Get matched with top concrete leveling pros in Old Town, ME

Lally columns do require some kind of footing to ensure they have a strong enough base to provide the support they need to deliver, and, at the very least, they need to attach to the floor below. Some contractors will just use the existing foundation as a footing for temporary Lally columns, while some circumstances demand that the expert install a new footing. You might need a local structural engineer to weigh in on which is best for your project.

Unfortunately, concrete cracks happen, so there’s no surefire way to avoid them long-term. To slow down the cracking, apply a sealant every two to three years and use sand rather than salt to melt snow or ice. Using salt speeds up the freeze-thaw cycle, which may increase the likelihood of cracking. Additionally, keep vehicles and heavy machinery off of your concrete, as the weight can lead to more cracking.

Cement companies often charge a per-cubic-yard cost for concrete, which averages around $130. In most cases, you can also expect to pay for leveling, surfacing, and add-on services, like stamping concrete. Here are some typical prices for common concrete projects for which you may hire a cement company.

• Walkway: $1,800

• Driveway: $2,800

• Standard patio: $3,300

• Stamped concrete patio: $4,000

• Concrete steps: $3,500

• Colored concrete: $3,800

You might also need to budget for removing your old concrete or additional land prep before your professional can pour concrete.

In most cases, the cost to pour a concrete patio falls between $8 and $12 per square foot. For a typical 200-square-foot concrete patio, you’re looking at an average price of between $1,600 and $2,400. Most concrete patios will be 4 inches thick, so thickness plays a minimal role in the price variance, but some types of concrete finishes can cost up to $25 per square foot, which has a major impact on your total.