Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies offer various services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We explain these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning removes contaminants, grime, stains, and dirt. It also stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, lengthening the life span of your sidewalks and driveway. The right equipment can effectively clean concrete without weakening the surface. Companies use chemicals, pressure washing, and scrubbing to restore the original gloss and color 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. Technicians will calculate the appropriate concrete blend based on Lakewood's weather conditions and the project's size. They'll use various techniques, including vibration and leveling, to remove trapped air and achieve 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 environmental stress and heavy loads.
Concrete Sealing
Applying a protective sealant or coating to concrete adds protection against UV radiation, abrasion, moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemicals. An even application will help the coating adhere properly and work to its full potential. Sealing will extend your investment's life, lowering maintenance time and expenses.
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 Lakewood, some usual suspects for concrete problems are subpar initial construction, ordinary wear and tear, or environmental factors. Technicians can use patching, rebar replacement, epoxy injections, or resurfacing to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right Lakewood, NJ 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 suggest getting at least three detailed estimates from different concrete companies. You should make sure the quotes include 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: In New Jersey, concrete companies generally need a home repair contractor license from the New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance. There are some exemptions based on a company's payment structure.
- Portfolio: Next, ask each company for a print or online 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: Research each company's online reputation. Reviews on Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can tell you more about how each contractor 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: A reputable concrete company stands behind its work with warranties. Ask about what coverage it provides for both labor and materials. A robust combo warranty has high quality standards, offering you greater peace of mind.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The cost to hire a residential concrete company depends on the job's size, difficulty, location, and concrete type. Nationwide, concrete prices out at an average of $125 per cubic yard. Most concrete businesses charge between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
A full truckload of concrete can cost about $1,025–$1,395 for larger residential projects, such as a driveway replacement. Labor costs for pouring concrete range from $8–$18 per square foot of the project. It's important to note these costs are for plain concrete. Decorative concrete options such as stamping, staining, and special finishes will add to the concrete project’s cost. There may be extra fees for long-distance delivery.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.