Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies provide a variety of services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We describe these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Removing contaminants, grime, stains, and dirt from concrete both improves its looks and prevents early deterioration. Effective concrete cleaning requires specialized tools and knowledge to get good results without harming the surface. Concrete companies use chemicals, scrubbing, and pressure washing to bring back the original shine and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for durable driveways and patios. Technicians must confirm that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Technicians will calculate the ideal concrete blend based on the project's size and Lafayette's current weather. They'll use various techniques, including vibration and leveling, to remove trapped air and achieve a consistent finish.
Concrete Reinforcement
Sometimes, workers will add steel bars and meshes within the concrete to protect it from deformation, cracks, and structural failure. The steel reinforcement can also help the concrete withstand heavy loads and environmental stressors.
Concrete Sealing
Concrete sealing safeguards surfaces from the detrimental effects of moisture, chemicals, and weathering. Technicians apply a protective coating or sealant to the concrete, forming a barrier that stops water. The coating also enhances the concrete's resistance to abrasion, UV radiation, and freeze-thaw cycles. Expert application is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and proper adhesion. Sealing will extend your investment's life, cutting down on maintenance time and costs.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures spall, erode, or crack, 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 Lafayette, some usual suspects for concrete problems are ordinary wear and tear, environmental factors, or subpar initial construction. Technicians can use resurfacing, rebar replacement, patching, or epoxy injections to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right Lafayette, LA Concrete Company
To select the right Lafayette concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- 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 achieves the right balance between price and quality work. We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three companies to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: Contractors in Lafayette must have a residential license from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors to pour and repair concrete. Each applicant must have a minimum net worth and pass exams showing their trade and business skills.
- Portfolio: Next, ask each company for a print or digital portfolio. The more projects a contractor has completed, the more knowledgeable they'll be working with concrete, addressing issues, and getting jobs done efficiently.
- 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: A reputable concrete company stands behind its work with warranties. Ask about what coverage it offers for both labor and materials. A robust combo warranty shows the company believes in its workmanship, offering you greater peace of mind.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
Hiring a residential concrete company is priced at varying amounts depending on the job's dimensions and intricacy, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete averages 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.