Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies provide a variety of services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We outline these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Removing stains, grime, dirt, and contaminants from concrete both improves its looks and prevents early deterioration. Effective concrete cleaning requires specialized knowledge and tools to get good results without harming the surface. Concrete companies use chemicals, scrubbing, and pressure washing to bring back the original shine 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, sticks correctly, and gets to the desired strength. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the optimal mix based on your job's size and San Marcos' weather conditions. Vibration and smoothing techniques can help remove air gaps for a even surface.
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 damage by moisture, chemicals, and weathering. Technicians apply a protective sealant or coating to the concrete, forming a barrier that stops water. The coating also enhances the concrete's resistance to abrasion, freeze-thaw cycles, and UV radiation. Expert application is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and proper adhesion. Sealing will extend your investment's life, reducing maintenance time and costs.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures erode, crack, or spall, the fix will demand a careful assessment and tailored solutions. Concrete companies can solve these problems and more to protect your driveway, patio, or pathway's integrity and beauty. Concrete troubles in San Marcos frequently stem from environmental factors, typical wear and tear, or poor initial construction. A concrete contractor can use solutions such as patching, epoxy injections, resurfacing, or rebar replacement to prolong the concrete’s life span and keep it up to safety standards.
Choosing The Right San Marcos, CA Concrete Company
To select the right San Marcos concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- 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 estimates from different companies to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: To install or repair concrete in San Marcos, 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 a great deal of experience working with concrete, anticipates issues before they happen, and complete your job efficiently.
- Reviews: Research each company's online reputation. Reviews on Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) 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 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 look for hidden fine print.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The cost of hiring a residential concrete contractor varies widely depending on various crucial factors, including the size and intricacy of the project, the location, and the class of concrete used. Concrete per cubic yard is priced at an average of $125 nationwide, with most concrete businesses charging anywhere 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 laying concrete range from $8–$18 per square foot of the project. It's important to note these costs are for plain concrete. Custom 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.