What Services Do Concrete Companies Offer?
Concrete Pouring
Pouring a new patio or driveway is a complicated job. First, the contractors evaluate Waterloo's weather and climate to use the best concrete for local conditions. After deciding on the appropriate kind of concrete to use, the contractors will lay the concrete. Techniques such as vibration increase the density of the concrete by removing air pockets.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaners use several tools to refresh your concrete, such as scrubbing, cleaning solutions, and pressure washing. Cleaning helps your concrete look better and last longer.
Concrete Sealing
Sealing concrete helps defend it from UV radiation, water, freezing, and other kinds of damage. Sealing improves your concrete's appearance and lifespan, saving you money on replacement costs. An expert will apply the sealant evenly and ensure it sticks properly.
Concrete Reinforcement
A professional can insert steel bars or meshes into concrete to help strengthen it. This prevents cracking and damage, and helps your concrete withstand heavy loads.
Concrete Repair
Damaged concrete can be unsightly and possibly be an unsafe tripping hazard. A concrete professional can assess and restore eroding, spalling, or cracking on structures such as concrete driveways and patios. Depending on the damage, contractors will use restoration techniques like resurfacing, rebar replacement, epoxy injections, and patching. Major deterioration may warrant replacement.
Cost of Concrete Services in Waterloo
Concrete pricing in the Waterloo area varies based on your project's size, complexity, location on your property. Typical costs fall between $93 and $103* per cubic yard, according to industry data.
| Project | $ Range |
|---|---|
| Patio | $1,575 - $4,923 |
| Driveway | $3,938 - $7,384 |
| Foundation Repair | $2,461 - $7,384 |
| Retaining Wall | $13 - $16 per sq face ft |
| General Repair | $410 - $2,051 |
*Costs sourced from multiple 2022 reports, including those from Concrete Network and LawnStarter.
How To Choose a Concrete Professional
Review Portfolios
Ask to see a portfolio showing the concrete contractor's past work installing, finishing, and repairing concrete. The contractor's project history can help you judge whether you'd like to work with them or not.
Check Licensing and Insurance
The Iowa Plumbing & Mechanical Systems Board requires concrete contractors to have a contractor license. Always check that your contractor is properly bonded and insured, in case any injuries or property damage happen.
Look for Trade Group Memberships
Membership in a trade organization, such as the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) or the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) typically indicates a high standard of work and commitment to ongoing improvement. You can ask the contractor if they belong to one of these groups.
Read Customer Reviews
Search for concrete companies on websites such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and read a variety of reviews. Reviews give you a sense of customer satisfaction and work quality. You can also ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations.
Compare Multiple Quotes
Request quotes from at least three concrete contractors to determine the typical price in Waterloo for your project type. Ensure the quotes include both labor and material costs, and be wary of anyone giving extremely high or low rates.
Ask About Warranties
Ask the concrete provider what warranties it has, and ensure you get this information in writing. A dependable company should offer a labor and materials warranty as a testament to its work quality.
