Cutting through your basement wall to put in a new window or cutting up parts of your driveway so you can more easily pull it up and pour new concrete probably doesn't sound very difficult. However, cutting concrete is much different than cutting wood or other materials, and in many cases it can be a good choice to leave this job to a professional. If you're thinking about just renting some equipment and cutting your own concrete, note a few reasons why a contractor might be a better choice.
1. Tool rental
Cutting concrete means using special tools meant for cutting concrete, including diamond-tipped blades and drill bits, and these aren't all created equal. To cut corners, you might need a smaller tool that fits around crevices, and you might also need a pry bar and other such tools to convince concrete to come loose once it's cut. Trying to rent just one saw or drill can be a mistake, especially when it comes to precision cuts, but contractors will usually have a variety of tools they use on a regular basis.
It's also good to note that some rental agencies may actually check the wear and tear of saw blades after you've rented them and charge you according to this wear. Since cutting concrete might mean more work than cutting through wood or other materials, you may be surprised at this charge once you return the rented tools and discover that the saw blades are worn down several inches or centimeters.
2. Setting up tracks
When cutting on a wall, a contractor will know to set up tracks to keep the saw blade level and even. This can be difficult for a homeowner to know how to do, and, in turn, they may risk their own safety by trying to simply cut by hand. If you should find that the concrete is more resistant than you thought, the saw might slip from your hands or you may find it virtually impossible to make a clean, straight cut.
3. Water
Water is used when cutting concrete to keep the blade cool and to control dust. Too much water and you might see a mess form on your basement floor or outside your home. Not enough water can mean overheating your equipment and causing it to fail. A contractor will know how much water to use to keep an area as free of dust as possible and to keep equipment cool while not making a mess, resulting in less risk of property damage and less cleanup needed.
