Frequently Asked Questions
Diamond Drilling
Q: Why are diamonds used in drilling?
Castle & Pryor use diamond tipped cores as these provide a very hard and long life cutting surface capable of cutting through concrete and other materials with precision and efficiency.
Q: What materials can be drilled with Diamond Drilling?
Diamond Drilling cuts through non-reinforced and reinforced concrete, masonry and many purely steel/metal materials with no vibration and minimal noise. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Castle & Pryor’s qualified experts provide high-quality diamond drilling solutions to meet all your drilling needs.
Q: What sizes of holes can be drilled with Diamond Drilling?
Castle & Pryor can diamond drill holes between 6mm - 1.2m in diameter.
Concrete Cutting
Q: What is concrete cutting?
Concrete cutting is when concrete is cut precisely and accurately with a diamond tipped blade. Castle & Pryor cut concrete and masonry using Floor Sawing, Track Sawing and Wire Sawing techniques.
Q: What methods are used for concrete cutting?
Castle and Pryor use saws fitted with diamond blades or diamond wire. We offer various sizes of floor saws, track saws which can be mounted on the floor or wall and wire saws. These are all used for cutting through masonry walls, reinforced concrete floors, walls, foundations, piles and structures.
Q: How thick can concrete be cut?
Castle & Pryors Track saws can cut to a depth of 750mm and our Floor Saws to 620mm. There is no limit to the depth that can be achieved with our Wire Saws.
Q: Can you cut through reinforced concrete?
Yes, Castle & Pryor can cut through reinforced concrete with our Floor, Wall and Wire saws. We can also form holes through reinforced concrete using Diamond Drilling techniques.
Joint Sealing
Q: What is Joint Sealing?
Joint Sealing involves the application of sealant material to joints which allows the concrete or asphalt to move through natural expansion and contraction heat cycles while maintaining a seal. This prevents water and contaminate ingress into the joint and slab sub-base. Castle & Pryor offer a complete Joint Sealing service throughout the UK.
Q: Why is Joint Sealing important?
• It provides a seal or barrier preventing water and other contaminants from entering the joint itself and reacting with the reinforcement and ultimately effecting the integrity of the slab.
• It prevents water and/or contaminates travelling through the joint and into the water course.
• Prevents water ingress to the underside of the slab which can cause the sub base to be eroded, undermining the slab and causing slab cracking / failure.
• It prolongs the life of new or existing joints and slabs and reduces maintenance costs.
• Prevents the build-up of dirt and debris in joints and preventing FOD (foreign object debris) in aviation environments.
Castle & Pryor have over 30 years experience in the industry and are members of the Extruded Sealant Association.
Q: What types of joints need sealing?
• It is good practice that all new joints (contraction, isolation, expansion, induction, control joints) should be sealed at the earliest opportunity to protect from water and contaminates entering the joint.
• Existing joints should be checked periodically as part of a maintenance schedule to ensure are fit for purpose, and if failed, should be repaired. Castle and Pryor can provide a full rake out and re seal service to protect your asset for years to come.
Q: When should joints be sealed?
Generally, joints should be sealed as soon as possible and not left open. In new concrete, this will depend on the water content of the concrete mix, but typically two weeks after laying. Existing joints, if failed, should be repaired at the earliest opportunity.
Robotic Demolition
Q: What is Robotic Demolition?
Robotic Demolition is a method of controlled demolition using robotic machinery. These machines are controlled remotely so there is no exposure to Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) for the operator and places them away from any danger areas. Castle & Pryor have been operating these robots for over 30 years and can help you on your next project.
Q: How does Robotic Demolition differ from traditional demolition?
Castle and Pryor’s robotic demolition machinery are electrically powered which provides fume free operation and allows safe use internally well within a buildings footprint. Moreover, the robots are remote controlled meaning there is no exposure to HAV for the Operator. This also allows the Operator to be removed from any danger zones or environments where the machine may be operating. These machines are compact but very powerful and efficient, as well as out performing larger conventionally powered machinery
Q: What types of Robots are used in demolition?
