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 services remove dirt, contaminants, stains, and grime from sidewalks and driveways. The process enhances the concrete's visual appeal, stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, and lengthens its life span. The right equipment can effectively clean concrete without weakening the surface. Companies use chemicals, pressure washing, and scrubbing to restore the original gloss and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for durable driveways and patios. Technicians must make sure that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Technicians will calculate the optimal concrete blend based on the project's size and Tuscaloosa's current weather. They'll use various techniques, including vibration and leveling, to remove trapped air and achieve a smooth finish.
Concrete Reinforcement
Reinforced concrete can better withstand heavy loads and environmental stressors. It's also at lower risk of cracks, deformation, and structural failure. The most common way to reinforce concrete is for your installer to add steel bars or meshes to the poured concrete.
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 contains damage from sunlight exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and abrasion. Stronger concrete endures longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your patio or pathway aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
Concrete companies have the expertise to assess deteriorating or damaged driveways, paths, and patios. This includes problems with eroding, spalling, and cracking. In Tuscaloosa, some usual suspects for concrete problems are ordinary wear and tear, subpar initial construction, or environmental factors. Technicians can use epoxy injections, patching, resurfacing, or rebar replacement to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right Tuscaloosa, AL Concrete Company
To select the right Tuscaloosa concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- Cost: Cost is a crucial consideration, but it also shouldn't be the only one you make. We recommend getting at least three detailed quotes from different concrete companies. You should make sure the quotes encompass all material and labor costs. Achieving a balance between affordability and quality is essential to avoid potential hidden costs or compromised results.
- 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: Next, ask different contractors about their experience and years in business. A long portfolio of projects is a sign that the team has quite significant experience working with concrete, anticipates issues before they happen, and complete your job efficiently.
- Reviews: Check customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews, and try to find information on how the company communicates project status with customers and manages their timelines for jobs.
- 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: A quality concrete contractor will offer strong warranties for materials and labor, putting faith in its own rigorous approach and attention to detail. Ask each company about warranty terms before you make your final decision, and beware of hidden fine print.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
Hiring a residential concrete company is priced at varying amounts depending on the job's dimensions and intricacy, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete costs around $125 per cubic yard nationwide. Most concrete contractors quote between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
A full truckload of concrete for large residential projects, like driveway replacement, typically costs around $1,025–$1,395. Labor for pouring 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.