Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and major renovations. We'll outline different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning helps remove contaminants, stains, grime, and dirt to improve aesthetic appeal. It can also prolong your surfaces' life span by stopping deterioration from trapped pollutants. Effective concrete cleaning requires specialized knowledge and tools to get good results without harming the surface. Concrete companies use pressure washing, chemicals, and scrubbing to bring back the original shine and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for long-lasting driveways and patios. Technicians must verify that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Technicians will calculate the ideal concrete blend based on Mount Pleasant's weather conditions and the project's size. They'll use various techniques, including vibration and leveling, to remove voids and achieve a uniform finish.
Concrete Reinforcement
Sometimes, workers will add steel bars and meshes within the concrete to protect it from cracks, deforming, and structural failure. The steel reinforcement can also help the concrete withstand heavy loads and environmental stressors.
Concrete Sealing
Concrete sealing safeguards surfaces from damage by 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 even coverage and proper adhesion. Sealing will extend your investment's life, reducing maintenance time and costs.
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. In Mount Pleasant, some usual suspects for concrete problems are ordinary wear and tear, environmental factors, or subpar initial construction. Technicians can use resurfacing, rebar replacement, epoxy injections, or patching to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right Mount Pleasant, SC Concrete Company
To select the right Mount Pleasant concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- Cost: While 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 companies to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: Concrete companies in Mount Pleasant 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 a great deal of experience working with concrete, anticipates issues before they happen, and can handle your job efficiently.
- Reviews: Research each company's online reputation. Reviews on Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can tell you more about how each company 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: 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 cost of hiring a residential concrete contractor varies widely depending on a number of key factors, including the size and difficulty of the project, the location, and the grade of concrete used. Concrete per cubic yard typically costs about $125 nationwide, with most concrete businesses charging anywhere from $110–$165 per cubic yard.*
A full truckload of concrete can cost about $1,025–$1,395 for larger residential projects, such as a driveway replacement. Labor costs for pouring concrete range from $8–$18 per square foot of the project. It's important to note these costs are for plain concrete. Decorative concrete options such as stamping, staining, and special finishes will add to the concrete project’s cost. There may be extra fees for long-distance delivery.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.