifications of each saw brand. The diamond saw blade should be appropriate for the saw model.
Mark out the cuts to be made before beginning. Concrete saws use a flow of water to cool the blade and suppress dust. Start the cuts with the saw running at full power and move the saw slowly along the marked cuts. Monitor the waste water flowing away from the cut. A gray slurry means the saw is cutting only concrete. A brown or muddy slurry means the saw is cutting too deep and is into the backfill under the concrete.
The operator should wear eye, ear and even chest protection when using a concrete saw. Chips of concrete from the saw can be dangerous.
Repairing a Concrete Slab
After you've made the cut, a portion of the slab can be removed and repairs made.
Plumb in drains or other fixtures before working with the concrete. For larger projects ready-mix concrete may be required. Smaller projects can be repaired with premixed do-it-yourself concrete.
Place reinforcing rods or other metal supports in the opening if required. For large projects where the new slab may settle, it is advisable to drill holes in the sides of the existing concrete slab exposed by the cuts made with the concrete saw. Place reinforcing rods in these holes that extend into the space of the opening. This will keep the new concrete from settling and shifting away from the original slab.
Use a trowel to level and smooth the concrete across the opening. If plumbing fixtures are present, use the trowel to slope the cement from the edges of the existing concrete to the fixture.
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