Repairing the Way: The Fundamentals of Sidewalk Repair in NYC

Repairing the Way: The Fundamentals of Sidewalk Repair in NYC

As per materials go, concrete is fairly durable and that’s why it is the material of choice for sidewalks and curbs. Especially, with the cities intent on improving walkability, though durable it may be but concrete is not invincible. Concrete sidewalks can deteriorate over time from excessive weight, repeated temperature change, and ground movement.

Whether you have a driveway, curbs, or sidewalks made of concrete, it will eventually crack or deteriorate with time. Well, a cracked or elevated sidewalk is a serious problem, but the seriousness depends on the type and underlying issue.

The material of choice: Concrete for Sidewalks

For a good reason, many people installing sidewalks or updating one are choosing concrete! Because of its semi-fluid nature, concrete can be installed and finished to provide an appearance other than the usual dull light grey color. Unlike other materials commonly used, concrete is much more durable and able to withstand high traffic and regular wear and tear with no effect. As such, these do require regular maintenance, repairs, and a few considerations like hiring skilled concrete contractors in NYC to make it last.

Does concrete degrade over time? Conditions that screams professional help

The surface can be exposed to a series of structural failures that can result in the vast majority of sidewalk problems and hazards resulting in sidewalk violations. Many of the environmental forces can also cause damage to sidewalks relating to frost action, direct sunlight because of which the material has to go through cycles of expansion and contraction.

With the day aging, the sun intensity heats up causing the concrete temperature to rise and expand. With no room for expansion, the concrete is forced to crack. And this same cycle results in bigger issues and weakens the concrete base making it even worse when it gets hit with rain, dew, and other moisture sources. Below is the rundown of some conditions:

• Stress is caused by the shrinkage of the underlying base or because of a decrease in the moisture underneath that can result in splits or cracks.

• Because of expansive native soil or frost action, it can further result in unequal movement which can cause larger thaw settlement at the edges.

• Raised or elevated concrete pavements can be caused by tree roots or swelling of the soil or clay.

• Improper placement techniques which include the material of the sub-base and the subgrade for sidewalks can cause concrete to crack prematurely.

These are things that are related to poor curing practices, concrete quality, or finishing techniques- all can contribute to replacements and investing more money down the drains. So when hiring for a concrete sidewalk repair contractor in NYC, make sure that they are qualified and experienced enough. Moreover, when the problem areas are not visible, for instance, in the case of sinking concrete, they will be able to identify areas where heavy flows of water may occur, check drainage, and design a plan that will prevent the concrete from degrading over time.

Choosing qualified Sidewalk Repair Contractors in NYC makes all the difference!

You need it all, from the best pre-placement, placement, finishing practices to curing methods. The contractor should be well aware of the sidewalk violation protocols and procedures in accordance with the DOT. What’s more, the compounds and the procedures shall be compatible with concrete surfaces, their subsequent application, overlays, or the placement of the concrete. So if you are already having damaged concrete and looking for someone to fix your sidewalks, make sure to get a reliable contractor up for the job! Here’s why:

• Before you spend a lot of time and money, getting the repairs done, it is prudent to determine the cause of the defect. And that’s what concrete contractors do, whether you need improvements on the residential or commercial side of your property they first rectify the underlying cause and address what needs to be done.

• Cracked or degraded sidewalks are no DIY. And when it comes to the repair, maintenance, and replacement projects, these would give you the best returns only when left to qualified contractors. The extensive work, labor, materials, creating the right mix, sorting problems with drainage issues, all these tasks are beyond the capabilities of the homeowner.

• Also, because sidewalks are accessible to everyone, uneven or cracked sidewalks can cause slip or fall accidents. And you might be aware that in NYC property owners are liable for injuries if someone gets injured due to the cracks, uneven steps, raised slopes, and potholes. To enhance safety as well as save yourself from the chances of illegal activities, skilled technicians will design a sidewalk that is consistent, firm, stable, and slip-resistant.

One of the easiest ways to make sure your sidewalk is hassle-free is to maintain regularly, adhere to the protocols, and prioritize easy accessibility for added convenience. Listing out all the potential users and their concerns, the design should not cause mobility issues or compromise foot traffic.