Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Cut square hole through concrete foundation for dog door?
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BrightonGuy
10-02-07, 11:00 AM
Any advice, or can it even be done? I'd like to (either myself, or hire someone to do it) cur a hole, say 12"W by 18"H in my concrete foundation to install a dog door. I already have a panel that fits into my sliding glass door, but that pretty much makes the door unusable for people.
Can this be done? Best left for a professional? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Can this be done? Best left for a professional? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Pecos
10-03-07, 02:49 AM
My advice is that it would be better left to a pro, but you could do it if you really want to. It will require the use of a concrete saw with a diamond tipped blade. You can rent them at about any rental yard. Be very careful, as it will create a LOT of dust (or slurry if you wet cut it), and the tool is very dangerous if used by a novice. If you do it, make sure to wear all protective equipment such as goggles, dust mask, gloves, etc.
Be aware that since the blade is round, you'll have to overcut, so you will have patching to do at each corner.
Pecos
Be aware that since the blade is round, you'll have to overcut, so you will have patching to do at each corner.
Pecos
GregH
10-03-07, 04:02 AM
It shouldn't be a problem doing yourself if you have basic tool skills.
A good method is to rent a larger SDS type hammer drill and drill a series of very closely spaced 1/2" holes along the marked opening you wish to cut out.
After you have the holes drilled you can then take the breaker attachment and chip out the concrete.
A good method is to rent a larger SDS type hammer drill and drill a series of very closely spaced 1/2" holes along the marked opening you wish to cut out.
After you have the holes drilled you can then take the breaker attachment and chip out the concrete.
BrightonGuy
10-03-07, 10:26 AM
Thanks for the advice. Now a few other questions........
So I finally have a square/rectangular hole in my foundation for the door. Need I be concerned with structural issues? How far from the corner of the foundation should the hole be? Should I line the hole with pressure treated timber to restore some structural integrity?
So I finally have a square/rectangular hole in my foundation for the door. Need I be concerned with structural issues? How far from the corner of the foundation should the hole be? Should I line the hole with pressure treated timber to restore some structural integrity?
GregH
10-03-07, 04:08 PM
I know this is a diy forum but there is a limit on how much we can offer.
What you are wanting to do could be considered an advanced project and you would really do well to call in a contractor to at least see what is really involved and what the cost would be to have a pro do it.
You should be ok to stay away from corners and not too close to the bottom plate of the floor above but I am not an engineer.
You really need someone to look at it.
If you can post some pictures and offer more details on the construction of the house and foundation maybe someone else can offer more.
What you are wanting to do could be considered an advanced project and you would really do well to call in a contractor to at least see what is really involved and what the cost would be to have a pro do it.
You should be ok to stay away from corners and not too close to the bottom plate of the floor above but I am not an engineer.
You really need someone to look at it.
If you can post some pictures and offer more details on the construction of the house and foundation maybe someone else can offer more.
Mudman
10-03-07, 05:38 PM
Any advice, or can it even be done? I'd like to (either myself, or hire someone to do it) cur a hole, say 12"W by 18"H in my concrete foundation to install a dog door. I already have a panel that fits into my sliding glass door, but that pretty much makes the door unusable for people.
Can this be done? Best left for a professional? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Well If you can run a chain saw they do make a concrete saw that looks like a chain saw but comes with a diamond chain blade. I don' know how far down you are going but if you want the integrity while you have either saw cut a space and put in angle iron on the above side in and out.
Can this be done? Best left for a professional? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Well If you can run a chain saw they do make a concrete saw that looks like a chain saw but comes with a diamond chain blade. I don' know how far down you are going but if you want the integrity while you have either saw cut a space and put in angle iron on the above side in and out.