What Services Do Concrete Companies Offer?
Concrete Pouring
Pouring a new patio or driveway is a complex job. First, the company chooses a durable concrete mix suited to Cambridge's humidity and temperature. The contractors will then pour the concrete and vibrate the mixture to remove air bubbles, which weakens the concrete structure.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete needs thorough cleaning to remove caked-on stains. The contractor will brush the affected areas with a cleaning solution to lift the grime. They may also use pressure washing, a good option for concrete patios, driveways, and sidewalks.
Concrete Sealing
Sealing concrete preserves structures, such as walkways and patios, from the elements. Moisture, UV radiation, and freezing temperatures can crack and discolor unsealed concrete. Sealing helps your concrete last longer and spares you from having to repair it as often. Since uneven application reduces effectiveness, hire a concrete expert to apply the protectant.
Concrete Reinforcement
When installing or upgrading a concrete structure, contractors can bolster it with steel bars or meshes. Reinforcement improves concrete’s strength and resistance to daily strains and heavy loads.
Concrete Repair
Concrete can degrade over time from improper installation, weather damage, or normal wear and tear. A concrete company can assess the extent of the damage and discuss your repair options. Techniques such as resurfacing, epoxy injections, rebar replacement, and patching can restore strength, appearance, and functionality to distressed areas. This saves you from replacing the whole slab.
Cost of Concrete Services in Cambridge
The national average cost of concrete is about $125* per cubic yard, with homeowners paying about $3–$6 per square foot. However, your final cost will vary depending on your specific location, the size and complexity of your project, and the type of concrete used.
| Project | $ Range |
|---|---|
| Patio | $1,451 - $4,536 |
| Driveway | $3,629 - $6,804 |
| Foundation Repair | $2,268 - $6,804 |
| Retaining Wall | $12 - $15 per sq face ft |
| General Repair | $378 - $1,890 |
*Costs sourced from multiple 2022 reports, including those from Concrete Network and LawnStarter.
How To Choose a Concrete Professional
Review Portfolios
A professional concrete contractor should be able to provide several examples of past projects. Verify that the company has examples of the type of project you need done.
Check Licensing and Insurance
Concrete contractors need a contractor license from the Maryland Department of Labor. Confirm that your provider has insurance.
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) can indicate a high standard of work and commitment to continued education. Ask the contractor if they belong to one of these groups.
Read Customer Reviews
Ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. An endorsement from someone you know can help you determine who to hire. You should also peruse customer reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot.
Compare Multiple Quotes
Ask for a detailed estimate from at least three different contractors. This helps you get a sense of the average price in Cambridge for your kind of project. Be cautious of contractors who offer extremely high or low estimates.
Ask About Warranties
A reliable company backs its work quality with warranties. Ask what warranties the provider has, and make sure it details whether materials and labor are covered, coverage duration, and any exclusions and limitations.
