Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and big renovations. We'll explain different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning services can tackle grime, dirt, stains, and contaminants from sidewalks and driveways. The process enhances the concrete's visual appeal, stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, and extends its life span. Concrete cleaning done right takes the right skill and equipment to cleanly remove stains without compromising durability. Companies use a combination of pressure washing, chemical treatments, and scrubbing to renew the original sheen and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for durable driveways and patios. Technicians must make sure that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the optimal mix based on your job's size and San Mateo's weather conditions. Vibration and smoothing techniques can help remove air gaps for a uniform finish.
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
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 stops water. The coating also enhances the concrete's resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, and UV radiation. Expert application is crucial to ensure even coverage and proper adhesion. Stronger concrete lasts longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your investment aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures crack, erode, 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. In San Mateo, some usual suspects for concrete problems are environmental factors, ordinary wear and tear, or subpar initial construction. Technicians can use epoxy injections, resurfacing, patching, or rebar replacement to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right San Mateo, CA Concrete Company
To select the right San Mateo 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, try 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 San Mateo, 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 each company for a print or digital portfolio. The more projects a contractor has completed, the more skilled they'll be working with concrete, addressing issues, and getting jobs done in an efficient manner.
- Reviews: Check customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews, 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 signal a company has high standards and confidence in its own workmanship.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The amount you’ll pay a residential concrete contractor is determined by factors like the project’s size and difficulty, location, and concrete variety. Typical 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. 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.