Repair or Replace: How to Decide What Your Concrete Sidewalk Needs

Despite being strong and durable, like everything else concrete doesn’t last forever. Specially, concrete sidewalks are frequently exposed to eroding elements or high levels of traffic and require maintenance from concrete contractors who are specialized to keep them in safe and durable conditions in NYC.

Concrete sidewalks with cracks, potholes, or uneven surfaces aren’t just an expensive problem for homeowners but if left to get worse it can also endanger those using them. Most important these are not necessarily going to cause a problem in terms of structural stability but can cause other issues. For instance, cracks can be a point for water or uneven surface leading to trip hazards.

Should I replace or repair it?

Once concrete becomes damaged, the primary support also starts to weaken. However, there are several ways to repair and replace the sidewalks. Repairing involves restoration where professionals return the concrete to its original state. While in most cases, when the damage is not treated on time it has to be replaced, this could be related to any structural problems or working with inexperienced for your sidewalks.

For instance, your sidewalk is severely pitted with a large pothole and the water is logging. Can it once again be made to look aesthetically pleasing or does the entire section or slab need to be replaced?

If you are in doubt about the state of your concrete sidewalks, especially in NYC where the laws and codes are super strict, you can always contact the trusted team at Tony Masonry who will be able to provide you with viable repair solutions that otherwise might have been overlooked.

Note that: Although it all comes down to the extent of damage and whether to repair or replace has to be determined case-by-case.

Here are a few steps your sidewalk concrete contractor in NYC will follow:

1. How deteriorated the sidewalks are actually?

2. Is the concrete structure aggregated or are there any signs of spalling?

3. Is the damage caused by poor installation?

4. Is it merely a worn or chipped surface?

5. Is there a structural break?

6. How much material is missing or breakage is there?

 Again, if poor installation is the reason, the sidewalk will likely have to be replaced. If the problem is merely on the surface, then repair is a viable option.

Is it time for professional concrete repair?

There are several signs which indicate that it’s time to have word with a professional for the repairs. You need to ensure that sidewalks adjacent to your property are safe and sound. Just go through the below-mentioned factors to identify if your concrete needs repairs or replacement:

1. Degree of Damage: If you go by the general rule of thumb when the sidewalk requires more than 2 inches of repair, or there are severe deep cracks, then it would probably pay off to invest in a replacement. If less than that, the specialist are equipped with tools and techniques that can help restore both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Remember that, the extent of the damage may not be the only criterion for making a decision. If the concrete slabs have deteriorated. Clearance can also be an issue. And then there are aesthetics to take note of.

2. Base or structural problems: When it comes to structural problems, poor installation techniques are the most common culprit which is most often overlooked by homeowners. The solution to this problem is hiring reliable contractors for the job who are familiar with all the repairs, installation problems, and violation removals in NYC. For instance, if not enough attention is paid to the sub-base, as much as they match the application to the concrete, there will be stress which will result in cracks. Or if the expansion joints are not spaced properly, the stress might cause expansion and contraction due to weather which will result in damages.

So problems at the sub-base and cracks are instances of concern that can be further deteriorated with changing weather conditions and water.

3. Problems with the interior surface: It’s not always the exterior that gets damaged. The concrete slabs can get damaged from the interior, that is it can become uneven by settling or just simple wear and tear can lead to crumbling, and replacing the interior can be way more costly than repairing the surface. There is no question that contractors can offer you a number of repair options than ever before. So when you are in a hurry or low on budget professionals can offer you surface treatment that can actually make it look better and function great as well.

Now coming to the common signs of damage, keeping an eye on your sidewalks should be a part of your home maintenance checklist. And here are a few signs to note at the initial stages:

1. Cracks: Minor cracks if left unnoticed can be the major reason and obvious reason that your concrete requires effective repairs. Cracks on the surface can happen due to various reasons but the most common is due to expansion and contraction, creating pressure on the concrete. In fact, this also indicates water penetrating in the cracks. To combat this issue, you will want to ensure that you obtain the appropriate services from an experienced specialist to prevent the damage from escalating.

2. Surface Deterioration can be in the form of uneven slabs. This will obviously lead to many additional problems, though it is an indication of damage in and of itself. For instance, the concrete will start to crumble. Spalling can be the result of faulty construction or when too much water is poured into the mix.

3. Crumbled potholes: Though concrete is commonly known and used for its durability. However, with time and constant wear and tear anything will be subjected to damage. Crumbling and weakening surface reflect their misery that they need repair or a whole new level of restoration. Timely repairs will help you reduce the likelihood of slips and falls.
4. Overall discoloration and aging appearance: As everything has a lifespan, so does concrete. Note that, even the best-built sidewalks are not going to last forever. As long as you take on regular maintenance and repairs you don’t have to replace the entire section, make sure the concrete undergoes an inspection and professional evaluation for the next possible step.