Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and large-scale renovations. We'll outline different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning services remove grime, contaminants, stains, and dirt 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 scrubbing, pressure washing, and chemical treatments to renew the original sheen and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for robust driveways and patios. Technicians must verify that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the perfect mix based on your job's size and Fort Collins' weather conditions. Shaking and leveling techniques can help remove trapped air for a uniform finish.
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
Technicians can coat concrete surfaces with sealant to protect it from moisture, chemicals, and weathering. The sealant forms a barrier that prevents water intrusion and reduces damage from sunlight exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and abrasion. Sealing will extend your investment's life, lowering maintenance time and costs.
Concrete Repair
Concrete companies have the expertise to assess damaged or deteriorating patios, driveways, and paths. This includes problems with spalling, cracking, and eroding. The most common causes of concrete issues in Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, CO Concrete Company
To select the right Fort Collins concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- Cost: Cost is a crucial consideration, but it also shouldn't be the only one you make. We suggest getting at least three detailed estimates from different concrete companies. You should make sure the quotes include all material and labor costs. Striking a balance between affordability and quality is essential to avoid potential hidden costs or compromised results.
- Licensing and insurance: In Colorado, concrete company licensing are primarily up to cities and counties. Before you sign a contract, we strongly recommend reaching out to the Fort Collins building office to learn more about local regulations. You should also ask each company about its general liability insurance, which can protect you if a mishap arises.
- 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 successfully working with concrete.
- 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 manages their timelines for jobs.
- 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 beware of hidden fine print.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The cost of hiring a residential concrete company varies widely depending on a number of key factors, including the size and difficulty of the project, the location, and the type of concrete used. Concrete per cubic yard typically costs about $125 nationwide, with most concrete businesses quoting prices between $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.