CONCRETE SERVICES
CONCRETE CUTTING
Concrete cutting is where it all began. Back in 1957, Penhall started off with a single flat saw. Today we are proud to be the nation’s leader in concrete solutions. We pride ourselves in our expertise and top-of-the-line equipment for all drilling and cutting needs. When you work with Penhall, you know you’re getting the best concrete cutting services in the industry. With years of experience behind us, we ensure precision and reliability on every project, no matter the scope.
Flat Sawing (SLAB SAWING)
Flat sawing, also known as slab sawing, is a method used to cut horizontal concrete surfaces such as floors, bridge decks, and pavement.
From a small score to deep cuts, our flat saws cut a range of depths through both asphalt and concrete. Penhall uses saws equipped with a diamond blade to cut flat surfaces, including slab on grade, to depths of up to 33 inches.
With equipment and labor resources throughout the country, Penhall’s dedicated team of flat saw operators have both the horsepower and manpower to meet your project needs. No matter the scope on your job site, we prioritize on-time delivery while remaining cost-effective and compliant with OSHA safety rules.
Our advanced equipment is capable of cutting to a significant depth of up to 33 inches, powered by versatile sources including gas, diesel, electric, and hydraulic systems to suit any job site requirement. We utilize high-performance blades featuring a diamond-impregnated steel core, ensuring precise and efficient cuts. To maintain safety and peak performance, all cutting is done using a wet cutting method, which effectively suppresses hazardous dust while simultaneously cooling the blade for a clean, accurate finish.
Common Applications Include:
- Creating control joints in new concrete slabs
- Trenching for plumbing, electrical, and utility lines
- Removing damaged sections of pavement or flooring
- Creating large openings in runways, roads, and warehouse floors
Advantages
- High precision for straight lines
- Low vibration compared to demolition methods
- Efficient and fast for long, straight cuts
Wall Sawing
Generally used for HVAC, window, and doorway openings, our wall saws are incredibly precise.
Wall sawing is a concrete cutting technique that uses a track-mounted saw to make precise vertical and horizontal cuts in concrete walls, ceilings, and other steep surfaces where flat saws cannot be used.
Operated remotely, our saws cut to the shallowest and deepest depths. In stark contrast to other removal techniques, wall sawing uses low vibration, which minimizes collateral damage and protects structural integrity when removing concrete from an existing structure.
Penhall uses track-mounted wall cutting saws to ensure straight cuts and professional results. Our commitment to quality sets us apart from other concrete contractors. Whether you need precise openings in walls or custom angles, our team will help you from start to finish, delivering results you can trust.
For precise cuts on vertical or steeply inclined surfaces, our wall sawing service utilizes a sophisticated track-mounted system. This setup ensures straight, clean cuts to a depth of up to 38 inches. To maximize operator safety, the equipment can be operated remotely, keeping personnel at a safe distance from the work area. Furthermore, the system is highly versatile and can be configured to cut at almost any angle, a critical feature that simplifies the extraction and removal of large concrete sections.
Common Applications for Wall Sawing Include:
- Creating openings for windows, doors, and HVAC ducting
- Making precise cuts for building expansions or modifications
- Removing sections of walls or ceilings
- Cutting openings in foundations and retaining walls
Advantages
- Extremely precise, clean cuts
- Low vibration protects the surrounding structure
- Safe remote operation in hazardous areas
- Versatile for vertical, horizontal, and angled cuts
Wire Sawing
Sometimes, concrete structures are too large or awkward to accommodate traditional concrete cutting techniques
Wire sawing is an advanced cutting method that uses a multi-stranded cable with diamond-impregnated beads to slice through thick sections of heavily reinforced concrete, steel, or other tough materials.
The material might be too tough, or there may be limitations on workspace and time. We use an innovative approach with wire sawing where other methods don’t cut it, providing an ideal solution that imposes virtually no limits on sawing depth.
This solution can be used above grade, below grade, or underwater.
Using diamond impregnated beads strung on multi-stranded cable, our skilled wire sawing team guides the diamond wire onto a series of hydraulically or electrically-driven flywheel pulleys and positions the wire at the exact location that needs to be cut for your application.
Penhall’s diamond saw wire cutting expertise provides several unique benefits for our clients, including:
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Safe, efficient, and cost effective.
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Can be applied to structures of any depth or length including lock and dam retrofits, bridge pier modifications, industrial plant and process facility upgrades, metal engine blocks, nuclear decommissioning, steam generator replacements and plant maintenance outages.
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Performs consistently in confined spaces—including underwater—and leaves minimal impact on the environment.
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Creates clean, precise cuts through heavy rebar, plate steel, embedded steel beams, and heavily reinforced concrete.
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Allows for mass concrete removal without breakage, dust, or vibration.
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Eliminates over-cutting at corners and structural damage.
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Equipment is fully portable so cuts can be performed from any position.
Hand Sawing
Our hand sawing service is the ideal solution for projects requiring mobility and precision in confined spaces. It's the perfect tool for creating small openings for electrical boxes, pipes, and conduits, particularly in areas like basements and crawl spaces where larger saws are impractical. Beyond utility work, hand saws provide the control needed for intricate decorative or architectural cuts. This precision is also crucial in demolition projects, enabling the controlled removal of concrete sections without compromising the surrounding structure.
Comparing Concrete Cutting Methods
Choosing the right concrete cutting technique depends on the project's specific requirements. This table provides a quick comparison of the primary methods.
| Cutting Method | Primary Use | Max Depth | Precision | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Sawing | Horizontal Surfaces (Floors, Pavement) | ~33" | High | Speed over long distances |
| Wall Sawing | Vertical Surfaces (Walls, Ceilings) | ~38" | Very High | Creates precise openings |
| Wire Sawing | Large, thick, or irregular structures | Virtually unlimited | High | Cuts through heavy rebar/steel |
| Hand Sawing | Small jobs, tight spaces | ~10" | Moderate | Portability and access |
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The cost of concrete cutting varies based on factors like the cutting method, thickness of the concrete, presence of rebar, location, and project complexity. Flat sawing typically has a different cost per foot than more specialized services like wire sawing. Contact us for a precise quote tailored to your project's scope.
Professional concrete cutting uses water during the process (wet cutting) to suppress airborne silica dust and cool the diamond blade, complying with OSHA safety standards. Our operators are trained in slurry management to contain the resulting concrete slurry, keeping the job site as clean and safe as possible.
Concrete cutting is a precision method used to create clean openings or remove sections while preserving the structural integrity of the surrounding area. It uses low-vibration techniques. Demolition, by contrast, involves breaking up concrete with high-impact force (like jackhammers or hydraulic breakers), which is less precise and creates significant vibration and debris.
Yes, absolutely. Our specialized diamond blades are designed to cut through heavily reinforced concrete, including steel rebar, mesh, post-tension cables, and other embedded materials efficiently and safely.
Scan before you cut
Penhall uses GPR and digital X-ray technologies to detect hazards in concrete before you cut or core, keeping projects on track and personnel safe.
WHY CHOOSE PENHALL COMPANY?
Penhall is committed to safety and quality. With decades of experience and years of combined expertise, our team provides cost-effective solutions that minimize downtime and exceed expectations.
- Always on the cutting edge with the latest technology
- Professionalism and courteous service
- No job is too large or small
Trust Penhall, an experienced and trusted concrete cutting business, to deliver the precise results you’ve come to expect. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you get started on your next job.