Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and large-scale renovations. We'll outline different services they offer in the following sections.
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 lengthens its life span. Concrete cleaning done right takes the right equipment and skill to cleanly remove stains without compromising durability. Companies use a combination of scrubbing, pressure washing, and chemical treatments to renew the original sheen and color of the concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Durable and functional driveways and patios begin with a proper pouring job. Professional concrete technicians must ensure the concrete sets evenly and appropriately, sticks correctly, and gets to the desired strength. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the perfect mix based on your job's size and San Diego's weather conditions. Shaking and smoothing techniques can help remove voids for a consistent 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 structural failure, and helps the concrete bear environmental stress and heavy loads.
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 UV radiation, freeze-thaw cycles, and abrasion. Expert application is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and proper adhesion. Stronger concrete endures longer before needing repairs. Using a sealant will protect your patio or pathway aesthetically and structurally.
Concrete Repair
Specialized methods can make damaged or deteriorating concrete beautiful and functional again. Concrete companies use precise tests and careful techniques to address structural compromise, erosion, spalling, and cracks. The most common causes of concrete issues in San Diego 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 San Diego, CA Concrete Company
To select the right San Diego 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 recommend getting at least three detailed quotes from different concrete companies. You should ensure the estimates include 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: To install or repair concrete in San Diego, a company needs a C-8 specialty license from the California Contractors State License Board. A $25,000 contractor's bond must be on file for the owner, and applicants must take multiple exams testing their trade and legal knowledge.
- Portfolio: Next, ask each company for a digital or print portfolio. The more projects a contractor has completed, the more experienced they'll be working with concrete, resolving issues, and getting jobs done in an efficient manner.
- 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 interacts with clients and addresses 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 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 cost to work with a residential concrete business depends on the job's size, difficulty, location, and concrete type. Nationwide, concrete typically costs around $125 per cubic yard. Most concrete companies charge between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
You might pay $1,025–$1,395 for a full truckload of concrete for big residential jobs such as replacing a driveway. New concrete costs $8–$18 per square foot, with additional charges for custom options like stamping or staining.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.