What Services Do Concrete Companies Offer?
Concrete Pouring
A concrete company can pour new patios, driveways, and more. First, the contractors consider Columbia's weather and climate to select the best concrete for local conditions. After deciding on the appropriate kind of concrete to use, the contractors will pour the concrete. Techniques such as vibration strengthen the concrete by clearing air pockets.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete needs deep cleaning to get rid of caked-on dirt and stains. The contractor will scrub away the grime with a cleaning solution. They may also use pressure washing, a good option for concrete driveways, patios, and sidewalks.
Concrete Sealing
Sealing concrete protects structures, such as driveways and patios, from the elements. Water, freezing temperatures, and sun exposure can crack and discolor unsealed concrete. Sealing helps your concrete last longer and saves you from having to repair and replace it as often. Hire a professional to guarantee the protectant is applied evenly.
Concrete Reinforcement
A professional can insert steel bars or meshes into concrete to help strengthen it. This reduces cracking and deformation, and helps your concrete withstand heavy loads.
Concrete Repair
Factors such as weather and normal wear gradually compromise concrete. This can lead to problems ranging from small fractures to large pieces breaking off. A concrete company can inspect the damage and recommend what repairs to do. Techniques such as resurfacing, epoxy injections, patching, and rebar replacement can restore strength, functionality, and appearance to distressed areas. This saves you from replacing the whole slab.
Cost of Concrete Services in Columbia
Concrete pricing in the Columbia area varies based on your project's size, complexity, location on your property. The national average cost of concrete is about $125* per cubic yard, with homeowners paying about $3–$7 per square foot.
| Project | $ Range |
|---|---|
| Patio | $1,597 - $4,990 |
| Driveway | $3,992 - $7,485 |
| Foundation Repair | $2,495 - $7,485 |
| Retaining Wall | $13 - $17 per sq face ft |
| General Repair | $416 - $2,079 |
*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 of the concrete contractor's past work pouring, finishing, and restoring concrete. The contractor's work history can help you determine whether you'd like to work with them or not.
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 provider should have insurance in case of accidents or injuries.
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 continued improvement.
Read Customer Reviews
Look up concrete companies on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot and read a variety of reviews. Reviews indicate work quality and customer satisfaction. You can also ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations.
Compare Multiple Quotes
Request a detailed estimate from at least three different contractors. This helps you get an idea of the typical price in Columbia for your kind of project. Make sure the quotes include both labor and material costs, and be cautious of anyone giving extremely high or low rates.
Ask About Warranties
Ask the concrete provider what warranties it has, and make sure to get this information in writing. A dependable company will back its work quality with warranties.
