Concrete Driveway Contractors Near Me

A well-maintained concrete driveway adds value and curb appeal to a home. If your driveway is in need of repair or replacement, contact a professional concrete contractor.

Costs for materials and labor are the main factors in determining how much it will cost to pour a concrete driveway. Other expenses to consider include site preparation and specialty designs.

Costs

Concrete driveway contractors charge by the project, including time and materials. They should provide you with a detailed contract that lists all the costs associated with your project. You should also ask for references from past clients and a portfolio of work.

The cost of a new concrete driveway depends on its size and shape. It can range from $4 to $8 per square foot for a plain gray concrete driveway. Adding a basic border and broom-finish texture can increase the cost to $8 to $12 per square foot. Curved concrete driveways cost more because the contractor has to build a special form for them.

Materials

Concrete contractors often work with a variety of materials. They use mixers to combine cement and other ingredients in a wet concrete mix, which they then pour into forms. They also work with rebar or wire mesh to strengthen the final concrete surface.

They may also use tools like groove cutters to create control joints on sidewalks, walkways and residential slabs. These tools have a plate with a fin that cuts a shallow groove in the concrete.

Lowe’s offers a range of concrete pavers in different shapes, lengths and colors. They are easy to install and can be used to create a distinctive driveway or patio.

Labor

Concrete driveways are labor-intensive projects. Contractors must remove old asphalt, form up the space for a new driveway, add rebar (if necessary) and pour and finish the concrete. It’s a project that most homeowners leave to professionals.

When shopping around for a concrete contractor, consider the company’s experience. Contractors with years of experience have more practical knowledge and can provide a better quality job. Also, they may offer more competitive pricing due to their longevity in the industry. However, beware of contractors that advertise the cheapest price. They might end up costing you more in the long run. Searching for a good balance of quality, fair pricing and trustworthiness is the best approach.

Sealing

Concrete surfaces are exposed to a lot of abuse. Left unsealed, they can absorb oil, water, dirt and other contaminants that lead to degradation and stains. Concrete resurfacing and proper sealing can prevent this damage from happening, extending the life of your driveway.

Choosing the right concrete sealer is a balance of aesthetics and performance. Look for a product that meets your needs and falls within your budget.

A penetrating concrete sealer is usually the safest choice for driveways. These products don’t form a film and provide more traction than acrylic-resin styles. They also require less maintenance. Some are even available with a matte application style and anti-slip additive for added safety.

Curved driveways

The driveway is a prominent feature that adds curb appeal and value to the property. It offers a reserved space for parking cars and trucks and also provides a safe place for kids to play. It is a major expense that requires professional concrete contractors to ensure a durable and long-lasting result.

Look for experienced contractors that have a proven track record of quality work and client satisfaction. Ask them to provide you with a compilation of projects and customer referrals. Ask whether they offer specialized concrete treatments, like coloring and texturing, to customize the finished product. Also, inquire about resurfacing, which is ideal for damaged driveways.

Rebar

Rebar, also known as reinforcing steel, is a type of metal bar used in concrete construction to strengthen it and help it endure tensile stresses. It is particularly important in areas where concrete needs to withstand high loads, such as a foundation, floor slabs, and walls.

Rebar is usually made of carbon steel, though it can be epoxy-coated to protect it from corrosion and provide a stronger bond with concrete. There are different sizes of rebar, and it is essential that they be properly spaced to ensure maximum strength.

Rebar is typically placed in a grid pattern, and the concrete contractor will tie it together with precut rebar ties fastened with a twister tool. This is done to prevent rebar from shifting inside the concrete and compromising its integrity.

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