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 tackles stains, grime, contaminants, and dirt. It also prevents deterioration from trapped pollutants, extending the life span of your sidewalks and driveway. Concrete cleaning done right takes the right equipment and skill to cleanly remove stains without compromising durability. Companies use a combination of chemical treatments, pressure washing, and scrubbing to renew the original sheen and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
A meticulous pouring job is critical for your driveway or patio's health. Workers on the job must confirm that the concrete reaches the desired strength, hardens evenly, and bonds correctly. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the ideal mix based on your job's size and Norwalk's weather conditions. Vibration and smoothing techniques can help remove trapped air for a even surface.
Concrete Reinforcement
Reinforced concrete can better withstand heavy loads and environmental stressors. 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
Applying a protective sealant or coating to concrete adds protection against moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, UV radiation, and chemicals. An even application will help the coating adhere properly and work to its full potential. Sealing will extend your investment's life, lowering maintenance time and costs.
Concrete Repair
Specialized solutions can make deteriorating or damaged concrete beautiful and functional again. Concrete companies use precise tests and careful techniques to address cracks, spalling, structural compromise, and erosion. In Norwalk, some usual suspects for concrete problems are environmental factors, subpar initial construction, or ordinary wear and tear. Technicians can use rebar replacement, patching, resurfacing, or epoxy injections to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right Norwalk, CT Concrete Company
Selecting the right concrete company in Norwalk might seem daunting. However, considering these key elements will empower you to make the best decision possible.
- Cost: Cost is a crucial consideration, but it also shouldn't be the only one you make. We suggest getting at least three detailed quotes from different concrete companies. You should ensure the quotes account for all material and labor costs. Finding a balance between affordability and quality is essential to avoid potential hidden costs or compromised results.
- Licensing and insurance: In Connecticut, concrete companies must register as home improvement contractors with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. As of 2022, each contractor must also hold at least $20,000 of liability insurance to protect both you and their team.
- Portfolio: Next, ask each company for a print or online 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: Research a company’s reputation through real online reviews on popular sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews. A well-established concrete company should have a solid reputation for consistently completing jobs to a high standard. Check each testimonial for insights into how the company keeps customers informed, manages timing, and carries out their work duties.
- 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
Concrete project costs depend on various factors, including size and difficulty, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete typically costs $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with most concrete companies charging between $110 and $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. Decorative 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.