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
Removing contaminants, dirt, grime, and stains from concrete both improves its looks and prevents early deterioration. Concrete cleaning companies have the expertise and tools needed to clean surfaces while maintaining structural stability. They combine scrubbing, pressure washing, and chemical applications to restore the original appearance of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Durable and functional driveways and patios begin with a proper pouring job. Experienced concrete technicians must ensure the concrete sets evenly and appropriately, adheres correctly, and gets to the desired strength. 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 leveling to get rid of trapped air and achieve a precise, even surface. Proficient concrete pouring for driveways, foundations, and walkways will protect your investment for the long term.
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 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 abrasion, freeze-thaw cycles, and UV radiation. Expert application is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and proper adhesion. Stronger concrete lasts longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your investment aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures crack, erode, or spall, 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. Concrete troubles in Duluth frequently stem from typical wear and tear, poor initial construction, or environmental factors. A concrete contractor can use solutions such as resurfacing, patching, epoxy injections, or rebar replacement to prolong the concrete’s life span and keep it up to safety standards.
Choosing The Right Duluth, MN Concrete Company
Selecting the right concrete company in Duluth might seem daunting. However, considering these key elements will empower you to make the best decision possible.
- Cost: While it's crucial to consider pricing, you shouldn't rely on it alone. Instead, try to find a team that achieves the right balance between price and quality work. We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three contractors to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: In Minnesota, a concrete contractor license is not required at the state level if that's all a company does. Businesses offering more than one "special skill," like concrete and excavation, might need to be licensed residential contractors with the Department of Labor and Industry if they exceed income thresholds.
- 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 in an efficient manner.
- Reviews: Research each company's online reputation. Reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews can tell you more about how each company corresponds 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: Ask each contractor about the warranties it offers for materials and labor. An extensive combined warranty can signal a company has high standards and confidence in its own workmanship.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The amount you’ll pay a residential concrete contractor depends on variables like the project’s size and difficulty, location, and concrete variety. Average concrete cost is around $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with quotes from most concrete companies ranging from $110–$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.