Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete companies offer a variety of services for home improvement projects of all sizes. We describe these flagship services below.
Concrete Cleaning
Removing grime, stains, dirt, and contaminants from concrete both enhances its looks and prevents early deterioration. Concrete cleaning companies have the expertise and tools 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
Proper pouring is essential for durable driveways and patios. Technicians must ensure that the concrete sets correctly and hardens evenly. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the perfect mix based on your job's size and Auburn's weather conditions. Vibration and smoothing techniques can help remove voids for a even finish.
Concrete Reinforcement
Concrete reinforcement uses steel mesh or bars within the mixture to withstand external forces, such as tension and compression. This in turn reduces the risk of cracking, deformation, and structural failure, and helps the concrete bear heavy loads or environmental stress.
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 freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, and UV radiation. Expert application is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and proper adhesion. Stronger concrete lasts longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your investment aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures spall, erode, or crack, 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 Auburn, some usual suspects for concrete problems are subpar initial construction, environmental factors, or ordinary wear and tear. Technicians can use rebar replacement, patching, epoxy injections, or resurfacing to return your concrete to its healthiest, safest state.
Choosing The Right Auburn, WA Concrete Company
To select the right Auburn 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. Striking a balance between affordability and quality is essential to avoid potential hidden costs or compromised results.
- Licensing and insurance: In Washington, concrete companies must be registered specialty contractors with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industry. They need at least a $6,000 surety bond and $250,000 of combined liability insurance.
- 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 effectively working with concrete.
- Reviews: Check customer reviews on sites like Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and try to find information on how the company communicates project status with customers and manages their timelines for jobs.
- 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 offers for materials and labor. An extensive combined warranty can shows a contractor's commitment to high standards and confidence in its own workmanship.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The cost to work with a residential concrete contractor depends on the job's scale, complexity, location, and concrete type. Nationwide, concrete averages $125 per cubic yard. Most concrete contractors charge between $110 and $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.