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 can tackle grime, stains, dirt, and contaminants, preventing damage from trapped pollutants and enhancing appearance. Concrete cleaning done right takes the right skill and equipment 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 long-lasting driveways and patios. Technicians must make sure that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Expert technicians carefully calculate the right concrete mix by considering the project’s spatial requirements and environmental conditions. They pour the concrete using techniques like vibration and leveling to get rid of air pockets and achieve a precise, uniform surface. Proficient concrete pouring for foundations, walkways, and driveways will protect your project for years to come.
Concrete Reinforcement
Sometimes, workers will add steel bars and meshes within the concrete to protect it from cracks, deforming, and structural failure. The steel reinforcement can also help the concrete endure heavy loads and environmental stressors.
Concrete Sealing
Applying a protective sealant or coating to concrete adds protection against chemicals, abrasion, UV radiation, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles. An even application will help the coating adhere properly and work to its full potential. Sealing doesn't just extend the life of the concrete. By boosting its structural integrity, it also reduces the need for costly maintenance and protects its visual appeal for years to come.
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 Chicago, some usual suspects for concrete problems are environmental factors, ordinary wear and tear, or subpar initial construction. Technicians can use epoxy injections, rebar replacement, resurfacing, or patching to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right Chicago, IL Concrete Company
To select the right Chicago 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 recommend getting at least three detailed quotes from different concrete companies. You should make sure the estimates encompass 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 Illinois, concrete company permits are largely up to cities and counties. Before you sign a contract, we strongly recommend reaching out to the Chicago building office to learn more about local regulations. You should also ask each company about its liability insurance policy, 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 experience efficiently working with concrete.
- Reviews: Research each company's online reputation. Reviews on Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can tell you more about how each company interacts with clients and reacts to complaints.
- 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 business depends on the job's dimensions, difficulty, location, and concrete type. Nationwide, concrete typically costs around $125 per cubic yard. Most concrete companies charge between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
A full truckload of concrete for large residential projects, like driveway replacement, typically costs around $1,025–$1,395. Labor for pouring is $8–$18 per square foot. These rates are for plain concrete only. Stamping, staining, and decorative finishes will increase the cost.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.