Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and big renovations. We'll explain different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning can tackle grime, stains, contaminants, and dirt, preventing damage from trapped pollutants and improving appearance. Effective concrete cleaning requires specialized tools and knowledge to get good results without harming the surface. Concrete companies use scrubbing, chemicals, and pressure washing to bring back the original shine and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for long-lasting driveways and patios. Technicians must ensure that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Technicians will calculate the optimal concrete blend based on the project's size and Downers Grove's current weather. They'll use various techniques, including vibration and leveling, to remove voids and achieve a consistent finish.
Concrete Reinforcement
Concrete reinforcement uses steel mesh or bars within the mixture to withstand external forces, such as compression and tension. This in turn reduces the risk of cracking and deforming, and helps the concrete bear environmental stress and heavy loads.
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. Stronger concrete endures longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your patio or pathway aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
Specialized solutions can make damaged or deteriorating concrete beautiful and functional again. Concrete companies use precise tests and careful techniques to address spalling, structural compromise, erosion, and cracks. Concrete troubles in Downers Grove frequently stem from environmental factors, typical wear and tear, or poor initial construction. A concrete contractor can use solutions such as patching, resurfacing, epoxy injections, or rebar replacement to prolong the concrete’s life span and keep it up to safety standards.
Choosing The Right Downers Grove, IL Concrete Company
Selecting the right concrete company in Downers Grove 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 contractors to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: In Illinois, concrete company certifications are largely up to cities and counties. Before you sign a contract, we strongly recommend getting in touch with the Downers Grove building office to learn more about local regulations. You should also ask each company about its liability insurance coverage, 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: 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: 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 complexity, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete typically costs $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with most concrete businesses 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. 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.