Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the traditional method of reducing random cracking in concrete?

A. As far back as 50 years ago, traditional methods of reducing random cracking in concrete included hand-tooled control joints and wet-cut gasoline-powered concrete sawing. Traditional concrete sawing typically takes place the day after placement. In the traditional method, the operator cuts control joints between one-fourth and one-third of the slab thickness to relieve increasing internal stresses in the concrete.

Q. What are the problems encountered with the traditional method of sawing control joints in concrete?

A. Because this method requires the concrete to be cut long after it was placed, random cracks often occur between the time the concrete is finished and the control joints are cut. After sawing, the slab can appear unmarred. However, these earlier unrelieved stresses can still develop cracks months later. These conditions can require costly callbacks and subsequent repairs.

Q. How does the Soff-Cut method differ from the traditional method?

A. Soff-Cut determined that if you cut within one to two hours after the finishing process, and before final set, the control joints would not have to be as deep - as little as 1" - and the chance of random cracks occurring is minimized.

Q. What is the Ultra Early Entry method compared to traditional concrete cutting?

A. The Soff-Cut System is an Ultra Early Entry concrete cutting process. Using the special up-cutting saw, special skid plate and blade, contractors can begin to cut control joints within 1 to 2 hours after completion of the final finish. With traditional cutting and other "early entry" methods, contractors must wait for a minimum of 4 hours or even the next day before they can cut. By that time, random cracks may have already occurred, or stresses formed that will later crack.

Q. How has the concrete industry taken to Soff-Cut technology?

A. Early entry dry cut technology is time-tested, and is now part of the American Concrete Institute’s (ACI) guidelines for concrete floor and slab construction. In section 8.3.12, the ACI guideline states that early entry dry cut joints "increases the probability of cracks forming at the joint when sufficient stresses are developed in the concrete." This is exactly how the Soff-Cut system works.
As an added endorsement, some municipalities, states, architects and developers have seen the Soff-Cut system in practice and now specify Soff-Cut by name for their projects. Highly recognizable buildings that are built with the Soff-Cut system to reduce random cracking include Home Depot, Wal Mart, Sam's Club, Target Stores, UPS, Fedex, Lowes, Albertson’s, and Costco. Among the industry-leading builders and contractors who have adopted the Soff-Cut system include Hensel-Phelps, Terry Fricks, Turner, Fulmer, Kajima, and Baker Concrete.

Q. How does Soff-Cut system technology improve the businesses of concrete finishing companies?

A. Because it was developed by knowledgeable people in the industry, the Soff-Cut system is designed to address a serious problem encountered in most concrete slabs, namely random cracking.
Soff-Cut system developers reasoned that most of the cracking happens between the time concrete is finished and the next day when the crew comes back to cut the control joints. Customers have become less tolerant of random cracking, and there are only a couple things one can do once it occurs. The first is to seal the crack with epoxy or sealant. Secondly, you can remove a section of the slab and start over, but there is no assurance the slab will not crack again. This represents a tremendous cost to the contractor and a delay in a building project.

Q. What are some of the specific benefits?

A. Most importantly, the Soff-Cut system reduces random cracking. In addition, contractors can place a slab, finish, saw and leave. Traditional cutting requires contractors to return another day. Additionally, there is less mess with the Soff-Cut system and no water is needed. After cutting, there is just a bit of concrete dry powder to either side of the cut. Ultimately this helps jobs come in on time and reduces waste.