Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and major renovations. We'll outline different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning services can tackle dirt, contaminants, grime, and stains from sidewalks and driveways. The process enhances the concrete's visual appeal, stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, and lengthens its life span. Concrete cleaning done right takes the right equipment and skill to cleanly remove stains without compromising durability. Companies use a combination of chemical treatments, scrubbing, and pressure washing 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 Athens' weather conditions. Vibration and leveling techniques can help remove air gaps for a consistent 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 coating or sealant to the concrete, forming a barrier that stops water. The coating also enhances the concrete's resistance to UV radiation, freeze-thaw cycles, and abrasion. 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
Specialized solutions can make damaged or deteriorating concrete beautiful and functional again. Concrete companies use precise tests and reliable techniques to address structural compromise, erosion, cracks, and spalling. Concrete troubles in Athens frequently stem from poor initial construction, typical wear and tear, or environmental factors. A concrete contractor can use solutions such as rebar replacement, patching, epoxy injections, or resurfacing to prolong the concrete’s life span and keep it up to safety standards.
Choosing The Right Athens, GA Concrete Company
Selecting the right concrete company in Athens might seem daunting. However, considering these key elements will empower you to make the best decision possible.
- Cost: Despite the fact that it's crucial to consider pricing, you shouldn't rely on it alone. Instead, make an effort 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: In Athens, concrete companies must be licensed with the Georgia Secretary of State. Applicants must meet minimum experience requirements and pass a trade exam to show their business and trade expertise.
- Portfolio: Next, ask each company for a digital or print portfolio. The more projects a contractor has completed, the more experienced they'll be working with concrete, resolving 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 communicates with clients, sticks to schedules, 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: A reputable concrete contractor stands behind its work with warranties. Ask about what coverage it provides for both materials and labor. A robust combo warranty shows the company believes in its workmanship, offering you greater peace of mind.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The cost to hire a residential concrete contractor depends on the job's size, complexity, location, and concrete type. Nationwide, concrete averages $125 per cubic yard. Most concrete companies charge 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.