In many ways, taking care of real property is much like taking care of your body, clothing, and even your car. Simply put, if you take care of it, it will take care of you. It might be true that the interior of a property is usually well taken care of, but in many cases, the exterior is neglected until the building’s condition gets really bad, especially when you have to fork out money to fix something that is seriously damaged.
Fortunately, there is usually little reason to avoid having a repair made, even when it comes to something like a sidewalk. The trouble is that many homeowners don’t often recognize when there is a problem. In these cases, it’s good to get more information, but what follows are a few signs you need to have a sidewalk repaired.
Cracks on the Surface
Sidewalks are exposed to all kinds of weather throughout the year. If it’s not the heat during the summer, it’s the cold during the winter. With time, these factors can cause tiny cracks in the surface. At first, these cracks might seem innocuous, but they are actually signs of impending danger. The tiny cracks can grow larger and, if left unchecked, they can lead to rot beneath the surface. Cracks in a sidewalk should be checked out as soon as possible.
Broken Edges
The sides and corners of sidewalk are often subject to excessive loads and pressure, which causes them to crumble and become unstable. Broken edges can also block underground drainage channels if they are not repaired as soon as possible. They can also become a trip hazard for pedestrians and a parking issue for vehicles. These problems are usually best dealt with by removing the concrete or asphalt and replacing it with new material.
Depressed or Raised Surfaces
Sidewalks, especially those with a tiled layout, are often subject to movement. This will sometimes cause sections to move and become out of place. These issues will often cause trip hazards, resulting in a lawsuit. If your sidewalk ends up with uneven or raised surfaces, it should be fixed.
Fading Colors
The fading colors of a sidewalk is something that most people don’t give much thought to, but when it happens, it can result in the unsightly appearance of a property. Over time, sidewalks can fade and appear drab. Further, this can also result in cracks.
Moisture
As durable as concrete is, it still has enemies, especially when it comes to water. Even if a sidewalk is only slightly wet, it can be severely affected by water whether the water freezes or not. Regardless of the weather, a sidewalk can become weakened when water has accumulated on or under it. In most cases, water that is on the surface is not an issue. However, it quickly becomes and issue when it seeps inside. Regardless, the problem should be checked by a professional.
Concrete is one of the most durable construction products available. This is why it is one of the best materials for sidewalks and similar uses. Unfortunately, it’s not perfect, and responds in unpredictable ways to weather and other forces. This is why, if a problem is nipped in the bud, bigger problems can often be avoided. If a problem or a question occurs, call a professional.
Speak Your Mind