Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies offer a variety of services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We describe these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning removes contaminants, stains, dirt, and grime. It also stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, prolonging 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 chemical applications, scrubbing, and pressure washing to restore the original appearance of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Durable and functional driveways and patios begin with a proper pouring job. Skilled concrete technicians must ensure the concrete sets evenly and appropriately, adheres correctly, and gets to the desired strength. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the optimal mix based on your job's size and Farmington Hills' weather conditions. Vibration and smoothing techniques can help remove voids for a uniform finish.
Concrete Reinforcement
Concrete reinforcement uses steel bars or mesh within the mixture to resist external forces, such as compression and tension. This in turn reduces the risk of structural failure, and helps the concrete bear heavy loads or environmental stress.
Concrete Sealing
Concrete sealing safeguards surfaces from the detrimental effects of moisture, chemicals, and weathering. Technicians apply a protective sealant or coating to the concrete, forming a barrier that prevents water intrusion. The coating also enhances the concrete's resistance to UV radiation, freeze-thaw cycles, and abrasion. Expert application is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and proper adhesion. Stronger concrete endures longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your investment aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
Concrete companies have the expertise to assess damaged or deteriorating driveways, patios, and paths. This includes problems with eroding, cracking, and spalling. In Farmington Hills, some usual suspects for concrete problems are environmental factors, subpar initial construction, or ordinary wear and tear. Technicians can use patching, rebar replacement, epoxy injections, or resurfacing to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right Farmington Hills, MI Concrete Company
To select the right Farmington Hills concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- 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. Finding a balance between affordability and quality is essential to avoid potential hidden costs or compromised results.
- Licensing and insurance: Concrete companies in Farmington Hills 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 each company for a digital or print portfolio. The more projects a contractor has completed, the more experienced they'll be working with concrete, resolving issues, and getting jobs done efficiently.
- Reviews: Check customer reviews on sites like Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and try to find information on how the company communicates project status with customers 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 provides 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
The cost of working with a residential concrete contractor fluctuates depending on a number of key factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the location, and the grade of concrete used. Concrete per cubic yard averages around $125 nationwide, with most concrete companies offering estimates ranging from $110–$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. New 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.