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 removes dirt, contaminants, grime, and stains. It also prevents deterioration from trapped pollutants, extending the life span of your sidewalks and driveway. Proper concrete cleaning requires specialized knowledge and equipment to ensure effective results without compromising the surface’s structural integrity. Using chemical treatments, surface scrubbing, and pressure washing, professional concrete companies restore the original luster and color of your 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, attaches 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, uniform finish. Proficient concrete pouring for walkways, foundations, and driveways will protect your investment for the long term.
Concrete Reinforcement
Reinforced concrete can better withstand heavy loads and environmental stressors. 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
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 freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, and sunlight exposure. Stronger concrete endures longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your patio or pathway aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
Concrete companies have the expertise to assess deteriorating or damaged paths, patios, and driveways. This includes problems with eroding, spalling, and cracking. The most common causes of concrete issues in Columbia are improper initial construction, environmental factors, and wear and tear. A crew can use epoxy injections, patching, resurfacing, or rebar replacement to extend the concrete's life span.
Choosing The Right Columbia, MO Concrete Company
To select the right Columbia concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- Cost: Despite the fact that it's crucial to consider pricing, you shouldn't rely on it alone. Instead, try to find a team that strikes the right balance between price and quality work. We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three companies to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: In Missouri, concrete company certifications are largely up to cities and counties. Before you sign a contract, we strongly recommend getting in touch with the Columbia building office to learn more about local regulations. You should also ask each company about its liability insurance policy, which can protect you if a mishap arises.
- Portfolio: Next, ask each company for an online or print portfolio. The more projects a contractor has completed, the more knowledgeable they'll be working with concrete, solving issues, and getting jobs done efficiently.
- Reviews: Research each company's online reputation. Reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews can tell you more about how each contractor corresponds with clients and addresses 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 reputable concrete contractor stands behind its work with warranties. Ask about what coverage it provides for both labor and materials. A robust combo warranty shows the company believes in its workmanship, offering you greater peace of mind.
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. Custom finishes will increase the cost.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.