If your asphalt driveway has a crumbling section or a big pothole, it's best to make repairs as soon as you can so the damage doesn't get worse. You might attempt repairs yourself, but cutting out the damaged area can be challenging. An asphalt contractor has the proper equipment to saw cut asphalt slabs. Here's a look at saw cutting asphalt so driveway repairs can be done more efficiently.

Draw The Cut Lines

Making driveway repairs starts by cleaning the driveway. This might be done by sweeping or power washing to get rid of debris. Once the driveway is clean, your contractor might mark the cut lines. The cut lines should be well away from the damage so there is a border of solid asphalt on each side.

The contractor will cut through the entire slab even if the pothole is in the center of the driveway. They might mark the cutting lines with chalk on both sides of the damaged section of your driveway.

Saw Through The Slab

Your contractor may use a handheld circular asphalt saw with a diamond blade or a floor saw to make the cuts. Both saws are powered by gas and are able to make straight cuts through the asphalt. The contractor might start by making a groove in each chalk line to hold the saw blade in position. Then they just move the saw along the line until the cut is made.

The contractor has to adjust the depth of the blade to cut all the way through the asphalt in a single pass. It's also important to move in a straight line and try to not turn the saw without lifting it out of the groove first. The contractor cuts through both saw lines to free the damaged portion of the asphalt slab. Once the cuts are done, the old asphalt can be taken out and repairs made.

Repair Your Driveway

Making driveway repairs is a common reason to hire a contractor to saw cut an asphalt slab. Cutting can also be done to make a trench for a drain or cables, so if you need these services, too, have them done at the same time so you don't have to tear up the new asphalt later.

With the old, damaged area gone, you're left with an exposed base that an asphalt contractor can pour hot asphalt into. They'll make sure the new asphalt bonds with the edges of the old asphalt and that the surface is even with a slight slope for drainage.

Keep these tips in mind when looking for saw cut asphalt slab services near you.

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