Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and big renovations. We'll outline different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning removes grime, contaminants, dirt, and stains. It also prevents deterioration from trapped pollutants, extending the life span of your sidewalks and driveway. The right equipment can effectively clean concrete without weakening the surface. Companies use scrubbing, pressure washing, and chemicals to restore the original gloss and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for robust driveways and patios. Technicians must ensure 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 smoothing to get rid of trapped air and achieve a precise, even finish. Proficient concrete pouring for foundations, walkways, and driveways will protect your project for years to come.
Concrete Reinforcement
Reinforced concrete can better withstand environmental stressors and heavy loads. It's also at lower risk of cracking and deforming. 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 shield it from exposure to moisture, chemicals, and environmental damage. The sealant forms a barrier that prevents water intrusion and reduces damage from freeze-thaw cycles, sunlight exposure, and abrasion. Stronger concrete lasts longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your patio or pathway aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
Concrete companies have the expertise to assess damaged or deteriorating patios, driveways, and paths. This includes problems with cracking, eroding, and spalling. The most common causes of concrete issues in Maine are environmental factors, wear and tear, and improper initial construction. A crew can use epoxy injections, patching, resurfacing, or rebar replacement to extend the concrete's life span.
Choosing The Right Maine, IL Concrete Company
To select the right Maine 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 estimates include all material and labor costs. Achieving 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 primarily up to cities and counties. Before you sign a contract, we strongly recommend contacting the Maine 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: Next, ask each company for a print or online portfolio. The more projects a contractor has completed, the more experienced they'll be working with concrete, addressing issues, and getting jobs done in an efficient manner.
- Reviews: Check customer reviews on sites like Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and try to find information on how the company keeps clients updated on projects and schedules work.
- 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 offers 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 intricacy, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete is priced at an average of $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with most concrete companies charging between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
You might pay $1,025–$1,395 for a full truckload of concrete for large residential projects such as replacing a driveway. Pouring concrete costs $8–$18 per square foot, with additional charges for custom options like stamping or staining.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.