Leading Concrete Contractor
in Franklin, TN

Assess the quality of the contractors by reading online reviews. While some companies have reviews posted on their websites, looking at these other sources can provide you with a more objective look at their professional strengths and weaknesses. Single complaints are valuable, but look for patterns; if multiple people mention something like a lack of communication, you can expect that same behavior towards your project. 

Also keep an eye out for photos, both from customers and on the contractors’ sites. This will give you a look at the contractors’ past work and whether their skills fit your specific job. Features in trade publications, awards, and other recognitions can also highlight exceptional contractors.

There are a lot of concrete contractors out there, but it’s worth putting in the effort to find a great one. 

There are a lot of factors that are going to affect the price of your concrete work. What’s quoted for you may be different than what was quoted for a different job for a friend, family member, or reviewer. Larger projects require more materials and labor, from time spent to the amount of concrete itself. This is the case for both larger sq footage and thicker applications- if your project requires filling in two inches of concrete vs five inches there’s a difference in work and material price. When it comes to materials, amount isn’t the only factor. There are different types of concrete and reinforcements, like wire mesh or rebar. 

Before concrete can be installed, the site of work has to be prepared. Labor becomes more expensive with work on complicated sites; difficult shapes and the breadth of effort in site preparation as clearing the area takes time, labor, and materials. Greater costs are associated with preparation that relies on extensive excavation or demolition. Your location also may also impact the price of the work; hard to access construction sites and difficult terrain may require more labor or specialized machinery, and some sites require costly permits. Types of materials have different prices; requiring reinforcement like wire mesh will raise costs. 

If you’re planning a project in advance, you should be aware of the weather and seasons in your area.  Extreme heat can warp newly laid concrete, while extreme cold can make materials more difficult to work with. 

It’s a good idea to try and find an affordable contractor, but watch out for quotes that stand out as unusually low. No savings are worth having to have a job redone or repair damage to your home. Unusually low bids may indicate that a contractor is going to use low quality materials, cut corners, or scam customers.

Before you hire a contractor, it’s a great idea to be informed! You’re going to want to know what and how you’re paying your contractor, what the process is going to look like, who’s going to be working on your property, and how you can best care for your concrete after the work. Here’s some good questions to ask;

1. What is included in the total cost?
2. How long will the process take? How long will I have to stay out of the area?
3. How much damage should I expect to my property during the excavation phase?
4. Who is managing this project?
5. Are you licensed and insured?
6. How do I best protect my concrete?
7. Do I have to pay a deposit before the work begins?

There are easy-to-identify physical signs of a bad concrete job. Take a look at the physical surface of the concrete; the surface should be smooth, not rough. It should not have pits or air pockets. It should be level all across, an uneven finish could lead to pooling water or danger of tripping.  Hairline cracks can form as the hardening process comes with shrinkage, but large cracks immediately after installation are a problem. The color and textures should be even.

Even before searching for physical signs, be aware of how long it takes to complete the project. Good contractors are often busy, but they also know how to balance their time. You can expect two to three days for a small project like a driveway, and up to a week for a larger project like a parking lot. If a concrete project takes too long; the cement content may have been altered or the curing process may have been delayed. If the project is rushed; the concrete could have set too quickly, which can cause long-term weakness or cracking. 

Serious cracking, divots, and weakness require immediate professional attention. DIY work could weaken the concrete further, as could delaying treatment. 

The amount of time a piece of concrete lasts is most affected by it’s location and treatment. Outdoor work, such as sidewalks, can be expected to last at least twenty years, being worn down heavily by high foot traffic and bad weather. A concrete driveway or patio can expect at least thirty years of good life, and interior concrete that’s been installed properly can last upward of fifty years. 

Cities with a full seasonal cycle—like Franklin—are affected by a freeze-thaw cycle. This means that, during the winter, unsealed concrete takes in water, that water freezes and then thaws, which means the mass changes size and can damage the concrete. Weather in all seasons involves erosion, but there are steps you can take to care for your concrete. 

1. Concrete caulking means applying a flexible polymer to the joins in the concrete, which seals gaps to prevent erosion or worsening cracks.  
2. Cleaning your concrete regularly prevents discoloration, stains, and mold, as well as making sure your sealants properly adhere. 
3. Sealing, similar to caulking but over the entire surface, means adding a layer over the concrete to prevent liquid from getting into the pores or cracks and prevent moisture erosion. 
4. Cleaning your gutters and aiming the output away from concrete keeps water away from the surfaces.
5. In the winter, clear the snow off of your concrete as soon as possible and try using de-icers besides salt to prevent erosion damage.