Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies provide a variety of services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We outline these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning services can tackle contaminants, dirt, grime, and stains from sidewalks and driveways. The process enhances the concrete's visual appeal, stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, and prolongs its life span. 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
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 air pockets and achieve a precise, uniform finish. Proficient concrete pouring for driveways, foundations, and walkways will protect your investment for the long term.
Concrete Reinforcement
Concrete reinforcement uses steel bars or mesh within the mixture to resist external forces, such as tension and compression. 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, freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, moisture, and chemicals. An even application will help the coating adhere properly and work to its full potential. Sealing will extend your investment's life, reducing maintenance time and costs.
Concrete Repair
Concrete companies have the expertise to assess damaged or deteriorating paths, driveways, and patios. This includes problems with cracking, eroding, and spalling. The most common causes of concrete issues in Salem 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 Salem, OR Concrete Company
To select the right Salem concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- 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 ensure the estimates 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 Oregon, concrete companies must be licensed by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. Each licensee goes through extensive training and must have at least $100,000 of liability insurance, depending on their designation.
- Portfolio: Next, ask each company for a print or online portfolio. The more projects a contractor has completed, the more knowledgeable they'll be working with concrete, solving issues, and getting jobs done in an efficient manner.
- Reviews: Check customer reviews on sites like Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 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: A reputable concrete company stands behind its work with warranties. Ask about what coverage it provides for both materials and labor. A robust combo warranty has high expectations for itself, offering you greater peace of mind.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The cost of contracting with a residential concrete company can differ significantly depending on a number of key factors, including the size and intricacy of the project, the location, and the type of concrete used. Concrete per cubic yard is priced at an average of $125 nationwide, with most concrete companies quoting prices between $110–$165 per cubic yard.*
A full truckload of concrete for major residential jobs, 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. Stamping, staining, and decorative finishes will increase the cost.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.