Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies offer a variety of services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We describe these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning removes contaminants, dirt, grime, and stains. It also stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, lengthening the life span of your sidewalks and driveway. Concrete cleaning done right takes the right equipment and skill to cleanly remove stains without compromising durability. Companies use a combination of chemical treatments, pressure washing, and scrubbing to renew the original sheen and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Durable and functional driveways and patios begin with a proper pouring job. Skilled 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 shaking and leveling to get rid of trapped air and achieve a precise, uniform surface. Proficient concrete pouring for foundations, walkways, and driveways will protect your investment for years to come.
Concrete Reinforcement
Sometimes, workers will add steel bars and meshes within the concrete to protect it from cracks, deforming, and structural failure. The steel reinforcement can also help the concrete withstand heavy loads and environmental stressors.
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 reduces damage from freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, and sunlight exposure. 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 patios, driveways, and paths. This includes problems with eroding, cracking, and spalling. Concrete troubles in Merced frequently stem from poor initial construction, typical wear and tear, or environmental factors. A concrete contractor can use solutions such as patching, resurfacing, epoxy injections, or rebar replacement to prolong the concrete’s life span and keep it up to safety standards.
Choosing The Right Merced, CA Concrete Company
It’s crucial to consider key factors for a successful concrete project. They include the following:
- 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 estimates account for 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: To install or repair concrete in Merced, 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: 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 manage your job efficiently.
- Reviews: Research each company's online reputation. Reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews can tell you more about how each company corresponds 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 reputable concrete company stands behind its work with warranties. Ask about what coverage it offers for both materials and labor. A robust combo warranty has high expectations for itself, offering you greater peace of mind.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
Concrete project costs depend on various factors, including scale and difficulty, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete averages $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with most concrete companies charging between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
You might pay $1,025–$1,395 for a full truckload of concrete for large residential projects such as replacing a driveway. Pouring concrete costs $8–$18 per square foot, with additional charges for decorative options like stamping or staining.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.