Preventative Measures to Keep Your Sidewalks in Top Condition

The government of New York City places great stress on functional and safe sidewalks. It means that they must be free from damage like cracks, potholes, uneven slabs, or drainage issues.

In cases of neglect, the Department of Transportation sends a violation notice with a 75-day deadline to get the concrete damages fixed. For the removal of sidewalk violations in New York, you can hire professional concrete contractors.

Professionals not only fix sidewalks promptly but also provide you with maintenance tips after repairs. There are some preventative measures that you can also take to make these pathways safe for a long time.

In this article, we will provide you with some tips on how to take preventative measures and efficiently maintain your sidewalks.

Preventative Maintenance Measures

If you want your sidewalks to always look great, there are two kinds of preventative measures you can take: seasonal and general. 

Seasonal Measures

In every season, you can take certain proactive measures to protect your sidewalks from extreme weather conditions.

Hot Weather

Problem: Summers can act as the beginning of sidewalk damage, as during hot weather concrete  expands. The absence of expansion joints between two slabs allows them to exert pressure on each other and form cracks.

Measures: In case of crack formation, you must fill the gaps to avoid water infiltration and soil damage. You can either fix the gaps yourself if the cracks are hairline or hire professional help for major damages.

Rainy Weather

Problem: During the rainy season, damaged sidewalks with cracks and potholes allow water to seep into the soil. Water accumulation beneath the concrete surface can weaken the soil base and lead to the sinking of the slabs.

Measures: To avoid the issue of uneven slabs and water pooling, just ensure that the surface is free from cracks, potholes, and other damages. Regular inspection of your sidewalks will also help you identify the issues.

Dry and Moist Weather

Problem: If you are installing sidewalks in dry weather, there are chances that they will dry out quickly and develop shrinkage cracks. Similarly, in humid weather, the curing process can take longer than usual and impact the final look of the surface.

Measures: Hiring professional experts for installation of sidewalks in such weather can save you from structural issues. Professionals know what measures to take while pouring concrete in different weather conditions.

Cold and Freezing Weather

Problem: If the soil has moisture present in them, it will freeze during the cold weather. Freezing moisture will push the concrete upward and cause cracks on the surface. In the summer, when this water freezes, it will create a space between the soil and concrete, making the surface uneven and unstable.

Measures: To avoid the freeze-thaw cycle, you must get the issues fixed that lead to water pooling. You can check for signs of discoloration and uneven surfaces to identify the damage to the water.

General Preventative Measures

Other than seasonal maintenance, there is some general maintenance that you could do to avoid extensive damage.

Regular Inspection: Through regular inspection, you can identify the sidewalk issues and get them fixed before they become extensive.

Tree Roots: To avoid tree root damage to the concrete surface, install root barriers during plantation. 

Crack Filling: On identifying small cracks on the concrete surface, fill them up immediately to avoid water infiltration and future damages.

Resurfacing: To give your concrete pathway a new look and fill in saplings, resurfacing with the help of thin concrete is an efficient way to increase the life of your sidewalks

Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

• You can save money in the long run by reducing the repair cost.
• Avoid slip-and-trip accidents and legal lawsuits filed by the injured.
• Improve the curb appeal and resell value of your property.
• Increase the lifespan of your sidewalks
• Comply with city regulations and create a safe environment for everyone.

Conclusion

Taking preventive measures to maintain your sidewalks can save you a lot of worry in the long run. You can not only avoid DOT violations but can also make your sidewalks safe and aesthetically pleasing.

Taking professional help to maintain your sidewalks will allow you to resolve the issues as per DOT guidelines. You can search for local professional contractors to remove sidewalk violations in New York and renovate the property in no time.