Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and major renovations. We'll explain different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning removes stains, dirt, grime, and contaminants. It also stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, prolonging the life span of your sidewalks and driveway. Concrete cleaning done right takes the right equipment and skill to cleanly remove stains without compromising durability. Companies use a combination of chemical treatments, scrubbing, and pressure washing to renew the original sheen and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Durable and functional driveways and patios begin with a proper pouring job. Skilled concrete technicians must ensure the concrete sets evenly and appropriately, sticks correctly, and gets to the desired strength. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the ideal mix based on your job's size and Allentown's weather conditions. Shaking and leveling techniques can help remove voids for a consistent finish.
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
Concrete sealing safeguards surfaces from the detrimental effects of moisture, chemicals, and weathering. Technicians apply a protective sealant or coating to the concrete, forming a barrier that prevents water intrusion. The coating also enhances the concrete's resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, and UV radiation. Expert application is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and proper adhesion. Sealing will extend your investment's life, reducing maintenance time and expenses.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures spall, erode, 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. Concrete troubles in Allentown frequently stem from environmental factors, poor initial construction, or typical wear and tear. A concrete contractor can use solutions such as epoxy injections, rebar replacement, resurfacing, or patching to prolong the concrete’s life span and keep it up to safety standards.
Choosing The Right Allentown, PA Concrete Company
Selecting the right concrete company in Allentown might seem daunting. However, considering these key elements will empower you to make the best decision possible.
- Cost: Cost is a crucial consideration, but it also shouldn't be the only one you make. We recommend getting at least three detailed estimates from different concrete companies. You should ensure the estimates include all material and labor costs. Striking a balance between affordability and quality is essential to avoid potential hidden costs or compromised results.
- Licensing and insurance: In Pennsylvania, concrete company certifications are primarily up to cities and counties. Before you sign a contract, we strongly recommend reaching out to the Allentown building office to learn more about local regulations. You should also ask each company about its liability insurance coverage, which can protect you if a mishap arises.
- Portfolio: Next, ask different contractors about their experience and years in business. A long portfolio of projects is a sign that the team has extensive experience working with concrete, anticipates issues before they happen, and manage your job in an efficient manner.
- Reviews: Research each company's online reputation. Reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews can tell you more about how each contractor 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 reputable concrete contractor 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
Concrete project costs depend on various factors, including scale and difficulty, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete typically costs $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with most concrete companies charging between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
For big residential jobs, such as replacing a concrete driveway, a full truckload of concrete may cost $1,025–$1,395. Pouring the concrete runs $8–$18 per square foot. Remember, that's just for basic concrete without custom options, like stamping or staining, which add to the cost. Extra fees may apply for longer distances.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.