Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies offer various services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We outline these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning tackles stains, dirt, grime, and contaminants. It also prevents deterioration from trapped pollutants, prolonging the life span of your sidewalks and driveway. Proper concrete cleaning requires specialized knowledge and equipment to ensure effective results without compromising the surface’s structural integrity. Using surface scrubbing, pressure washing, and chemical treatments, professional concrete companies restore the original luster and color of your 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, bonds correctly, and gets to the desired strength. 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 smoothing to get rid of trapped air and achieve a precise, uniform surface. Proficient concrete pouring for driveways, walkways, and foundations will protect your project for the long term.
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 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 sealant or coating to the concrete, forming a barrier that prevents water intrusion. The coating also enhances the concrete's resistance to UV radiation, freeze-thaw cycles, and abrasion. Expert application is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and proper adhesion. 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
Concrete companies have the expertise to assess deteriorating or damaged patios, driveways, and paths. This includes problems with cracking, eroding, and spalling. The most common causes of concrete issues in Irvine 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 Irvine, CA Concrete Company
Selecting the right concrete company in Irvine might seem daunting. However, considering these key elements will empower you to make the best decision possible.
- 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 contractors to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: To install or repair concrete in Irvine, 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 vast 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 interacts 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: 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 beware of hidden fine print.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The amount you’ll pay a residential concrete company is determined by factors like the project’s dimensions and difficulty, location, and concrete variety. Average concrete cost is around $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with quotes from most concrete businesses ranging from $110–$165 per cubic yard.*
A full truckload of concrete can cost about $1,025–$1,395 for larger residential projects, such as a driveway replacement. Labor costs for pouring concrete range from $8–$18 per square foot of the project. It's important to note these costs are for plain concrete. Decorative concrete options such as stamping, staining, and special finishes will add to the concrete project’s cost. There may be extra fees for long-distance delivery.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.