Castle and Pryor have a full range of robots, weighing 560kg to 2100kg. These can come with various attachments from breaker to crunchers, grapples to rock drills, buckets to scabbling heads. This makes them very versatile machines capable of tackling multiple tasks effectively, efficiently and safely.
Q: Where can Robotic Demolition be used?
Environments where point loading, noise, access & toxic fumes are an issue. They can be used in confined spaces and can pass through standard doorways, and even climb the stairs. Castle & Pryor’s expert operatives can bring the demolition robot to site and complete the work for you. Get in touch for a quote.
Vacuum Excavation
Q: What is Vacuum Excavation?
Vac-Ex is a non-intrusive method of excavation that uses compressed air to loosen up the ground, followed by suction to remove the loose material, often referred to as non-destructive digging (NDD). Castle & Pryor has the resources to be able to provide the full service.
Q: How does Vacuum Excavation work?
A Vac-Ex machine can generate a powerful stream of air with a Castle & Pryor operator controlling the intake nozzle, providing full control of the excavation while they remain at a safe distance. This method significantly reduces spoil and dust because all of the extracted material is sucked directly into sealed collection chambers on the machine.
Q: Where is Vacuum Excavation used?
Common on projects near utilities, in confined spaces and high-risk areas. Vac-Ex provides safe & efficient excavation where services are known to be present. Castle & Pryor offer a full range services needed by the utility sector.
Q: Why use Vacuum Excavation instead of mechanical digging?
Vac-Ex reduces the chance of a service strike by 100%. As it is a non -intrusive method of excavation it will safely uncover hidden services. Let Castle & Pryor remove the risk by uncovering hidden services and avoiding damage and consequent delays.
Pull Testing
Q: What is Pull Testing?
Helping to ensure the reliability and strength of fixings or anchors within masonry and concrete, Pull Testing is an essential safety requirement. Castle & Pryor operatives have been offering our Pull Testing for over 30 years.
Q: Why is Pull Testing important?
After installation and to meet build regulations and specifications, fixings and/or anchors will often require inspection and testing by an approved independent contractor. All our operatives are Construction Fixing Association (CFA) approved professionals.
Q: What types of materials or fixtures can be Pull Tested?
Resin Anchors, Mechanical Anchors, Cladding systems, Dowel bar or reinforcement installation, Suspended ceiling systems, Eye Bolts, Scaffold Ties, Hand or Foot Support Brackets, Sign Brackets, Hand Rails and Access Ladders. Castle and Pryor has the capability and experience to be able to provide results to all types of fixings and anchor systems.
AGL's
Q: What is Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL)?
Airfield ground lighting (AGL) ensures optimal visibility and safety for airfields across the UK. Whether it be on a runway, taxi-way or apron, Castle & Pryor have the capability and experience to successfully install AGL’s.
Q: Why is AGL important for airport operations?
Airfield ground lighting ensures optimal visibility and safety for airfields across the UK and the World. Castle & Pryor can install AGL’s on both civilian and military airfields which guide aircraft during takeoff, landing and when taxiing to stands and hangers.
Q: What are the main components of an AGL system?
Main components to an AGL system are lamp units, seating pots, primary and secondary cabling and control units.
Industrial Pressure Washing
Q: What is Industrial Pressure Washing?
Castle & Pryor’s 4000psi (275 bar) petrol pressure washer, powered by a 420cc 4-stroke engine, is suitable for industrial sized cleaning tasks. Complete with the large Whirlaway head inc three rapidly-spinning jets achieve a deep, non- streak finish.
Q: How is it different from standard or Domestic Pressure Washing?
Industrial Pressure Washers are much more powerful than residential pressure washers and can handle tougher jobs. They’re commonly used in industrial environments to clean industrial equipment or highly trafficked areas which have become unsafe or aesthetically non pleasing. Castle and Pryor offer industrial cleaning as one of their many services.
Need a price for your project? Speak to one of our team. Call 0800 163 382
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