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
Concrete cleaning helps get rid of grime, dirt, contaminants, and stains, putting a stop to damage from trapped pollutants and improving appearance. The right equipment can effectively clean concrete without weakening the surface. Companies use chemicals, scrubbing, and pressure washing 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 verify 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 air pockets and achieve a precise, uniform surface. Proficient concrete pouring for foundations, driveways, and walkways will protect your project 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 steel bars or meshes to the poured concrete.
Concrete Sealing
Technicians can coat concrete surfaces with sealant to protect it from exposure to moisture, chemicals, and environmental damage. The sealant forms a barrier that prevents water intrusion and contains damage from abrasion, freeze-thaw cycles, and sunlight exposure. Sealing will extend your investment's life, cutting down on maintenance time and expenses.
Concrete Repair
Concrete companies have the expertise to assess damaged or deteriorating patios, paths, and driveways. This includes problems with spalling, eroding, and cracking. The most common causes of concrete issues in Cary 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 Cary, NC Concrete Company
To select the right Cary concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- Cost: While 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 North Carolina, concrete companies must hold a building contractor license from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. Applicants must pass an exam, show good moral character, and demonstrate they are financially responsible.
- Portfolio: Next, ask each company for a digital or print portfolio. The more projects a contractor has completed, the more skilled they'll be working with concrete, fixing issues, and getting jobs done in an efficient manner.
- 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 manages their timelines for jobs.
- 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 shows a contractor's commitment to high standards and confidence in its own workmanship.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
Concrete project costs depend on various factors, including scale and complexity, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete typically costs $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with most concrete contractors 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 pours is $8–$18 per square foot. These rates are for plain concrete only. Stamping, staining, and decorative finishes will increase the cost.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.