Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and major renovations. We'll outline different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning removes grime, dirt, contaminants, and stains. It also stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, lengthening the life span of your sidewalks and driveway. Concrete cleaning done right takes the right equipment and skill to cleanly remove stains without compromising durability. Companies use a combination of chemical treatments, pressure washing, and scrubbing to renew the original sheen and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for robust driveways and patios. Technicians must verify 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 shaking and smoothing to get rid of trapped air and achieve a precise, uniform surface. Proficient concrete pouring for driveways, foundations, and walkways will protect your investment for years to come.
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
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, abrasion, and sunlight exposure. Stronger concrete lasts 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 careful techniques to address cracks, erosion, structural compromise, and spalling. Concrete troubles in Cambridge frequently stem from poor initial construction, environmental factors, or typical wear and tear. A concrete contractor can use solutions such as epoxy injections, patching, rebar replacement, or resurfacing to prolong the concrete’s life span and keep it up to safety standards.
Choosing The Right Cambridge, MA Concrete Company
It’s crucial to consider key factors for a successful concrete project. They include the following:
- Cost: Cost is a crucial consideration, but it also shouldn't be the only one you make. We recommend getting at least three detailed estimates from different concrete companies. You should make sure the estimates account for all material and labor costs. Striking a balance between affordability and quality is essential to avoid potential hidden costs or compromised results.
- Licensing and insurance: To pour and repair concrete in Cambridge, including foundations, a company needs a construction supervisor license from the Massachusetts Division of Occupational License. Applicants must have at least three years of experience and pass an exam.
- 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 complete your job in an efficient manner.
- 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 quality concrete contractor will offer 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
Concrete project costs depend on various factors, including size and difficulty, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete averages $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with most concrete businesses 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 decorative options like stamping or staining.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.