Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies offer a variety of services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We explain these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning services can help remove stains, grime, dirt, and contaminants from sidewalks and driveways. The process enhances the concrete's visual appeal, stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, and extends its life span. Concrete cleaning companies have the expertise and tools needed to clean surfaces while maintaining structural stability. They combine chemical applications, pressure washing, and scrubbing to restore the original appearance of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Proper pouring is essential for durable driveways and patios. Technicians must make sure that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Technicians will calculate the optimal concrete blend based on the project's size and Richmond's current weather. They'll use various techniques, including vibration and leveling, to remove voids and achieve a uniform 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, UV radiation, and abrasion. Expert application is crucial to ensure even coverage and proper adhesion. Sealing will extend your investment's life, cutting down on maintenance time and expenses.
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 Richmond frequently stem from poor initial construction, environmental factors, or typical wear and tear. A concrete contractor can use solutions such as patching, epoxy injections, rebar replacement, or resurfacing to prolong the concrete’s life span and keep it up to safety standards.
Choosing The Right Richmond, VA Concrete Company
To select the right Richmond concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- Cost: Cost is a crucial consideration, but it also shouldn't be the only one you make. We suggest getting at least three detailed quotes from different concrete companies. You should ensure the quotes encompass all material and labor costs. Finding a balance between affordability and quality is essential to avoid potential hidden costs or compromised results.
- Licensing and insurance: Richmond concrete companies need licensure from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. The application process includes preliminary coursework and exams to ensure aspiring contractors understand regulations and best practices.
- 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 vast experience effectively 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 company interacts 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 look for hidden fine print.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The amount you’ll pay a residential concrete company is determined by elements like the project’s size and complexity, location, and concrete variety. Average concrete cost is around $125 per cubic yard nationwide, with quotes from most concrete companies 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 decorative 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.