Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies provide various services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We outline these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Removing contaminants, dirt, stains, and grime from concrete both improves its looks and prevents early deterioration. Concrete cleaning done right takes the right skill and equipment to cleanly remove stains without compromising durability. Companies use a combination of pressure washing, scrubbing, and chemical treatments to renew the original sheen and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Durable and functional driveways and patios begin with a proper pouring job. Professional concrete technicians must ensure the concrete sets evenly and appropriately, bonds 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 smoothing to get rid of trapped air and achieve a precise, uniform finish. Proficient concrete pouring for foundations, driveways, and walkways will protect your investment for the long term.
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 reduces damage from sunlight exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and abrasion. Stronger concrete lasts 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 paths, patios, and driveways. This includes problems with eroding, spalling, and cracking. The most common causes of concrete issues in Trenton are improper initial construction, wear and tear, and environmental factors. A crew can use epoxy injections, patching, resurfacing, or rebar replacement to extend the concrete's life span.
Choosing The Right Trenton, NJ Concrete Company
To select the right Trenton concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- Cost: Price shouldn't be your sole determining factor. Instead, make an effort to find a team that strikes the right balance between price and good quality work. We suggest getting at least three different bids from different companies to compare.
- 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: Evaluate a company’s years of experience in the industry and ask for a portfolio of completed projects. A long track record can signal experience efficiently working with concrete.
- Reviews: Research a company’s reputation through real online reviews on popular sites such as Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A well-established concrete company should have a solid reputation for delivering consistent, quality work. Check each testimonial for insights into how the company communicates with clients, sticks to schedules, and performs tasks.
- 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 offer strong warranties for materials and labor, putting faith in its own rigorous approach and attention to detail. Ask each company about warranty terms before you make your final decision, and look for hidden fine print.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The cost of working with a residential concrete contractor varies widely depending on a number of key factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the location, and the class of concrete used. Concrete per cubic yard averages around $125 nationwide, with most concrete businesses offering estimates ranging from $110–$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 laying 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.