As we walk about in our day-to-day lives, we don’t often pay attention to what is under our feet: the sidewalk. It is there to get us from one place to another–but if problems occur, it can give rise to serious issues.
We find sidewalks almost everywhere, from the area along the street to the walkway from the street to our home. Typically, they do their job without any problem. When issues arise, however, what can be done?
Most of the issues associated with sidewalks appear when damage takes place. It could be due to the soil giving way underneath the concrete, or perhaps because of nearby tree roots causing the concrete to crumble.
In any case, there may be times when sidewalk repairs are necessary. While most people will simply search online for “sidewalk repair near me” at that time, it’s a good idea to know what you are dealing with before you get a professional involved.
Although there may be many reasons why the sidewalk is damaged, it often shows in just a few different ways. Here are the top 5 signs that can indicate your sidewalk needs repair.
Uneven Surfaces
The sidewalk should be level–but at times, part of the sidewalk may settle and cause an uneven surface. This can be a significant tripping hazard and should be addressed quickly.
Cracking
When the soil underneath the concrete settles, it doesn’t always do so at the same rate. Sometimes, this can result in stress on the slab that cracks the concrete. Other issues can also cause this problem, such as nearby tree roots.
Drainage
If you notice water pooling in one area of the sidewalk (especially after a heavy rain), it can lead to additional problems. This is a sign that issues already exist, but it can also accelerate the problem and cause further damage.
Trip Hazards
It doesn’t take much of a shift to create a trip hazard. If you notice any uneven surfaces that could result in a trip and fall accident, they should be addressed immediately.
Vegetation Growth
If weeds or other vegetation are pushing their way up through the sidewalk, then its integrity has already been compromised. As those weeds continue to grow, they can cause additional damage.
Why Should You Have Your Sidewalk Repaired?
When most people look at a damaged sidewalk, the first thing they see is an eyesore. In reality, however, there are many different issues involved with a damaged sidewalk that should be seen too quickly. Here are a few to consider:
Safety: Perhaps the most important issue to be addressed is the safety of anyone walking on the sidewalk. Trip and fall accidents are common, and are more likely to occur when the sidewalk is uneven.
Accessibility: There are times when the sidewalk may be damaged to the point that it limits accessibility (especially for those with limited mobility).
Liability: If the sidewalk is your responsibility and it is on your property, you could be held responsible if anyone trips as a result of sidewalk damage. Having the sidewalk repaired is important because it limits liability.
Stops further damage: Like most things regarding home repair, a problem with the sidewalk will not get better on its own. In fact, it is likely to get worse. Waiting to fix the sidewalk will typically result in additional costs.
Curb appeal: Finally, we want our property to look its best. If our sidewalk is in disrepair, it reflects on us and our abilities as a homeowner.
Common Reasons for Sidewalk Damage
Since the sidewalk is outside, it is subject to a wide variety of issues when it comes to environmental impact. Some may affect it over time, while others could affect the sidewalk’s integrity quickly. Below are a few reasons why sidewalks could get damaged:
Soil conditions: If you are dealing with expansive soil or soil that washes away easily, it could lead to a deterioration of the sidewalk. In either case, you will likely be left with a void under the sidewalk that could cause cracking and sinking.
Drainage: The presence of water can accelerate any damage that happens to the sidewalk. If you are dealing with poor drainage, standing water that occurs after a storm can lead to cracks and other issues.
Freeze/thaw cycle: In areas with cold climates, the soil under the sidewalk can freeze and thaw multiple times during the winter. This can cause the soil to expand, exerting pressure on the concrete–and then when it thaws, it can shrink and leave voids behind.
Tree roots: As the tree roots spread out and grow in search of water, they can impact the sidewalk significantly. The pressure put on the concrete can crack it over time and cause it to lift. In some cases, damage from tree roots can be significant enough that the sidewalk will have to be replaced.
These are just a few of the many reasons why a sidewalk may experience damage. The issue may even be accelerated when multiple factors are involved.
Is Your Sidewalk Beyond Repair?
When most sidewalks begin experiencing problems, it is possible to repair them. The cracks can be repaired in various ways, or lifted with a method known as “polyjacking.”
There may be times, however, when sidewalk repair is impossible and the only option is to tear out the old sidewalk and pour a new one. This doesn’t happen often, but may be the case if the damage is extensive.
As an example, nearby tree roots can crack the sidewalk and cause it to lift and separate over time. A simple crack can be fixed most of the time–but if the concrete is crumbled, there is no choice but to remove it and pour new concrete.
If the damage has been allowed to continue for a long time, it may also get to the point where it is not able to be fixed. Multiple cracks in a small location can cause this issue. On the other hand, a single crack may seal for the most part when the slab is lifted using polyjacking.
Sidewalk Repair Using Polyjacking
One of the most common repairs necessary for a sidewalk is to lift the slab to an acceptable level. Due to soil erosion, expansive soil, and other problems, the slab may have shifted and settled over time.
Polyjacking is the process used to raise the slab and keep it at the proper level. It essentially uses polyurethane foam to fill the void under the slab and raise the concrete.
This is not a DIY project, but rather something that should be done by a professional. When searching for sidewalk repair near you, be sure to look for someone who offers this service and not mudjacking, which is an outdated method.
When we at Epp Foundation Repair perform polyjacking, the first step in the process is to drill small holes through the concrete. Ports are then inserted into the holes, and we use specialty equipment to pump the polyurethane foam into the voids under the slab and it begins to quickly expand. This compacts the soil underneath and raises the slab simultaneously.
Once the slab is in the appropriate position, we remove the ports, fill the holes, and clean the job site–leaving you with a clean, level sidewalk and virtually no indication that we were there working in the first place.
Don’t allow sidewalk repair to trip you up! Contact us for a free inspection and estimate today. We’ll have you walking on level ground again in no time.
