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 dirt, grime, stains, and contaminants to enhance aesthetic appeal. It can also extend your surfaces' life span by preventing deterioration from trapped pollutants. Concrete cleaning done right takes the right skill and equipment to cleanly remove stains without compromising durability. Companies use a combination of pressure washing, scrubbing, and chemical treatments to renew the original sheen and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for durable driveways and patios. Technicians must confirm 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 vibration and leveling to get rid of trapped air and achieve a precise, uniform finish. Proficient concrete pouring for driveways, foundations, and walkways will protect your project for the long term.
Concrete Reinforcement
Sometimes, workers will add steel bars and meshes within the concrete to protect it from deformation, cracks, 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 shield it from exposure to moisture, chemicals, and environmental damage. The sealant forms a barrier that prevents water intrusion and contains damage from sunlight exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and abrasion. Sealing will extend your investment's life, cutting down on maintenance time and costs.
Concrete Repair
Specialized solutions can make damaged or deteriorating concrete beautiful and functional again. Concrete companies use precise tests and careful techniques to address spalling, structural compromise, erosion, and cracks. In Oakland, some usual suspects for concrete problems are environmental factors, ordinary wear and tear, or subpar initial construction. Technicians can use rebar replacement, epoxy injections, resurfacing, or patching to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right Oakland, CA Concrete Company
Selecting the right concrete company in Oakland might seem daunting. However, considering these key elements will empower you to make the best decision possible.
- Cost: Price shouldn't be your sole determining factor. Instead, make an effort to find a team that strikes the right balance between price and good quality work. We suggest getting at least three different bids from different companies to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: To install or repair concrete in Oakland, 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 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 delivering consistent, quality work. Check each testimonial for insights into how the company communicates with clients, 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 offer 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 cost to hire a residential concrete company depends on the job's size, difficulty, location, and concrete type. Nationwide, concrete prices out at an average of $125 per cubic yard. Most concrete businesses charge between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
A full truckload of concrete for large residential projects, like driveway replacement, typically costs around $1,025–$1,395. Labor for new concrete pours 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.