How to Cut Through Asphalt

Asphalt, or "asphalt concrete," is a tough-but-flexible substance made from an aggregate of sand and gravel and the sticky, black petrochemical goo that is more properly known as "asphalt." Its properties make it well suited to the task of surfacing roads, and many homeowners have their own pieces of asphalt in the form of a driveway. Making a modification to a driveway or asphalt sporting court is a tough job, since it means removing part of the asphalt surface, which in turn requires heavy-duty cutting tools and great care.

Shovel
Measuring tape
Chalk
Upright wet-saw, rated for asphalt and concrete
Diamond saw blade
Safety goggles

Instructions

- 1
  Peel back part of the ground surrounding the edge of the asphalt structure with a shovel, and measure the depth of the asphalt.
- 2
  Prepare your wet-saw by hooking your garden hose to the saw's pump and installing a diamond blade on the saw. Choose your saw blade based on the measurement from Step 1. The radius of the circular blade must be sufficient to cut through the depth of the asphalt. Screw on the other end of the hose to a garden faucet and turn that faucet on.
- 3
  Draw the cutting lines as needed on the asphalt surface with a piece of chalk. Always draw straight lines, as cutting along a curved line will break the saw blade.
- 4
  Start the wet-saw. Adjust the depth-control handle until the saw blade is lowered down to the asphalt surface and then cuts down in place to the desired depth.
- 5
  Push the saw forward slowly and gently, cutting through the asphalt along your chalk line.
- 6
  Raise the blade at the end of your first cut. Continue cutting by re-positioning the saw and lowering the blade again to make more cuts.

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