Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies offer a variety of services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We describe these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning can tackle dirt, stains, grime, and contaminants to enhance aesthetic appeal. It can also extend your surfaces' life span by stopping deterioration from trapped pollutants. Proper concrete cleaning requires the right equipment and knowledge to ensure effective results without compromising the surface’s structural integrity. Using pressure washing, chemical treatments, and surface scrubbing, professional concrete companies restore the original luster and color of your concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for robust driveways and patios. Technicians must confirm that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the perfect mix based on your job's size and Wilmington's weather conditions. Shaking and smoothing techniques can help remove trapped air for a consistent finish.
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 steel bars or meshes 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 abrasion, freeze-thaw cycles, and sunlight exposure. Stronger concrete endures longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your patio or pathway aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures crack, spall, or erode, 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. The most common causes of concrete issues in Wilmington are wear and tear, improper initial construction, and environmental factors. A crew can use epoxy injections, patching, resurfacing, or rebar replacement to extend the concrete's life span.
Choosing The Right Wilmington, NC Concrete Company
Selecting the right concrete company in Wilmington might seem daunting. However, considering these key elements will empower you to make the best decision possible.
- Cost: Price shouldn't be your sole determining factor. Instead, try to find a team that achieves the right balance between price and good quality work. We suggest getting at least three different estimates from different 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: 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: Research each company's online reputation. Reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews can tell you more about how each company 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 quality concrete contractor will offer 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
The cost to work with a residential concrete business depends on the job's scale, intricacy, location, and concrete type. Nationwide, concrete typically costs around $125 per cubic yard. Most concrete businesses charge between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
The average cost for a full truckload of concrete for residential projects is between $1,025 and $1,395. Labor for pouring concrete runs $8–$18 per square foot. There will be additional costs for decorative finishes like stamping or staining. You may also incur delivery fees for longer distances or weekend appointments.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.