Whether you need a new patio, stained concrete floors or a new driveway, residential concrete contractors can help. They can make concrete onsite using a bagged cement mix for smaller projects, or bring in a truck with pre-mixed concrete.
Look for a professional with a history of happy customers, and ask friends or family for recommendations. Request itemized quotes that clearly break down labor and materials costs.
Pouring a New Patio or Driveway
Whether you need a new patio, driveway or walkway poured or just want to jazz up the existing concrete with concrete stamps and staining, finding the right residential concrete contractor is important. Search online, ask for referrals from friends and family, or contact a local concrete supply company. The key is to compile a list of qualified candidates and then compare them.
Look for contractors who specialize in your specific needs. For example, if you need an overlay on your existing concrete patio or walkway, focus your search on professionals who specialize in this type of project. A specialist can help you understand what steps need to be taken, such as preparing the base for the overlay.
It’s also a good idea to find out what warranties the contractor offers. Ideally, you want the contractor to provide a written contract for all work, detailing materials and labor costs, and the length of the warranty. Having this in writing will protect you from a “he said, she said” argument should a dispute arise.
Deep Cleaning
Whether concrete is used in driveways, sidewalks, patios, or floors, it needs to be cleaned periodically. This is to ensure that the concrete looks good and to prevent deterioration caused by trapped pollutants. Cleaning is done by using pressure washing, scrubbing, and chemicals.
Residential contractors offer deep cleaning services that remove dirt, stains, and grime from concrete surfaces. This process restores the beauty of the concrete and prolongs its life. It also helps to improve the curb appeal of your home and protects against slips and falls.
In order to choose the right contractor for your concrete project, you need to check their reputation, experience, and portfolio. They should be able to answer any questions you have and should be willing to discuss your concerns and special requests. They should also have a website with testimonials and pages showing their successful projects. You should also read online reviews on Yelp and Google. These can help you find a trustworthy residential concrete contractor near me.
Repairing Cracks or Spalling
Many homeowners aren’t concrete experts, so wading into repairs or choosing someone to do them can feel like a sea of uncertainty. But before making calls or hiring a contractor, it pays to know some of the basic questions to ask.
First, it’s important to understand what type of crack is present. Small hairline cracks caused by minor shifting and shrinkage are normal and usually not a cause for concern, but larger ones can be structurally dangerous and should be addressed right away.
Spalling is another common problem that often requires a professional, especially if it occurs on sidewalks or patios. This is a result of moisture that seeps into the concrete and freezes, creating internal pressure. This stresses the surface layer and causes it to peel or break off. It can be prevented by applying a penetrating sealer 28 days after concrete placement, as well as using special concrete mixes with air entrainment, which helps resist freeze-thaw cycles.
Installation of Decorative Concrete
Decorative concrete has become one of the hot new trends for patios, floors and other surfaces in homes. From expansive new houses with concrete driveways to budgeted one-room remodels with concrete floors, the trend has caught on. The beauty of this concrete design is that it can be achieved for a fraction of the cost of stone or pavers.
From warm brown concrete pool decks to Spanish tile-looking patios, this versatile material is popping up all over the home. It can also be used for countertops, backsplashes and even as a flooring alternative to wood in the basement or laundry room.
Whether it is stained with integral iron oxide stains, chemical stains or concrete dyes, the design possibilities are endless. Concrete can be smooth or textured, patterned, stencilled and etched. It can be stamped with patterns that mimic stone, slate, cobblestone, brick and wood as well as fossils, shells and more. These designs not only boost the aesthetic of a property but they are also easier to maintain and more durable than other materials such as masonry or wood.
from Total Concrete Geelong https://ift.tt/6VtDvX2
via IFTTT
Comments
Post a Comment