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 tackles dirt, contaminants, stains, and grime. It also stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, extending 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
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. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the optimal mix based on your job's size and Reading's weather conditions. Vibration and leveling techniques can help remove air gaps for a even surface.
Concrete Reinforcement
Concrete reinforcement uses steel mesh or bars within the mixture to withstand external forces, such as compression and tension. This in turn reduces the risk of cracking and deforming, and helps the concrete bear heavy loads or environmental stress.
Concrete Sealing
Concrete sealing safeguards surfaces from the detrimental effects of moisture, chemicals, and weathering. Technicians apply a protective coating or sealant to the concrete, forming a barrier that prevents water intrusion. The coating also enhances the concrete's resistance to UV radiation, abrasion, and freeze-thaw cycles. Expert application is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and proper adhesion. Sealing will extend your investment's life, cutting down on maintenance time and expenses.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures erode, crack, or spall, 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 Reading 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 Reading, PA Concrete Company
Selecting the right concrete company in Reading might seem daunting. However, considering these key elements will empower you to make the best decision possible.
- Cost: Despite the fact that it's crucial to consider pricing, you shouldn't rely on it alone. Instead, make an effort 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 Pennsylvania, concrete company licensing are primarily up to cities and counties. Before you sign a contract, we strongly recommend getting in touch with the Reading 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: Evaluate a company’s years of experience in the industry and ask for a portfolio of completed projects. A long track record can signal extensive 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 contractor corresponds with clients and reacts to 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 beware of hidden fine print.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
Concrete project costs depend on various factors, including dimensions and complexity, location, and type of concrete used. Concrete typically costs $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with most concrete businesses 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 installations is $8–$18 per square foot. These rates are for plain concrete only. Custom finishes will increase the cost.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.