Prevent Trips and Falls: A Guide to Sidewalk Repair & Leveling in NYC

The results can be costly in terms of injury claims when the property owners fail to keep their sidewalk in a reasonable state of repair! Many cities and ordinances have laws in place regarding the Sidewalk Repair & Leveling, for instance, in NYC that imposes the cost upon the property owner. That is if the sidewalk is not repaired the jurisdiction request the property owners to make a repair.

A violation can be issued for a number of reasons, such as tripping hazard, cracked or raised section within the sidewalks, improper slope, or loss of color. If the repair is not made within 75 days, the NYC DOT may hire a private construction company to handle the task. When this happens, the jurisdiction bills the property owner for the cost of repairs.

So sidewalk defects are the leading cause of liabilities., it is important for homeowners to maintain the sidewalk in a reasonably safe condition. With the countless codes, rules, and regulations in place, it is the duty of homeowners to learn and comply with them. Do you have any questions about the defects? We are here to help you with professional guidance!

What is a Sidewalk Defect according to the NYC Administrative Code?

1. Sidewalk Crack

2. Loose or Missing Sidewalk Flag

3. Improper slope

4. Structural integrity

5. Non-compliance with DOT specifications

6. Hardware defect

The most effective method to mitigate any of the defect claims is to take proactive sidewalk repairs and leveling measures towards the prevention of pedestrian trips and falls. This includes guidance from professionals including periodic inspections and prompt repairs of any sustainable defect that can result in trip hazards, this saves property owners from liabilities.

Common Sidewalk Defects include:

1. The most common are cracks which might seem small and first but can be aggravated with changing weather conditions.

2. Unleveled sidewalk which worsens with each season as the lower slab collects water.

3. Sunken slabs due to tree roots.

 Uneven Sidewalks: Infrastructure Issues leading to Increased Maintenance

Infrastructure issues, be it surfacing defects or deforming forces can be broadly categorized into two terms- surfacing problems like sunken concrete and structural problems which lie underneath the concrete slab. Both sets of problems can lead to maintenance issues. You might probably know that most structural deficits result in surfacing problems but it’s not the other way around. Let’ get into the basics of sidewalk repairs:

• The Basics of Sidewalk Repair: Concrete is known for its durability, it can still deteriorate with time. Exposure to environmental elements and intense wear and tear are a few reasons. While others can be related to considerations during installation. If you are dealing with an uneven sidewalk, but are confused about making an informed decision read ahead:

  • Surfacing Defects: After initial application, these defects generally form in the first several years. Certain defects may only affect the appearance while others might become a safety hazard and also affect the usability of the sidewalk. The common issues here include cracks, crumbling, and pop-outs. Cracking can lead to a series of problems for concrete over time. Moreover, when it comes to the issues associated with displacement of the slab itself, it is related to the use of the materials and not the surface deterioration of the concrete.

  • Conditions causing structural problems: Often an uneven sidewalk may be the result of structural conditions such as cracking, tilting gaps, and sidewalk sections being raised or depressed. With the exception of cracks and gaps, other problems indicate the problem being structural in nature which can be due to inaccurate proportions used when the concrete mix is prepared or completely related to tree roots and weather. Many forces can cause uplift or settlement of concrete, deformation resulting in shrinkage, unequal movement because of sagging or raised slabs because of tree roots.

The cracks in the sidewalk can be simply repaired with sealing or leveling which can elevate trip hazards while also avoiding the need for replacement. When it comes to structural damage this too can result in a trip hazard. Whether it’s because of a tree root or inappropriate practices while installation, expensive replacement is not the only option. Sidewalk repairs and leveling by an experienced professional in the field will help you abide by the DOT specifications while also avoiding costly replacements down the road.

Liability Management

The object of the maintenance programs is to keep sidewalks adjacent to the properties accessible and safe for passersby and to extend the lives of the sidewalks through routine efficiency and preventative efforts. Unlike some repair projects that are simple and easy, you will require a Sidewalk repair in NYC who is liable for planning, designing, executing, and finishing the task within the given timeline. Apart from this, there are several factors, for instance, your sidewalk repair professionals should not be strangers to concrete engineering, violation protocols, and removals in NYC.

 Our exceptionally skilled and committed team will give you remarkable outcomes!