The Basics of Concrete Sidewalk repair in NYC
Concrete is one of the most durable materials when it comes to repairing or replacing a sidewalk. However, overtime concrete is susceptible to deterioration with cracks and pitting. Moreover, exposure to the elements, poor drainage, and ground movement, can add to the factors that take a toll on the concrete year after year.
All concrete tends to crack and it is not possible to produce completely crack-free concrete. Due to changes in moisture and temperature the concrete can expand and shrink with changes. At the early age of the concrete, the overall tendency is to shrink which can result in irregular cracks that are unsightly and difficult to maintain but generally won’t affect the integrity of the concrete. If you are dealing with uneven sidewalks and are ready to make a fix by hiring a contractor but unsure whether you should repair or replace them, consider the following pointers that can help you make an informed decision based on the damage it has.
Reasons why concrete can crack:
When it comes to sidewalks in general, they can deteriorate over time due to heavy foot traffic. Despite all the uses, homeowners probably pay little to no attention to their sidewalk- until it starts to crumble. Damaged sidewalks pose accident risks and make them less walkable, that is why, as property owners, it is their responsibility to maintain their sidewalks while keeping them safe for the pedestrians.
To avoid any injuries, a comprehensive inspection is necessary for an accurate assessment. Also, allows the homeowners to spot the problems that would need repair or replacement of the concrete sidewalk in NYC. If you are tired of looking at a cracked sidewalk, but you are unsure whether it’s best to repair or replace it, keep reading to learn some common signs!
#1 Cracks: A common issue for the damage in sidewalks is cracking which can grow quickly due to substances like water and ice. In summer extreme sun can cause the concrete to expand as it heats the concrete. When the concrete comes down to the normal temperature regresses to its original and unbacked position at the end of the day it can lead to cracks. However, these can be fixed by sidewalk contractors depending on the damage they would either replace it or follow sealing or leveling it.
#2 Fix an uneven and raised sidewalk: This can create a hazard if left untreated. Uneven or raised sidewalks can be the result of a slab being raised rather than sunk involving several reasons. For instance, roots from the tree or other substance pushing up on the slab can cause the panels of the sidewalk to be lifted. The only option you might think of is to get it repaired or replaced quickly. Instead, most raised sidewalks can be fixed fastly and easily with the help of a sidewalk contractor far less expensively by leveling to create a gentle and even slope, or move or extend your sidewalk so it does not happen again. When done carefully with the help of an experienced professional, this can help to avoid replacement while giving you a perfectly fixed sidewalk.
#3 Water Pooling: Only water won’t cause damage to your sidewalks. However, excess water in the concrete mix can increase its probability of cracking. Moreover, sidewalks with prior damage or not done by professionals can cause additional weakening and damage over time.
With proper sealing at the end of the repair, the cracks will greatly reduce and decrease the ability of water to penetrate the surface, which in turn increases the lifespan of your concrete sidewalks.
Unlike some repair projects that are easy enough to do by yourself, sidewalks are never recommended for a few reasons. Whether it is repairing small cracks or replacing the whole sidewalk, even minor damages require specialized, heavy-duty tools and the precision of an expert. They know how to use the tool, make the material mix, and inject the material. Before that, they are required to inspect the sidewalk and place the repairs for filling strategically to avoid any lifts later.
