Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and large-scale renovations. We'll outline different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning tackles contaminants, grime, stains, and dirt. It also prevents deterioration from trapped pollutants, prolonging the life span of your sidewalks and driveway. Proper concrete cleaning requires the right equipment and knowledge to ensure effective results without compromising the surface’s structural integrity. Using surface scrubbing, pressure washing, and chemical treatments, professional concrete companies restore the original luster and color of your concrete.
Concrete Pouring
A meticulous pouring job is critical for your driveway or patio's health. Technicians on the job must ensure that the concrete reaches the desired strength, hardens evenly, and bonds correctly. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the perfect mix based on your job's size and South Bend's weather conditions. Shaking and smoothing techniques can help remove trapped air for a even surface.
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 shield it from moisture, chemicals, and weathering. The sealant forms a barrier that prevents water intrusion and contains damage from freeze-thaw cycles, sunlight exposure, and abrasion. Sealing doesn't just extend the life of the concrete. By boosting its structural integrity, it also reduces the need for expensive maintenance and protects its visual appeal for years to come.
Concrete Repair
Concrete companies have the expertise to assess deteriorating or damaged patios, driveways, and paths. This includes problems with spalling, cracking, and eroding. In South Bend, some usual suspects for concrete problems are environmental factors, subpar initial construction, or ordinary wear and tear. Technicians can use rebar replacement, epoxy injections, resurfacing, or patching to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right South Bend, IN Concrete Company
It’s crucial to consider key factors for a successful concrete project. They include the following:
- Cost: Price shouldn't be your sole determining factor. Instead, make an effort to find a team that achieves the right balance between price and good quality work. We suggest getting at least three different quotes from different companies to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: In Indiana, concrete company permits are primarily up to cities and counties. Before you sign a contract, we strongly recommend reaching out to the South Bend 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 different contractors about their experience and years in business. A long portfolio of projects is a sign that the team has extensive experience working with concrete, anticipates issues before they happen, and complete your job 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 manages their timelines for jobs.
- 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 shows a contractor's commitment to high standards and confidence in its own workmanship.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
Concrete project costs depend on various factors, including dimensions and difficulty, 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 for major residential jobs, like driveway replacement, typically costs around $1,025–$1,395. Labor for new concrete pours is $8–$18 per square foot. These rates are for plain concrete only. Custom finishes will increase the cost.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.