Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies provide a variety of services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We outline these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning removes contaminants, dirt, stains, and grime. It also stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, extending the life span of your sidewalks and driveway. Proper concrete cleaning requires the right equipment and knowledge to ensure effective results without compromising the surface’s structural integrity. Using chemical treatments, surface scrubbing, and pressure washing, professional concrete companies restore the original luster and color of your concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for long-lasting driveways and patios. Technicians must verify that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Expert technicians carefully calculate the right concrete mix by considering the project’s spatial requirements and environmental conditions. They pour the concrete using techniques like vibration and leveling to get rid of trapped air and achieve a precise, uniform surface. Proficient concrete pouring for walkways, driveways, and foundations will protect your investment for years to come.
Concrete Reinforcement
Concrete reinforcement uses steel mesh or bars within the mixture to withstand external forces, such as tension and compression. This in turn reduces the risk of deforming or cracking, and helps the concrete bear heavy loads or environmental stress.
Concrete Sealing
Technicians can coat concrete surfaces with sealant to protect it from moisture, chemicals, and weathering. The sealant forms a barrier that prevents water intrusion and reduces damage from freeze-thaw cycles, sunlight exposure, and abrasion. Stronger concrete lasts longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your patio or pathway aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures crack, spall, or erode, the fix will demand a careful assessment and tailored solutions. Concrete companies can solve these problems and more to protect your driveway, patio, or pathway's integrity and beauty. The most common causes of concrete issues in Birmingham are wear and tear, improper initial construction, and environmental factors. A crew can use epoxy injections, patching, resurfacing, or rebar replacement to extend the concrete's life span.
Choosing The Right Birmingham, AL Concrete Company
Selecting the right concrete company in Birmingham might seem daunting. However, considering these key elements will empower you to make the best decision possible.
- Cost: While it's crucial to consider pricing, you shouldn't rely on it alone. Instead, try to find a team that strikes the right balance between price and quality work. We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three contractors to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: The Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors licenses concrete companies in the Yellowhammer State. Each company owner must have at least three projects' worth of experience before applying.
- Portfolio: Evaluate a company’s years of experience in the industry and ask for a portfolio of completed projects. A long track record can signal extensive experience efficiently working with concrete.
- Reviews: Research each company's online reputation. Reviews on Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can tell you more about how each contractor corresponds with clients and reacts to complaints.
- Trade group membership: Trade groups offer certifications and accreditations showing that contractors follow professional standards and best practices. The American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) and the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) are two of the most respected.
- Warranties: Ask each contractor about the warranties it provides for materials and labor. An extensive combined warranty can shows a contractor's commitment to high standards and confidence in its own workmanship.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The amount you’ll pay a residential concrete contractor hinges on elements like the project’s scale and difficulty, location, and concrete variety. Typical concrete cost is around $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with quotes from most concrete companies ranging from $110–$165 per cubic yard.*
A full truckload of concrete for major residential jobs, like driveway replacement, typically costs around $1,025–$1,395. Labor for new concrete installations is $8–$18 per square foot. These rates are for plain concrete only. Stamping, staining, and decorative finishes will increase the cost.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.