Author: Stephanie

All concrete floors have control joints that are run along the sides of the floor to give the view of distinct slabs. These joints can be there for design purposes, but mainly to prevent the floor from eventually cracking. Because concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes, these control joints ensure that these cracks run their course through these joint lines.

Unfortunately, most people working on concrete don’t take these concrete joints seriously and cut them wherever they want. In reality, these should be strategically planned out to ensure the places that are most prominent for cracking to occur are gone through these control joints. This process becomes an important aspect in ensuring there is no additional stress in the concrete that can cause more damage than there needs to be.

Why Do We Need Control Joints?

Control joints that are placed strategically can be an effective way to prevent any cracking in your concrete. Stress on the concrete can be caused by shrinkage during the curing process and small expansion caused by moisture getting into the concrete. When there isn’t anything to help relieve this stress that is developed, more and more cracks will become present in your concrete. Because expansion and contraction can be caused by so many contributors such as temperature, wind, and live loads, control joints can help reduce this damage that is out of your control.

No matter where you are placing concrete, control joints are essential to preventing damage. These concrete joints also give it an aesthetically pleasing look since the crack takes place below the finished concrete surface present. Having cracked concrete is normal, but the absence of random cracks at the surface gives the appearance of it being uncracked giving an appealing sort of look. You never want to prevent cracks; the object is to control and “disguise” them in the most decorative way as possible. 

How to Create Concrete Control Joints:

These joints are best added when you’re pouring concrete or before the curing process. Since there will be a number of different pours during the concrete installation, you can put in control joints between each pour to allow for the expansion process.

A jointing trowel is a tool that is specifically designed to create these control joints. This can ultimately be a very difficult process because of how tedious it is. The best method of this trowel process is to take a piece of lumber and lay it over your concrete to use it as a guide. This will help make for a straight edge when you end up running your trowel into the concrete. Use this method for concrete areas that aren’t as wide such as a path or sidewalk.

If needing control joints on already hardened concrete, you can use a cement saw to put them in. Use chalk and a line to set a perfect line across your available concrete. Depending on how thick your concrete is, the depth of the cut will be different. Be sure to go slow and continue until you have cut across the entire slab you are working on.

U.S. Saws Tiger Tooth Blade is perfect for cleaning joints. The 7, 8, or 10-inch blade removes polyurea without loading up. This blade matched with our Mark-III Joint Saw cleans out control joints, removes joint filler, and makes straight, accurate cuts in concrete. The handle and frame are designed for more stability and adjustable height that rotates to get closer to walls or racks. The saw comes equipped with a skid plate to help reduce joint spalling/raveling and a dust collection port on the blade guard for dust-free operation when used in conjunction with a suitable vacuum.

U.S. Saws is an innovator in the tool industry. Concrete control joints are a crucial aspect in the construction field that will take your project to the next level with safety and progression. As there are many factors to consider in choosing the proper tactics for control joints with your project, engaging with a company to help guide you to the right tools and knowledge will ensure your project is completed promptly in the right manner, and as safely as possible.  Contact U.S. Saws today to find the right tools that meet your specific needs.

Concrete finishing is dirty work. From cuts to grinds and from wet to dry, no matter what option you choose there’s going to be a significant amount of cleanup to do after the job is complete. One of the great benefits of using wet blades and grinders is the reduction of concrete dust in the air. Yes, the surrounding area gets wet, but at least you aren’t inhaling toxic dust.

Particle dust created through concrete grinding and sawing finds its way into all of the small spaces of your job site. In the past, the clean-up of these dust particles was tedious and time-consuming. Nowadays tool manufacturers understand the hazards faced by contractors and construction workers due to concrete dust and have adapted tools to control the release of dust particles into the air.

Why Is Concrete Dust Dangerous?

The purpose of grinding concrete is to remove imperfections in the concrete. As the grinder does its magic by smoothing and polishing the concrete floor, the bits of concrete that are ground away need to go somewhere. Because the particles of dust are so small and lightweight, they are easy to inhale. These fine particles are actually called respirable crystalline silica and are approximately 100 times smaller than an ordinary grain of sand. When inhaled never known to cause silicosis, which is an incurable lung disease. Respirable crystalline silica has also been known to cause cancer, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). All of these are serious medical issues that should be avoided at all costs.

These particles of concrete dust are deemed dangerous by the government and certain standards were created by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the 1960s to ensure workers’ safety. The guidelines required of contractors include:

• Implement an exposure control plan;
• Proper training on how to limit exposure; and
• Offering medical exams, chest X-rays, and lung function tests to workers wearing a respirator for 30 or more days a year.

