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Should I Repair or Replace My Damaged Concrete Sidewalk?

Whether to repair or replace the damaged sidewalk is an important factor to consider. The extent of damages to the concrete decides the best method you can use to make your sidewalks safe, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing.

When sidewalk damage is minor and does not compromise structural integrity, repair is the best option. For extensive damages that are a safety hazard and unrepairable, complete replacement by expert sidewalk contractors is necessary.

If you are unsure of which renovation method to choose for your crumbling concrete sidewalk, let us guide you through.

When To Repair The Concrete Sidewalks?

Minor damage like hairline cracks, slightly raised slabs, saplings, or scaling can be fixed through repair methods.

Minor Cracking

Hairline cracks are less than 0.3 millimeters wide and can be fixed using crack fillers. These cracks usually appear during the concrete curing process, climate changes, soil settlement, or minor structural movement. Avoiding these cracks can make them grow over time and make the structure weak.

Slab Level Different

Slightly raised slabs are only on a ¼ inch level difference with their adjacent slabs. If not fixed, they can become trip hazards. Concrete grinding, an efficient repair technique, can be used to address this issue of complete slab replacement.

Flaking Concrete

Concrete spalling or scaling means the surface is flaking or chipping off. Common reasons why this might happen include use of de-icing salts, interaction with extensive heat, and water vapor evaporation. Repair technique can be used for spalling only when the damages are at one-third depth of the concrete. For damages deeper than this, complete replacement is an efficient choice.

When to Replace the Concrete Sidewalks?

Extensive damages like deep cracks, potholes, uneven/sunken slabs, water damages, and tree root invasion are all unrepairable. These damages require you to opt for the complete replacement process. 

Deep and Large Cracks

Minor cracks, when left unaddressed, become wide and deep. Soil erosion, freeze-thaw cycle, and tree root invasions all can create deep cracks in the concrete. These cracks are usually larger than ½ inches and can allow the water to seep in and cause further damages. It is why these cracks must be replaced to eliminate underlying damages and ensure structural integrity.

Potholes

Spalling concrete keeps on deteriorating with time and leads to pothole formation. Similarly, improper maintenance of concrete and use of substandard materials during construction also contribute to pothole formulation. Repairing these potholes through patching is a DOT violation, and they must be completely replaced to maintain the integrity and aesthetics of the structure.

Uneven Slabs

Eroding soil beneath concrete slabs can cause them to sink. This only happens due to water accumulation beneath the concrete or poor drainage systems that lead to a freeze-thaw cycle and cause structural damages. Sinking slabs can be repaired through the slabjacking technique, but if the water damage is extensive, an efficient approach is needed to replace the slab.

Tree Root Invasion

Trees near sidewalks can also become a reason for extensive damage to the concrete surface. If there is no root barrier installed, these roots might push against the concrete and lead to crack formation in the sidewalk. There are many ways to fix damages caused by tree roots, including tree bed expansion, ramping, installing rebar or wire mesh during construction, or curving the sidewalk around the tree.

Conclusion

Before starting the sidewalk project, it is essential to carefully assess the damaged area. It will give you an efficient renovation method choice. Keep in mind that repair methods are only an efficient approach when damages are minor, like hairline cracks, spalling, or slight raise in slabs. However, for deep cracks, tree root invasion, and potholes, complete sidewalk replacement is essential.

For efficient decision-making, take professional help, as professional contractors like Sidewalk Repairs Manhattan better understand the damages and make changes that comply with city guidelines.

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