When a slab cracks where it shouldn’t, you’ve lost time, the customer isn’t happy, and the boss lost money.
Uncontrolled cracking doesn’t just look rough — it creates problems that cost you later. That’s why jointing early is one of the most important steps on any concrete pour. Watch our short feature video on why Syntec Early Entry Blades lead the market.
Why Jointing Matters
Concrete doesn’t stay still. From the moment it’s poured, it starts to shrink and move as moisture leaves the mix. When that movement builds tension, the slab cracks wherever it’s weakest.
Cutting joints gives the concrete a planned relief point. It’s how you control where the slab cracks. Doing it right keeps the job looking good and makes the slab stronger for longer.
What Happens If You Miss the Window
When you skip or delay cutting, the slab decides where to crack.
That leads to:
Random cracks across the surface
Weakened load capacity under heavy traffic
Water finding its way in and causing spalling
Uneven curling along slab edges
Extra work, extra cost, and unhappy clients
A few well-timed cuts can save a lot of rework later.
When to Cut
The ideal time for early entry cutting usually falls between one and four hours after finishing. The exact timing depends on your mix and the weather. Cut too early and the surface may ravel. Wait too long and cracks will already be there beneath the surface.
That’s where early entry blades make a difference.
How Many Joints You Need
A good rule of thumb is to space joints around 24 to 36 times the slab thickness.
For example:
A 4-inch slab → every 8 to 12 feet
A 6-inch slab → every 12 to 18 feet
Consistent spacing helps each section of the slab move evenly as it cures.
What to Use
Syntec Early Entry Blades are built to cut green concrete cleanly and safely. They make shallow, controlled joints — usually 1 to 1.5 inches deep — that stop cracks before they start.
Pair them with the Skid Plate Accessory. The skid plate sits beneath the saw, supporting the surface and preventing chipping or tearing while cutting. It’s a small part that makes a big difference to the finish and extends the life of the blade.
Choosing the Right Blade
Each blade color in the Syntec range suits a specific concrete condition. You only need one — pick it based on how firm the concrete feels when you’re ready to cut. The harder the concrete, the softer the bond you’ll need.
| Blade Colour | Concrete Condition When Cutting | Typical Cutting Window* | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | Soft / very “green” concrete | Within 0–2 hours after finishing | Fresh pours, hot weather, soft sand mixes, or soft/abrasive slabs |
| Red | Medium-firm concrete | Around 2–4 hours after finishing | Standard slab pours and general site conditions |
| Purple | Hard / fast-setting concrete | 4–6+ hours after finishing | Cooler climates, high-strength mixes, or slabs that have tightened quickly |
What's New?
The Early Entry range continues Syntec’s legacy of precision and performance on every job. If you know the value of a clean cut, you’ll love our Early Entry blades. Click below to see what’s new and claim your special show pricing.