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 can tackle stains, contaminants, grime, and dirt, preventing damage from trapped pollutants and enhancing appearance. Concrete cleaning companies have the tools and expertise needed to clean surfaces while maintaining structural stability. They combine scrubbing, chemical applications, and pressure washing to restore the original appearance of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Durable and functional driveways and patios begin with a proper pouring job. Professional concrete technicians must ensure the concrete sets evenly and appropriately, attaches correctly, and gets to the desired strength. Technicians will calculate the ideal concrete blend based on Berkeley's weather conditions and the project's size. They'll use various techniques, including vibration and leveling, to remove air gaps and achieve a smooth finish.
Concrete Reinforcement
Reinforced concrete can better withstand environmental stressors and heavy loads. 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 meshes or steel bars to the poured concrete.
Concrete Sealing
Applying a protective sealant or coating to concrete adds protection against UV radiation, chemicals, freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, and moisture. An even application will help the coating adhere properly and work to its full potential. Sealing will extend your investment's life, reducing maintenance time and expenses.
Concrete Repair
Concrete companies have the expertise to assess damaged or deteriorating paths, driveways, and patios. This includes problems with spalling, eroding, and cracking. In Berkeley, some usual suspects for concrete problems are environmental factors, ordinary wear and tear, or subpar initial construction. Technicians can use patching, resurfacing, epoxy injections, or rebar replacement to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right Berkeley, CA Concrete Company
To select the right Berkeley 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 ensure the quotes account for 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: To install or repair concrete in Berkeley, a company needs a C-8 specialty license from the California Contractors State License Board. A $25,000 contractor's bond must be on file for the owner, and applicants must take multiple exams testing their trade and legal knowledge.
- 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 experience effectively working with concrete.
- Reviews: Research a company’s reputation through real online reviews on popular sites such as Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A well-established concrete company should have a solid reputation for consistently completing jobs to a high standard. Check each testimonial for insights into how the company communicates with clients, sticks to schedules, and carries out their work duties.
- 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 provider 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 contractor hinges on factors like the project’s dimensions and intricacy, location, and concrete variety. Normal concrete cost is around $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with quotes from most concrete companies ranging from $110–$165 per cubic yard.*
The average cost for a full truckload of concrete for residential projects is between $1,025 and $1,395. Labor for new concrete runs $8–$18 per square foot. There will be additional costs for custom finishes like stamping or staining. You may also incur delivery fees for longer distances or weekend appointments.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.