Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies provide a variety of services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We describe these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Removing dirt, grime, stains, and contaminants from concrete both enhances its looks and prevents early deterioration. Concrete cleaning companies have the tools and expertise needed to clean surfaces while maintaining structural stability. They combine scrubbing, chemical applications, and pressure washing to restore the original appearance of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
A meticulous pouring job is critical for your driveway or patio's health. Technicians on the job must confirm that the concrete reaches the desired strength, hardens evenly, and bonds correctly. 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, smooth finish. Proficient concrete pouring for driveways, walkways, and foundations 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 cracks, deformation, and structural failure. The most common way to reinforce concrete is for your installer to add meshes or steel bars to the poured concrete.
Concrete Sealing
Technicians can coat concrete surfaces with sealant to protect it from moisture, chemicals, and weathering. The sealant forms a barrier that prevents water intrusion and contains damage from sunlight exposure, abrasion, and freeze-thaw cycles. Sealing will extend your investment's life, reducing maintenance time and expenses.
Concrete Repair
Specialized techniques can make damaged or deteriorating concrete beautiful and functional again. Concrete companies use precise tests and careful techniques to address cracks, structural compromise, erosion, and spalling. In St. Paul, some usual suspects for concrete problems are environmental factors, subpar initial construction, or ordinary wear and tear. Technicians can use patching, resurfacing, epoxy injections, or rebar replacement to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right St. Paul, MN 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 include 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: 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: Evaluate a company’s years of experience in the industry and ask for a portfolio of completed projects. A long track record can signal vast experience successfully working with concrete.
- 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 schedules work.
- 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 provide strong warranties for materials and labor, putting faith in its own rigorous approach and attention to detail. Ask each provider 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 scale and complexity, 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.*
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.