Concrete contractors near you

What does a concrete contractor do?

A concrete contractor provides general concrete services and oversees the construction or repairs of concrete-related projects. Such projects include (but are not limited to) walls, steps, foundations, sidewalks, driveways, and roads. A concrete contractor can work on projects both residential and commercial. Depending on the contractor you hire, they will either remain on site throughout the entire duration of the project or subcontract to a third party.

Typical duties include:

• Surveying the site
• Preparing the site to optimize the concrete's structure once it is poured
• Overseeing the mixing and laying
• Monitoring the drying
  
  

Aside from the construction of a new project, a concrete contractor will look at a damaged section of concrete to determine whether it can be repaired with concrete leveling or if it should be replaced. The right concrete contractor will be willing to answer any questions you have about insurance, pulling permits, and their level of experience in the field.

 

Common factors that lead to concrete repairs

Even the most carefully laid concrete is subject to environmental factors that can cause damage. Many concrete crack repairs are purely cosmetic. However, some factors beyond control can create structural damage or other dangerous situations. Concrete repairs are typically required after one of the following occurs: 

• Water gets into an existing crack and freezes, furthering the severity of the crack.
• Air pockets were formed during a rushed installation.
• Poor ground structure: Concrete that was laid in an area that is not deep enough, without steel reinforcement, or on frozen, uneven, or eroded ground will show signs of cracks and other damage quickly.
• The cement dried too fast, creating shrinkage and crumbling.
• Improper ratio of water to cement was used when pouring. Excess water in the mix will create shrinkage.
• Natural forces such as tree roots, continuous harsh weather, or earthquakes disturbed the ground.
  
  

After cracks and other damages become apparent, a certified concrete contractor will be able to assess the damage and offer repair solutions.

 

The benefits of concrete leveling

Concrete leveling is used to fix uneven surfaces. This type of concrete repair is also referred to as mud jacking, slab jacking, and pressure grouting. The process consists or drilling small holes, adding to the area underneath until the section is level, then repairing the small holes.

This technique tends to be less expensive than removing the existing slab and replacing it with a new one. Other benefits to selecting concrete repair over a complete replacement include:

• Leveling is considered more environmentally friendly since the original concrete is being repurposed instead of thrown away.
• The total time of the repair is shorter than the time it takes to remove and install a new section.
• The concrete will continue to match in color. A new section of concrete will stand out in appearance.
  
  

Leveling is not always the best option. If the surface is uneven by more than two inches or if structural damage is detected, a replacement may be the right solution. Contact a certified concrete contractor to assess all of your options before deciding on a solution.

 

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