Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies offer a variety of services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We outline these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning can tackle grime, stains, contaminants, and dirt, putting a stop to damage from trapped pollutants and enhancing appearance. The right equipment can effectively clean concrete without weakening the surface. Companies use pressure washing, chemicals, and scrubbing 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 confirm 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 leveling to get rid of trapped air and achieve a precise, smooth finish. Proficient concrete pouring for driveways, foundations, and walkways will protect your project for years to come.
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 heavy loads or environmental stress.
Concrete Sealing
Applying a protective sealant or coating to concrete adds protection against moisture, UV radiation, abrasion, chemicals, and freeze-thaw cycles. An even application will help the coating adhere properly and work to its full potential. Stronger concrete endures longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your patio or pathway aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures spall, crack, 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. Concrete troubles in Erie frequently stem from typical wear and tear, poor initial construction, or environmental factors. A concrete contractor can use solutions such as epoxy injections, resurfacing, patching, or rebar replacement to prolong the concrete’s life span and keep it up to safety standards.
Choosing The Right Erie, PA Concrete Company
It’s crucial to consider key factors for a successful concrete project. They include the following:
- Cost: While it's crucial to consider pricing, you shouldn't rely on it alone. Instead, make an effort to find a team that achieves the right balance between price and quality work. We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three companies to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: In Pennsylvania, concrete company certifications are primarily up to cities and counties. Before you sign a contract, we strongly recommend getting in touch with the Erie building office to learn more about local regulations. You should also ask each company about its general liability insurance, which can protect you if a mishap arises.
- Portfolio: Next, ask each company for a print or online portfolio. The more projects a contractor has completed, the more experienced they'll be working with concrete, taking care of 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 communicates project status with customers and schedules work.
- 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 provides for materials and labor. An extensive combined warranty can signal a company has high standards and confidence in its own workmanship.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The amount you’ll pay a residential concrete contractor depends on elements like the project’s dimensions and intricacy, location, and concrete variety. Average concrete cost is around $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with quotes from most concrete contractors ranging from $110–$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 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.