Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and major renovations. We'll outline different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning services can help remove grime, stains, contaminants, and dirt from sidewalks and driveways. The process enhances the concrete's visual appeal, stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, and prolongs its life span. The right equipment can effectively clean concrete without weakening the surface. Companies use pressure washing, scrubbing, and chemicals to restore the original gloss and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
A meticulous pouring job is critical for your driveway or patio's health. Technicians on the job must ensure that the concrete reaches the desired strength, hardens evenly, and bonds correctly. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the perfect mix based on your job's size and Fort Smith's weather conditions. Vibration and smoothing techniques can help remove voids for a uniform surface.
Concrete Reinforcement
Reinforced concrete can better withstand environmental stressors and heavy loads. It's also at lower risk of cracking and deforming. The most common way to reinforce concrete is for your installer to add steel bars or meshes to the poured concrete.
Concrete Sealing
Concrete sealing safeguards surfaces from the detrimental effects of moisture, chemicals, and weathering. Technicians apply a protective coating or sealant to the concrete, forming a barrier that stops water. The coating also enhances the concrete's resistance to abrasion, UV radiation, and freeze-thaw cycles. Expert application is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and proper adhesion. Sealing will extend your investment's life, reducing maintenance time and costs.
Concrete Repair
Specialized methods can make deteriorating or damaged concrete beautiful and functional again. Concrete companies use precise tests and careful techniques to address cracks, structural compromise, spalling, and erosion. The most common causes of concrete issues in Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith, AR Concrete Company
To select the right Fort Smith 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 estimates from different concrete companies. You should make sure the quotes include all material and labor costs. Finding a balance between affordability and quality is essential to avoid potential hidden costs or compromised results.
- Licensing and insurance: Concrete companies in Fort Smith must be licensed specialty contractors (specialty) with the Arkansas Contractor Licensing Board. The state requires at least one year 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 vast experience successfully working with concrete.
- Reviews: Research a company’s reputation through real online reviews on popular sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews. A well-established concrete company should have a solid reputation for delivering consistent, quality work. Check each testimonial for insights into how the company keeps customers informed, sticks to schedules, and performs tasks.
- 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 provide 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 look for hidden fine print.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The amount you’ll pay a residential concrete company depends on variables like the project’s scale and intricacy, location, and concrete variety. Normal concrete cost is around $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with quotes from most concrete contractors 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 pouring is $8–$18 per square foot. These rates are for plain concrete only. Custom finishes will increase the cost.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.