Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies provide a variety of services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We describe these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning services can tackle contaminants, stains, dirt, and grime from sidewalks and driveways. The process enhances the concrete's visual appeal, stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, and extends its life span. Effective concrete cleaning requires specialized tools and knowledge to get good results without harming the surface. Concrete companies use pressure washing, scrubbing, and chemicals to bring back the original shine and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for long-lasting driveways and patios. Technicians must make sure 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 shaking and smoothing to get rid of trapped air and achieve a precise, smooth surface. Proficient concrete pouring for foundations, driveways, and walkways will protect your project for years to come.
Concrete Reinforcement
Concrete reinforcement uses steel bars or mesh within the mixture to withstand external forces, such as tension and compression. This in turn reduces the risk of structural failure, and helps the concrete bear heavy loads or environmental stress.
Concrete Sealing
Technicians can coat concrete surfaces with sealant to protect it from exposure to moisture, chemicals, and environmental damage. The sealant forms a barrier that prevents water intrusion and contains damage from abrasion, freeze-thaw cycles, and sunlight exposure. Sealing doesn't just extend the life of the concrete. By boosting its structural integrity, it also reduces the need for expensive maintenance and protects its visual appeal for years to come.
Concrete Repair
Specialized methods can make damaged or deteriorating concrete beautiful and functional again. Concrete companies use precise tests and careful techniques to address erosion, spalling, structural compromise, and cracks. Concrete troubles in El Cajon frequently stem from typical wear and tear, poor initial construction, or environmental factors. A concrete contractor can use solutions such as rebar replacement, resurfacing, patching, or epoxy injections to prolong the concrete’s life span and keep it up to safety standards.
Choosing The Right El Cajon, CA Concrete Company
To select the right El Cajon concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- Cost: Even though it's crucial to consider pricing, you shouldn't rely on it alone. Instead, make an effort to find a team that strikes the right balance between price and quality work. We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three companies to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: To install or repair concrete in El Cajon, 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 extensive experience effectively working with concrete.
- Reviews: Check customer reviews on sites like Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and try to find information on how the company communicates project status with customers and schedules work.
- 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 cost of contracting with a residential concrete contractor can differ significantly depending on a number of key factors, including the size and difficulty of the project, the location, and the type of concrete used. Concrete per cubic yard typically costs about $125 nationwide, with most concrete contractors quoting prices between $110–$165 per cubic yard.*
For big residential jobs, such as replacing a concrete driveway, a full truckload of concrete may cost $1,025–$1,395. Pouring the concrete runs $8–$18 per square foot. Remember, that's just for basic concrete without decorative options, like stamping or staining, which add to the cost. Extra fees may apply for longer distances.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.