Common Reasons of Sidewalk Concrete Breakage
Sidewalks outside your home are considered one of the safest paths for pedestrians. However,
sidewalks can get damaged just like any other concrete building. A lot of damage happens in
the form of cracks, which can cause big problems.
Cracks on your sidewalk can be caused by numerous factors, like tree roots, extreme weather
conditions, shifting soil, dirt, and excessive moisture. A cracked sidewalk will not only
detract beauty from your property but can also cause trip and fall accidents.
Opting for concrete for your sidewalks might be a good idea because it is one of the most
durable building materials compared to pavers, bricks, and other options. When picking the
right material for your sidewalk, you should think about how it looks, how long it will
last, how much it will cost, and how many repairs are needed.
Let us delve into this article to understand why it is important to understand why your
sidewalks break. Moreover, Hiring a skilled professional like DOT
Sidewalk Repair NYC could
be a good way to fix these problems. Professionals with years of experience, the right
training, and the right licenses can fix your sidewalks safely.
What is a Cracked Sidewalk?
Damaged sidewalks have clear cracks or separations in the concrete path. You can usually find these around homes or businesses. Separations like these can be of different sizes and depths, which weakens the path. Nevertheless, these cracks are not only unsightly problems.
Common Types Of Sidewalk Damage
Let us discuss common sidewalk damage in more depth so that you can spot these problems immediately.
Potholes
Water damage, poor materials, or aging can lead to potholes on the sidewalk. If you don't repair these potholes on time, they can grow and become unsafe for pedestrians. A complete replacement is needed for bigger potholes.
Cracks
In the summer and winter, concrete can shrink and expand. Cracks form when concrete is overpressed and the temperature changes. They might be hairline, deep, or spiderweb-shaped. They may resemble snakeskin. Ignoring these fissures could lead to water buildup and holes.
Tree Roots
A tree next to your sidewalk can also damage it. Do you want to know the reason? The roots of trees grow upward to get the water and nutrients they need when they do not get enough from the ground. As they get bigger, they might crack the concrete on the outside and do other damage. NYC Parks is in charge of fixing tree root damage, and you can call them to have the job done right.
Improper Drainage
Poor water flow can lead to soil erosion and water pools. The damage to the concrete structure from the drainage issue can not be fixed, so it has to be replaced fully. It is very important to fix drainage issues right away to keep the whole sidewalk foundation from getting badly damaged.
Uneven Surface
The two major things that make concrete slabs uneven are soil erosion and the freeze-thaw cycle. If your sidewalks are cracked or do not drain well, water could seep through them and reach the ground. If the soil is too wet in the winter, the slabs may freeze and rise above their normal level. In the same way, this water freezes again and breaks up the compacted soil in the spring and summer, which makes both the soil and the concrete surface drop.
Preventive Tips
Check the damage first and keep an eye on cracks, uneven surfaces, and loose concrete. If the damages are severe, you can consult a sidewalk repair contractor.
- In New York City, sidewalk maintenance is usually the job of property owners. As a result, you will have to pay for it.
- Next, get a price from a licensed contractor. Do not forget that price is not the only thing that matters. To keep the damage from getting worse, you need to hire a skilled concrete sidewalk repair company that will do the job right and use good materials.
- Once you have picked a contractor, set up a time for the repair. Keep in mind that some fixes might take a while, especially if the city says you have to. Be patient and keep the lines of communication open with your contractor.
- After the fix, regular maintenance and checks will keep your sidewalk in great shape and stop any more damage from happening. A clear path is not only nice to look at, but it is also very important for public safety.
Conclusion
Sidewalks are the most common types of concrete buildings that people walk on. Because of this, it should always be clean, safe, and working. The sidewalks outside your house must always be in good shape. By hiring a licensed contractor, you can keep your sidewalk free of violations.