Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and major renovations. We'll explain different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning can tackle dirt, stains, grime, and contaminants to enhance aesthetic appeal. It can also lengthen your surfaces' life span by preventing deterioration from trapped pollutants. Concrete cleaning companies have the expertise and tools needed to clean surfaces while maintaining structural stability. They combine pressure washing, scrubbing, and chemical applications to restore the original appearance of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for robust driveways and patios. Technicians must confirm that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the ideal mix based on your job's size and Santa Monica's weather conditions. Vibration and leveling techniques can help remove air gaps for a uniform finish.
Concrete Reinforcement
Concrete reinforcement uses steel mesh or bars within the mixture to resist external forces, such as compression and tension. This in turn reduces the risk of deforming or cracking, and helps the concrete bear heavy loads or environmental stress.
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 abrasion, UV radiation, and freeze-thaw cycles. Expert application is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and proper adhesion. Stronger concrete lasts longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your investment aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
Concrete companies have the expertise to assess deteriorating or damaged patios, paths, and driveways. This includes problems with cracking, spalling, and eroding. The most common causes of concrete issues in Santa Monica are environmental factors, improper initial construction, and wear and tear. A crew can use epoxy injections, patching, resurfacing, or rebar replacement to extend the concrete's life span.
Choosing The Right Santa Monica, CA Concrete Company
To select the right Santa Monica 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 companies to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: To install or repair concrete in Santa Monica, 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 experience effectively working with concrete.
- Reviews: Check customer reviews on sites like Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 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: 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 provider 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 contractor depends on the job's dimensions, difficulty, location, and concrete type. Nationwide, concrete averages $125 per cubic yard. Most concrete businesses charge between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
A full truckload of concrete for major residential jobs, like driveway replacement, typically costs around $1,025–$1,395. Labor for new concrete installations 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.