A sidewalk appears to be a simple path that withstands foot traffic every day. It redefines your property’s aesthetics and provides safe pedestrian access. But, have you noticed cracks or other issues with the sidewalk? A hairline crack appears to be harmless; however, it will reduce your property value over time.
Most concrete walkways need to endure heavy foot traffic and adverse weather conditions. Vegetation growth may also cause significant damage to the surface. So, when should you repair your sidewalk and restore your property?
Walkways in your commercial or residential properties are made from durable materials. Still, they have a risk of damage due to different unavoidable factors. The sidewalk repair cost depends on the extent of damage to the surface. Thankfully, you can call professionals to fix various issues with your sidewalk!
1. Uneven Surface
A sunken surface of your sidewalk poses a safety risk to your pedestrians. A few common factors leading to sunken surfaces are:
- Improper compaction
- Soil erosion
- Natural settling of the concrete ground
These issues will affect your property’s aesthetics and lead to tripping hazards. Besides, water washes away the layer of soil, causing the surface to sink.
2. Cracks
It is easy to detect big cracks caused by freeze-thaw cycles and ground movement. Professional repairers will detect the type of cracks before implementing the repair method.
- Hairline cracks are thin, but they will result in bigger problems over time.
- Ground shifting will lead to settlement cracks that are more extensive and deeper.
- Expansion and contraction of concrete during temperature fluctuations also lead to cracks.
3. Accumulated Water
A well-constructed sidewalk must have a proper drainage system to prevent water accumulation. Any drainage issue will cause the formation of puddles after rainfall. It indicates that there is an issue with the slope of the surface. Subsurface erosion is a common cause of this problem in a sidewalk.
Pooled water can result in a number of issues, such as:
- Discoloration
- Deterioration
- Structural weakening
- Mold growth
4. Discoloration
Your concrete walkway will start showing signs of discoloration when the material becomes weak. Prolonged contact with chemicals and sun rays will lead to surface discoloration.
The concrete sidewalk’s protective layer will wear off due to various factors, such as harsh cleaners. Your contractors will solve the problem with resurfacing or sealing techniques.
5. Surface Flaking
This problem appears when the concrete’s top layer starts to chip away. Regular freeze-thaw cycles can cause this type of sidewalk issue. Improper concrete mixing also leads to surface flaking over time. Your contractors will resurface the sidewalk to restore its condition.
Summary
Minor or major sidewalk damage is not merely an eyesore; it will cause safety hazards and increase repair costs. In case of a commercial property, a damaged sidewalk will cause liability issues.
Call professional repairers to fix or replace your sidewalk material. They will preserve your property value while keeping pedestrians safe. Let your contractors inspect your sidewalk and ask for an estimate!