Do you remember the last time you realized that your concrete was having problems? I started looking at our yard a few months ago, and I realized that our driveway had more than a few big cracks. I didn't want the issue to blossom, so I started talking with different concrete contractors about how they could help. Although I wasn't expecting much, the contractors came out soon after I called and worked with me to get the issues repaired. When they were finished, my driveway and sidewalks looked a lot better. This website is completely committed to getting concrete fixed the right way the first time.
Concrete drilling is a job that seems simple until you get caught in the middle of a project. If you're not sure about how to approach a project, here are several things you'll want to consider before you get started.
Can You Utilize Normal Equipment?
One of the main reasons to hire a core drilling services contractor is to avoid the time and pain of doing the work the wrong way. Normal drill bits will be chewed up quickly. Even if you have access to a top-quality set of drill bits, attaching them to standard equipment is an invitation getting them stuck in concrete. In the best scenario, you spend days doing what a pro can do in hours. Professionals employ hammer drills and rotary hammers to provide the necessary amount of torque to make short work of a project.
In the strictest sense, yes, you can use normal equipment. OSHA regulations related to drilling, especially at work sites, impose requirements for the use of respirators, filters and vacuum systems to prevent breathing problems caused by dust and debris. From silica in modern concretes to asbestos in older slabs, trying to do the job yourself is a recipe for cancer risk.
Is Drilling the Best Idea?
Most jobs using concrete drilling are dictated by the circumstances. Generally, high-precision work where tunneling through the concrete is the goal requires drilling. If you can afford the time and effort required to use a saw to remove slabs in sections, though, it may be better to cut out sections, install the pipes or wires you need and then pour new concrete.
One benefit of drilling is long-term maintainability of whatever goes into the drill holes. Pouring concrete over pipes, conduit, or wires means you'll have to break the slabs up again if you ever need access to them. Conversely, having holes in place means you may be able to pull out the contents and then run new piping, wiring or conduit.
Drilling may not be a good idea if the concrete is in poor condition. Putting holes in cracked concrete, for example, may just cause further compromise. Even if cracks have been filled, bonded, or epoxied, many filler products can be compromised by the high force of drilling. It may be necessary to break up the existing materials, pour more, and then only drill holes after the new concrete has all set up.
For more information, contact companies like A & B Concrete Coring Company.