Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and large-scale renovations. We'll explain different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Removing contaminants, dirt, stains, and grime from concrete both improves its looks and prevents early deterioration. Concrete cleaning companies have the tools and expertise needed to clean surfaces while maintaining structural stability. They combine scrubbing, chemical applications, and pressure washing to restore the original appearance of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
A meticulous pouring job is critical for your driveway or patio's health. Workers on the job must ensure that the concrete reaches the desired strength, hardens evenly, and bonds correctly. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the ideal mix based on your job's size and Charleston's weather conditions. Vibration and leveling techniques can help remove trapped air for a consistent surface.
Concrete Reinforcement
Sometimes, workers will add steel bars and meshes within the concrete to protect it from deformation, cracks, and structural failure. The steel reinforcement can also help the concrete endure heavy loads and environmental stressors.
Concrete Sealing
Applying a protective sealant or coating to concrete adds protection against freeze-thaw cycles, chemicals, UV radiation, moisture, and abrasion. 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 investment aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
Concrete companies have the expertise to assess damaged or deteriorating patios, paths, and driveways. This includes problems with spalling, eroding, and cracking. In Charleston, some usual suspects for concrete problems are ordinary wear and tear, subpar initial construction, or environmental factors. Technicians can use patching, epoxy injections, resurfacing, or rebar replacement to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right Charleston, SC Concrete Company
To select the right Charleston concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- Cost: Even though it's crucial to consider pricing, you shouldn't rely on it alone. Instead, try to find a team that achieves the right balance between price and quality work. We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three contractors to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: Concrete companies in Charleston need contractor licenses (CT) from the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board. Applicants must file an affidavit stating they have or will get 2 years of work experience within 5 years of getting licensed. They must also pass a technical exam and background check.
- 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 efficiently.
- Reviews: Research a company’s reputation through real online reviews on popular sites such as Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A well-established concrete company should have a solid reputation for delivering consistent, quality work. Check each testimonial for insights into how the company communicates with clients, sticks to schedules, and performs tasks.
- 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 offers for both materials and labor. A robust combo warranty has high quality standards, offering you greater peace of mind.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The amount you’ll pay a residential concrete service depends on elements like the project’s scale and complexity, location, and concrete variety. Typical concrete cost is around $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with quotes from most concrete businesses ranging from $110–$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.