If you are thinking about doing an electrical or plumbing renovation in your home, you may have wondered if chasing weakens the wall and partitions. This is a very common doubt among homeowners, since no one wants to put the stability of their home at risk. In this article, we are going to explain what chases are, how they are made and what effects they have on the wall structure. In addition, we will give you some tips on how to do chases safely and efficiently, using a suitable tool such as the MACROZA wall chaser.
What are chases and what are they for?
Chases are grooves or grooves that are made in the wall to accommodate pipes, cables or other elements. They are usually made when you want to renovate or extend an electrical or plumbing installation, or when you want to add a light point or socket. The chases allow to hide the conduits and to give a more aesthetic finish to the wall.
To make the chases, you can use different methods, such as the drill, the hammer and chisel, or the Wall Chaser. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but the most important thing is to make the chases carefully and accurately, following the safety rules and respecting the thickness and material of the wall.
Does chasing weaken the wall and partitions?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the type of wall, the size and depth of the chases, and the method used for chasing. In general, it can be said that chasing does not weaken the wall or partitions if done correctly and with a proper tool.
However, if done incorrectly, the strength and durability of the wall can be compromised. Some mistakes that can weaken the wall are:
- Making chases that are too wide or too deep, which may affect the structural elements of the wall, such as beams or columns.
- Chasing in areas where there are previous installations, such as pipes or cables, that could be damaged or cause leaks or short circuits.
- Chasing with an improper method, such as drilling, which can generate vibrations, cracks or detachments in the wall.
Therefore, it is very important to plan the chases well before making them, taking into account the type of wall and the type of installation to be carried out. It is also essential to choose the right tool for chasing, which is fast, accurate and safe.
Does the type of wall or partition material have an influence?
The answer to this question is “YES”. Let’s look at each case:
Brick wall
If chases are made in a brick wall, the structure will most likely not be weakened, as long as they are made correctly and the joints between the bricks are respected. These joints are what give the wall strength and prevent it from cracking or crumbling. To make chases in brick wall, we recommend you to follow this tutorial: how to make chases in brick wall.
Concrete wall
When chasing a concrete wall, extra care must be taken, as concrete is a harder and more compact material than brick. Chasing concrete can alter the strength of the material and lead to cracks or crevices. To avoid this, the chases must be made with a suitable depth and width, without perforating the concrete completely. In addition, it is necessary to use a specific tool for this type of material, such as a Wall Chasers, which is capable of making clean and precise chases without damaging the concrete.
Plaster or plasterboard wall
If chases are made in a plaster or plasterboard partition, keep in mind that these materials are softer and more brittle than brick or concrete. Chasing plaster or plasterboard can weaken the partition and cause it to sink or break. To avoid this, chases should be made with a minimum depth and width, without going all the way through the partition. In addition, the partition must be reinforced with metal plates or aluminum profiles to give it more rigidity and stability.
How to make chases in brick wall safely?
If you want to make chases on the wall safely, we recommend you to follow these steps:
1. Preparation
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools, including a quality wall chaser such as those offered by MACROZA. Also, mark the location of the chases and turn off the power if necessary.
2. Using the Wall Chasers Wall Chasers
With the right wall chaser, like the one we offer at MACROZA, make precise and uniform cuts in the wall. This will ensure that the necessary chases are made without compromising the integrity of the structure.
Follow the instructions
Before you begin, be sure to read and understand the instructions for the tool you are using. This will help you use it safely and maximize its efficiency.
4. Safety at work
Always wear proper protective equipment, such as goggles and gloves, when chasing on the wall. Also, maintain a clean and orderly environment to avoid accidents.
5. Maintain proper depth
Adjust the depth of cut according to the size and type of cable or pipe you are installing. This will ensure that the gouge is deep enough without compromising the integrity of the wall.
6. Sealing and finishing
Once the chases are done, seal any gaps or cracks with caulk or plaster to ensure a clean and secure finish. This will help prevent future problems and maintain the integrity of the wall.
Is it good to make chases with a drill?
A frequently asked question among do-it-yourselfers : Is it good to chase with a drill? While it is possible, this technique does not provide the same precise and clean results as a specialized wall chaser. It has several drawbacks:
- The drill makes circular holes, not rectangular slots. To make a chase with a drill, several holes must be drilled in a row and then joined together with a chisel or putty knife. This makes the chase uneven, with jagged edges and loose material.
- The drill produces a lot of dust and noise when drilling into the wall or partition. This can be annoying for us and our neighbors, as well as generating dirt and debris that then needs to be cleaned up.
- The drill can damage the wall or partition if not used correctly. If too much force is applied or the wrong drill bit is used, it can break the material or make holes that are too large or too deep. This can weaken the structure and cause safety problems.
It is important to note that, if this option is chosen, extreme care must be taken to avoid major damage to the wall. In general, the use of a Wall Chasers ensures superior results and greater safety in the process.
Which tool is best for chasing?
As we have seen, not all tools are equal when it comes to chasing. Some can be slower, noisier or more dangerous than others. Therefore, it is best to opt for a specific tool for chasing, such as the MACROZA wall chaser.
Chases in a simple and easy way
The MACROZA wall chaser is an electric machine that allows you to make chases easily and efficiently. Its operation is very simple: just mark the chases on the wall with a pencil or adhesive tape, adjust the width and depth of cut according to the type of installation to be performed, and pass the machine along the marked line.
High precision and cleanliness
The advantage of the MACROZA Wall Chaser is that it chases with great precision and cleanliness, without generating vibrations or damaging the wall structure, since it does not cut the wall itself, but breaks it with low RPM, avoiding the generation of dust and debris. In addition, it has an integrated suction system that collects the dust generated by the cutting, thus avoiding soiling the environment and facilitating the work. It should be noted that the weight of the machine is not supported by the operator but by the wall, which reduces fatigue and improves work efficiency.
Can be used on different types of walls
Another advantage of the MACROZA Wall Chaser is that it can be used on different types of walls, such as brick, concrete, plaster or plasterboard. The width and depth of the chases can also be adjusted according to the needs of each installation, from 10 mm to 40 mm wide, and from 10 mm to 45 mm deep.
Our conclusion: Chasing weakens the wall.
In short, chasing does not necessarily weaken the wall, as long as it is done with the proper techniques and tools. With specialized tools such as MACROZA’s Wall Chasers, it is possible to perform this process safely and effectively without compromising the structural integrity of the wall.
So the next time you need to make chases in your walls, fear not! With the right knowledge and the right tools, you’ll be able to complete the job with confidence and without worry. And if you’d like more information on how to do chases professionally, check out our articles on how to do brick wall chases step-by-step at MACROZA or how to do chases with drills at MACROZA!
