What Services Do Concrete Companies Offer?
Concrete Pouring
Most concrete companies provide pouring services for installing a new patio, driveway, and more. First, the company chooses a durable concrete mix suitable for Austin's humidity and temperature. The contractors will then pour the concrete and vibrate the mixture to remove air bubbles, which weakens the structure of the concrete.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete needs thorough cleaning to remove caked-on dirt and stains. The contractor will scrub away the grime with a cleaning solution. They may also use pressure washing depending on the area—it's a good option for concrete sidewalks, driveways, and patios.
Concrete Sealing
Sealing concrete helps protect it from freezing, water, UV radiation, and other kinds of damage. Sealing improves your concrete's appearance and longevity, saving you money on replacement costs. It’s important to get a professional to seal concrete, as an expert can guarantee the sealant goes on evenly and adheres properly.
Concrete Reinforcement
Contractors often install grids of steel bars, rods, or mesh before pouring concrete. This reinforcement provides a structural framework that minimizes strain from vehicles and other heavy loads over time.
Concrete Repair
Factors like weather and normal wear gradually compromise concrete. This can lead to problems ranging from small cracks to large chunks breaking off. A concrete company can fix structures such as concrete driveways and patios. Techniques like patching, epoxy injections, resurfacing, and rebar replacement can restore appearance, strength, and functionality to distressed areas. This saves you from having to redo the whole structure.
Cost of Concrete Services in Austin
The cost of concrete services in Austin varies based on factors such as your specific location, the type of concrete used, and the size and complexity of your project. Typical costs range between $96 and $108* per cubic yard, according to industry data.
Project | $ Range |
---|---|
Patio | $1,639 - $5,122 |
Driveway | $4,098 - $7,684 |
Foundation Repair | $2,561 - $7,684 |
Retaining Wall | $14 - $17 per sq face ft |
General Repair | $427 - $2,134 |
*Costs sourced from multiple 2022 reports, including those from Concrete Network and LawnStarter.
How To Choose a Concrete Professional
Review Portfolios
Ask for a portfolio showing the concrete contractor's past work pouring, finishing, and restoring concrete. A solid history and a wide variety of projects show that a company has experience working with concrete.
Check Licensing and Insurance
Concrete licensing is regulated locally and not by the state, so check your city or municipality's website for the requirements. Your contractor should be bonded and insured in case of injuries or accidents.
Look for Trade Group Memberships
Check to see if your contractor is a member of any trade organizations, such as the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) or the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC). Membership in these groups typically indicates a high standard of work and commitment to professional development.
Read Customer Reviews
Look at customer reviews on sites such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Companies with an extensive history of satisfied customers tend to provide high-quality work and customer service. You can also get recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors.
Compare Multiple Quotes
Getting itemized estimates from at least three different contractors will help you determine the best price for your project. Be cautious of contractors who provide extremely high or low rates.
Ask About Warranties
Ask the concrete company what warranties it has, and get any agreements in writing. A dependable company should offer a labor and materials warranty as a testament to its work quality.