In New York, sidewalks form the fundamental component of pedestrian safety and increased aesthetics. In the communities or neighborhoods, you cannot access the main road or the nearby grocery shop without taking a sidewalk. In other words, the precise and well-planned network of sidewalks in the city keeps you safe from road accidents and promotes accessibility.
Whether you reside in the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, or Richmond Hill, you will spot every property connected to a sidewalk. Nonetheless, though most sidewalks are made of concrete and extensively sustainable, they encounter damage at some point in time. Often, the damage is irreversible, and you need a sidewalk replacement Queens.
Sidewalk replacement becomes imperative when the defilement is beyond repair, posing a threat to the safety of pedestrians and properties. Every property owner is responsible for the appropriate upkeep of their adjacent sidewalks. Failure to do so can lead to numerous hazards and call for a DOT violation. So, today, we will discuss what makes your sidewalk unsafe and how replacement can fix it. Let’s get started.
What Makes a Sidewalk Unsafe?
Needless to say, you will find only a few well-maintained sidewalks while walking down the streets of New York. Most property owners neglect to upkeep the sidewalks, which results in trip hazards and injuries. Such sidewalks are considered unsafe. You must be aware of the common sidewalk deteriorations, which include:
- Severe Cracks– Minor cracks may not require replacing a sidewalk, but if there are multiple cracks that make the surface uneven, it is a warning sign! Too many wide cracks can destabilize a sidewalk, and they can escalate to critical problems.
- Chipping– Surface deterioration is inevitable in sidewalks due to heavy foot traffic, freeze-thaw cycles, ageing, and moisture seepage. It diminishes curb appeal and also compromises pedestrian safety. If the chipping or spalling of the surface occurs on a large scale, you must consider a replacement job.
- Settling– A sidewalk settles when the soil underneath sinks. The base or foundation of the sidewalk weakens, causing extensive damage. However, competent sidewalk replacement contractors can resolve the problem with proactive solutions.
- Displacement– Often, tree roots can cause havoc to a sidewalk. As they grow and expand underneath the sidewalk, you will notice significant displacement. A section of the sidewalk may rise, impeding accessibility. It is another hazardous condition requiring prompt attention.
- Broken Curbs– Curbs or the edges of sidewalks deteriorate with ageing. They break and disintegrate, which amplifies the risk of trip hazards and accidents.
Sidewalk Replacement: Your Ultimate Sidewalk Cure!
Sidewalk replacement is the process of removing damaged and existing sidewalk concrete and installing new slabs. It is a labor-intensive process and requires extensive expertise. Although sidewalk replacement is more expensive than repair, it proposes the following benefits:
- You can prevent frequent sidewalk repairs through a replacement project. Sidewalk replacement companies can help you get rid of an old and utterly damaged sidewalk that has lost its strength and structural stability.
- Through sidewalk replacement, you can promote increased safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other users. They can feel safer, more comfortable, and more confident using a sidewalk.
- Since you removed the existing damaged concrete, your sidewalk now has a longer life. The new sidewalk has better resistance to physical and chemical damage.
- With a newly installed sidewalk slab, the overall appearance of the neighborhood enhances, resulting in higher property value.
- Also, you can restrict moisture seepage by replacing a sidewalk.
As mentioned, always hire a professional to replace your sidewalk because it requires appropriate expertise and skills. Additionally, you must be aware of the things to avoid during sidewalk replacement.
