Commercial Concrete Services

Your business needs concrete work that can handle heavy use, meets commercial building codes, and stays functional for years without constant maintenance. Commercial concrete projects have different requirements than residential work. You need thicker slabs, stronger concrete, proper drainage for larger areas, and installation that won't disrupt your business operations more than necessary. Commercial concrete must be built right the first time because repairs and replacements are expensive and disruptive.

At LMC Lompoc Concrete, we handle commercial concrete projects throughout Lompoc and surrounding areas. We understand the demands commercial properties face and build concrete that meets those challenges. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your operations, follow all commercial codes and regulations, and deliver concrete work that performs reliably under heavy use. Whether you need parking lots, loading areas, or building foundations, we have the equipment and expertise to handle commercial-scale projects.

Commercial Concrete Services We Provide

Commercial properties need various types of concrete work. We handle the full range of commercial concrete services from planning through installation. Here's what we can do for your business.

Each type of commercial concrete work has specific engineering and code requirements. We know what's needed for different applications and build accordingly. We don't use residential-grade methods for commercial projects that need industrial-strength construction.

How Commercial Concrete Differs From Residential

Commercial concrete isn't just bigger residential concrete. It requires different materials, methods, and planning. Understanding these differences helps you appreciate why commercial work costs more and why you need contractors experienced with commercial requirements.

Increased Thickness and Strength

Commercial slabs are typically 6 to 8 inches thick compared to 4 inches for residential driveways. They use higher-strength concrete mixes rated at 4000 PSI or more versus 3000 PSI for residential. This extra thickness and strength handles heavy vehicles, forklifts, and equipment that would damage residential-grade concrete. Loading areas for delivery trucks might be 10 to 12 inches thick with heavy reinforcement.

Enhanced Reinforcement

Commercial concrete uses substantial steel reinforcement. We install rebar grids rather than simple wire mesh. The rebar size and spacing follow engineering specifications based on expected loads. For areas with extremely heavy loads, we might use post-tensioned concrete with steel cables that compress the slab after it cures.

Specialized Finishes

Commercial floors often need specific finishes for functionality. Warehouse floors might get hard-troweled finishes for smooth traffic flow and easy cleaning. Some areas need broom finishes for slip resistance. Others might get saw-cut patterns for water drainage. The finish depends on how the concrete will be used, not just aesthetics.

Complex Drainage Requirements

Commercial properties have large concrete areas that collect significant water. We design and install drainage systems that channel water away efficiently. This includes proper slopes, drain installations, and sometimes underground drainage systems. Storm water management is critical for commercial sites and must meet environmental regulations.

Our Commercial Project Planning Process

Commercial projects need thorough planning before work begins. We coordinate with engineers, inspectors, and your business operations to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here's how we approach commercial concrete projects from initial contact through completion.

Our Commercial Installation Standards

Commercial concrete installation requires precision and adherence to strict standards. We follow industry best practices and building codes throughout every project. Here's how we ensure your commercial concrete meets all requirements and performs reliably.

Base Preparation and Compaction

We excavate to proper depth and install substantial base material. For commercial applications, this is typically 6 to 12 inches of compacted gravel. We use heavy compaction equipment to achieve required density. Poor base work causes settling and cracking no matter how good the concrete is, so we don't cut corners here. We test compaction to verify it meets specifications.

Proper Concrete Mix and Placement

We use commercial-grade concrete mixes with appropriate strength ratings and additives. For exterior work, we add air entrainment for freeze-thaw resistance. We work the concrete thoroughly during placement to eliminate air pockets and ensure complete consolidation around reinforcement. We use laser-guided screeds for precise leveling across large areas.

Control Joint Installation

Commercial slabs need carefully planned control joints to manage cracking. We cut joints at proper spacing based on slab thickness and width. Joints are placed to create roughly square panels rather than long rectangles that are prone to cracking. We use saw cuts within 24 hours of placement to ensure joints form where intended rather than random cracks developing elsewhere.

Curing and Protection

Proper curing is critical for commercial concrete to achieve its design strength. We use curing compounds or wet-curing methods appropriate for the project. We protect fresh concrete from traffic and weather. We follow specified curing times before allowing use. Rushing this process compromises strength and durability, so we stick to proper curing schedules even when clients are anxious to use their new concrete. For residential work, check out our driveway services.

Commercial Concrete Maintenance

Commercial concrete faces heavy use and needs proper maintenance to maximize its lifespan. Regular attention prevents minor issues from becoming major problems that disrupt your business operations. Here's what we recommend for maintaining your commercial concrete.

Regular Cleaning

Keep concrete surfaces clean to prevent buildup of dirt, oil, and chemicals. Sweep regularly to remove debris. Pressure wash periodically to deep clean surfaces. Clean up spills promptly, especially oils and chemicals that can stain or damage concrete. Clean concrete not only looks better but lasts longer because contaminants don't sit on the surface breaking down the concrete.

Joint and Crack Maintenance

Inspect control joints annually and refill them if the sealant has deteriorated. This prevents water from entering and causing damage. Address cracks promptly before they spread. Small cracks can be sealed easily. Large cracks might indicate underlying problems that need professional evaluation. Regular joint maintenance is inexpensive preventive care that avoids costly repairs.

Surface Protection

Consider sealing high-traffic areas for extra protection against wear and staining. Warehouse floors benefit from concrete densifiers that harden the surface and reduce dusting. Loading docks might need epoxy coatings for chemical resistance. The right surface protection depends on your specific use and exposure conditions.

Professional Inspections

Have commercial concrete inspected every few years by professionals who can spot developing problems early. We can identify issues like settling, deterioration, or structural concerns before they become serious. Early intervention prevents small problems from shutting down operations while major repairs are made. We also offer comprehensive repair services for commercial properties.

Why Businesses Choose LMC Lompoc Concrete

Commercial concrete work requires contractors who understand business needs, not just concrete. We bring experience with commercial projects and a commitment to minimizing disruption to your operations. Here's what sets us apart for commercial work.

We have the equipment to handle commercial-scale projects efficiently. Large pours, heavy reinforcement, and thick slabs need proper equipment operated by experienced crews. We coordinate deliveries and work to stay on schedule because delays cost you money. We work cleanly and safely, following all workplace safety regulations.

We communicate clearly throughout projects. You'll know what to expect, when to expect it, and if anything changes. We don't disappear for days leaving you wondering about progress. We handle inspections and code compliance so you don't have to worry about passing inspections or meeting requirements.

Most importantly, we build commercial concrete that lasts. We don't cut corners to bid lower than competitors. We do the work right using proper materials and methods. You'll get concrete that performs reliably for decades rather than needing repairs in a few years. That reliability is worth paying for when your business depends on functional concrete.

Common Questions About Commercial Concrete