Saw cutting The use of a specialized walk-behind or handheld power saw equipped with a diamond blade to cut precise, straight lines through cured concrete.
Clean saw cutting is mandatory before any sidewalk demolition in NYC. It ensures that when a damaged flag is removed, the adjacent, healthy flags remain completely undamaged and structurally sound. Using a saw cut also allows contractors to create clean contraction joints, which help control where the new concrete will naturally crack as it shrinks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saw cutting
Why is saw cutting used before sidewalk demolition?
It produces a clean straight break line so the damaged flag can be removed without cracking or spalling the adjacent healthy flags.
What equipment is used?
Walk-behind or handheld saws fitted with diamond blades, usually with water to control dust and cool the blade.
Is saw cutting also used for joints?
Yes. Saw-cut contraction joints control where new concrete cracks as it shrinks.
When are joints cut in new concrete?
Within a specific window after placement, once the surface is firm enough to cut but before shrinkage stresses cause random cracking.