Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies offer various services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We outline these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning can tackle dirt, contaminants, stains, and grime, putting a stop to damage from trapped pollutants and enhancing appearance. Concrete cleaning done right takes the right skill and equipment to cleanly remove stains without compromising durability. Companies use a combination of scrubbing, pressure washing, and chemical treatments to renew the original sheen and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for durable 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 air pockets and achieve a precise, smooth finish. Proficient concrete pouring for walkways, foundations, and driveways will protect your project for years to come.
Concrete Reinforcement
Reinforced concrete can better withstand environmental stressors and heavy loads. It's also at lower risk of cracking and deforming. The most common way to reinforce concrete is for your installer to add meshes or steel bars to the poured concrete.
Concrete Sealing
Applying a protective sealant or coating to concrete adds protection against chemicals, freeze-thaw cycles, UV radiation, moisture, and abrasion. An even application will help the coating adhere properly and work to its full potential. Stronger concrete endures longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your investment aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures erode, spall, 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 Ann Arbor, some usual suspects for concrete problems are environmental factors, subpar initial construction, or ordinary wear and tear. Technicians can use resurfacing, epoxy injections, rebar replacement, or patching to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right Ann Arbor, MI Concrete Company
Selecting the right concrete company in Ann Arbor might seem daunting. However, considering these key elements will empower you to make the best decision possible.
- Cost: Cost is a crucial consideration, but it also shouldn't be the only one you make. We suggest getting at least three detailed estimates from different concrete companies. You should ensure the estimates encompass all material and labor costs. Achieving a balance between affordability and quality is essential to avoid potential hidden costs or compromised results.
- Licensing and insurance: Concrete companies in Ann Arbor need a residential maintenance & alteration contractor trade license from Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Each licensee will have taken the same pre-application coursework and passed the same 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 extensive experience working with concrete, anticipates issues before they happen, and complete your job efficiently.
- Reviews: Check customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews, 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: 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 dimensions and complexity, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete typically costs $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with most concrete companies charging between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
A full truckload of concrete for large residential projects, like driveway replacement, typically costs around $1,025–$1,395. Labor for new concrete installations is $8–$18 per square foot. These rates are for plain concrete only. Stamping, staining, and decorative finishes will increase the cost.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.