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
Removing contaminants, grime, dirt, and stains from concrete both enhances its looks and prevents early deterioration. 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
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. 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 air pockets and achieve a precise, uniform finish. Proficient concrete pouring for walkways, foundations, and driveways will protect your project for the long term.
Concrete Reinforcement
Concrete reinforcement uses steel mesh or bars within the mixture to resist 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 contains damage from freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, and sunlight exposure. Sealing will extend your investment's life, cutting down on maintenance time and expenses.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures spall, crack, or erode, 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. Concrete troubles in Fort Wayne frequently stem from typical wear and tear, environmental factors, or poor initial construction. 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 Fort Wayne, IN Concrete Company
Selecting the right concrete company in Fort Wayne might seem daunting. However, considering these key elements will empower you to make the best decision possible.
- Cost: Even though it's crucial to consider pricing, you shouldn't rely on it alone. Instead, try 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 Indiana, concrete company certifications are largely up to cities and counties. Before you sign a contract, we strongly recommend contacting the Fort Wayne building office to learn more about local regulations. You should also ask each company about its general liability insurance, which can protect you if a mishap arises.
- Portfolio: Next, ask different contractors about their experience and years in business. A long portfolio of projects is a sign that the team has a great deal of experience working with concrete, anticipates issues before they happen, and can handle your job efficiently.
- 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 corresponds with clients and addresses 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 company about warranty terms before you make your final decision, and look for hidden fine print.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
Hiring a residential concrete contractor runs varying amounts depending on the job's size and complexity, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete costs around $125 per cubic yard nationwide. Most concrete contractors quote 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.