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 dirt, stains, grime, and contaminants. It also prevents deterioration from trapped pollutants, extending the life span of your sidewalks and driveway. Concrete cleaning companies have the expertise and tools needed to clean surfaces while maintaining structural stability. They combine pressure washing, scrubbing, and chemical applications to restore the original appearance of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for long-lasting driveways and patios. Technicians must verify that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the perfect mix based on your job's size and Baltimore's weather conditions. Vibration and smoothing techniques can help remove trapped air for a consistent surface.
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 endure heavy loads and environmental stressors.
Concrete Sealing
Concrete sealing safeguards surfaces from damage by 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, freeze-thaw cycles, and UV radiation. Expert application is crucial to ensure even coverage and proper adhesion. Stronger concrete endures longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your patio or pathway aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
Specialized methods can make deteriorating or damaged concrete beautiful and functional again. Concrete companies use precise tests and reliable techniques to address erosion, structural compromise, cracks, and spalling. The most common causes of concrete issues in Baltimore are improper initial construction, wear and tear, and environmental factors. A crew can use epoxy injections, patching, resurfacing, or rebar replacement to extend the concrete's life span.
Choosing The Right Baltimore, MD 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 strikes the right balance between price and good quality work. We suggest getting at least three different bids from different companies to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: In Maryland, concrete companies must be licensed home improvement contractors with the state Department of Labor. They must have at least two years of experience or education and at least $50,000 in liability insurance.
- 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 experience successfully working with concrete.
- Reviews: Research each company's online reputation. Reviews on Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can tell you more about how each contractor interacts with clients and reacts to 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 reputable concrete contractor stands behind its work with warranties. Ask about what coverage it offers for both materials and labor. A robust combo warranty shows a company is confident in its work, offering you greater peace of mind.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
Hiring a residential concrete contractor is priced at varying amounts depending on the job's dimensions and difficulty, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete costs around $125 per cubic yard nationwide. Most concrete companies quote between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
For big residential jobs, such as replacing a concrete driveway, a full truckload of concrete may cost $1,025–$1,395. Pouring the concrete runs $8–$18 per square foot. Remember, that's just for basic concrete without custom options, like stamping or staining, which add to the cost. Extra fees may apply for longer distances.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.