Not only are these particles hazardous to the construction workers, but they are also dangerous to any of the people who live or work in the job location. These fine particles can travel and land anywhere, leaving residents and/or employees at risk of disturbing the settled dust and inhaling the particles. It is crucial as part of the cleanup for contractors to ensure their workers make their best efforts to fully rid the job location of any remaining concrete dust.

Tips for Protecting Yourself from Concrete Dust

There are many things contractors and construction workers can do to protect themselves from the hazards of respirable concrete dust. The first step is to ensure everyone working at or near the site is wearing a respirator.  It is critical that workers understand which respirator is right for the job. Different respirators block out different-sized particles. Educate yourself on the differences and ensure you are using the correct one for your specific job.

Another way to minimize free-range hazardous dust particulates is to capitalize on the advancements in tool technology and upgrade your toolbox with top-of-the-line dust collection systems. One such dust collection system is the U.S. Saws Ultra Vac 1250 Dust Collector which has changed the game for contractors. This state-of-the-art dust collection system comes equipped with:

• Top-of-the-line large HEPA (or High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which are capable of filtering out about 99.7% of various airborne particulates, even concrete dust
• Two 120V motors provide extra sucking power
• Durable steel frames that can withstand constant use
• High-capacity dust bins allow you to reduce the number of times needed to empty the bin, which always risks releasing more dust back into the air
• Front and rear handles for effortless transport
• It is OSHA certified

These high-powered performers allow contractors to completely clean the project site after a long afternoon of surface prep.

Contact U.S. SAWS today to ensure your dust collection system meets not only your job’s needs but is also OSHA certified.

Concrete is one of the most versatile mediums with which to create your idyll floor. It can be left matte or buffed to a high sheen. It can be sealed with its original color or painted to match any chic interior. That perfect floor comes with some strict installation and finishing instructions, including locating and using the right grinder for your concrete flooring project.

Why Is a Grinder Necessary?

Construction contractors are keenly aware of what it takes to perfect concrete flooring. From cutting control joints to sealing concrete after it has cured to grinding away imperfections and polishing to a desired sheen concrete flooring installation is hard, precise work that needs to be fully completed to appreciate its beauty.  One key component to achieving that perfection is through the use of a concrete grinder.

The concrete grinder is important to contractors because it grinds away any unevenness in the flooring and levels out control joints. Concrete grinders also aid in repurposing old concrete flooring. If the client is on a tight budget, perhaps refinishing an already existing concrete floor makes the most sense.  In this instance, a concrete grinder is a construction worker’s best friend. They can be used to remove paint and adhesive to existing flooring and polish worn surfaces.

Which Grinder Should I Use?

In order to determine which grinder is the best to use for your project, there are tips to help determine which grinder best serves your needs.  First is understanding the location of the project.  Concrete grinding can take place in either a wet or dry fashion.  Wet grinding it’s typically the safest choice as it limits the amount of debris and particulates emitted during the grinding process.  The issue with wet grinding is that it is very messy.  Ensuring that your space can handle wet grinding should be your first consideration.  Should wet grinding not be an option, it is imperative that when using a dry grinder, a dust shroud is in place to collect particulates released during the grinding process. Second is understanding how large of an undertaking this particular job is going to be.  For small spaces, handheld grinders make sense.  They are easy to use and provide efficient grinding action to get the job done. For larger spaces, like store floors or warehouses, a walk-behind grinder is the better option. Walk-behind grinders, while much larger than handheld grinders, can still be handled by one person who can manage the speed and direction of the grinder alone.  Companies like U.S. Saws manufacture walk-behind grinders that are easy to use for any contractor, including the VSG-10 Stand Up Variable Speed Grinder.

Power Source Options

Not only do grinders come and different sizes with different kinds of grinding, but they also have multiple options for power sources.  Some power source options include gas-powered, electrically run, and battery operated.  The proper power source for your grinder should be determined by the location of the job.  For smaller jobs in tight spaces or areas without access to an external power supply, a battery-operated grinder makes the most sense.  If a heavy job is on your plate that requires a lot of grinding, if the job location is well-ventilated, a gas-powered grinder would be the optimal choice, especially if there is no external electrical access.  Electrically powered grinders are the most common and are used in most standard projects.

U.S. Saws is a leader in the concrete tool business, and their inventory of concrete surface prep tools is versatile and extensive. Contact U.S. Saws today to determine what tools you need to achieve that high gloss concrete finish. Also, don’t forget your protective gear!  Concrete grinding can be hazardous to your health!