An Overview of Sidewalk Repair and Maintenance

There are some common problems that are seen in sidewalks, paths, and curb ramps. The most common is a disfigurement on the surface, due to the formation of a crack or crevice, or some crumbling of the surface. These can be usually taken care of with NYC sidewalk repair. But the more serious issues are when there is a problem with the gradient and slope of one or more of the slabs of the sidewalk. This results in the edges of the adjacent slabs not being aligned exactly and leaving scope for pedestrians to bump into or stumble over those edges. Sometimes the dip in gradient is not there at the time of construction, but one edge usually sinks or rises over the years, causing one or more edges of a slab to rise over the other.

Instead of carrying out repairs when such problems occur, most civic bodies have an annual cycle of maintenance, during which they go over all the sidewalks one by one to check for deformities or damages. This is a much better option than going for concrete sidewalk repair NYC because timely maintenance can ensure that costs are low. Repair or replacement by concrete contractors New York can be costlier. The usual types of maintenance are as follows:

• Temporary steps – A quick setting cement mortar or an asphalt mix is generally used to patch up minor defects or deformities for the time being, till the time more permanent steps can be taken. The reason this is done is to reduce the chances of accidents and injury due to the irregularity in the sidewalk.

• Short term steps – These are slightly more long-lasting and can stay without needing further repairs for up to five years. Patching, horizontal cutting, and grinding are some of the short term maintenance measures undertaken.

• Replacement – When it is clear that neither temporary nor short term steps would work, then the entire structure is reworked. This is similar to laying a new driveway instead of going in for concrete driveway repair near me.

While going in for sidewalk repair, it sometimes becomes necessary for the existing structure to be taken apart. If this is the case, then the contractor should have the required license to destroy the sidewalk and also dispose of the debris as per regulations. If regular maintenance is done on the sidewalks, then repairs or replacement might not be needed at all, thereby reducing costs, and also making the pavement safer for pedestrians.