Crumbling edges, cracked surfaces, uneven slabs, missing curbs, or potholes are all signs that you need immediate sidewalk repair. These damages are a clear DOT violation, as they lead to tripping accidents.
If someone trips over the deteriorated pathway in front of your property, they can file a lawsuit against you. Avoid paying heavy fines and take the right action by hiring professional help to remove the DOT violations.
Your local NYC concrete repair experts manage the violation removal process as per DOT guidelines. With timely repairs, you can ensure everyone’s safety and make the pathways accessible for everyone.
Signs You Need Repairs for Your NYC Sidewalks
Some common sidewalk damages that lead to trip-and-fall accidents and major injuries to pedestrians include:
Uneven Surface
Water accumulated beneath the concrete surface due to poor drainage can freeze over winter. Frozen water expands and pushes the concrete surface in an upward direction, resulting in a rise in the slabs and crack formation.
During the winter, the frozen water melts, leaving a space between the soil and the concrete. It results in the sinking of sidewalk slabs. The rise and sink in concrete surfaces due to the freeze-thaw cycle can be a tripping hazard and a DOT violation.
Ways to Repair Uneven Surface
An uneven surface shows that the soil beneath the concrete has eroded and will need compaction to provide a solid base. Professionals opt for two approaches to fixing uneven sidewalk slabs.
- Complete Sidewalk Replacement: By removing the damaged concrete and preparing the soil, professionals ensure the structural integrity of sidewalks for a long time.
- Mudjacking: The mudjacking technique is a concrete leveling method in which concrete mix is pumped beneath the sunken slab to give it a lift.
Cracks in the Concrete
Cracks appear on sidewalk surfaces when concrete expands and doesn't have enough space due to the absence of expansion joints. Expanding slabs exert pressure on the adjoining slabs and form cracks on the edges.
Cracks can be of different types and shapes, including:
Minor Cracks: Small and hairline cracks that don’t go deep in the concrete are less harmful but also need immediate attention to avoid future damage.
Deep Cracks: These cracks are large in size and allow the water to seep into the soil. You can identify them easily as they can be shaped like spider webs, alligator skins, expansions, diagonals, etc.
Ways to Repair Cracked Surface
Cracked surfaces need immediate attention to avoid extensive issues in the future. Professionals take different measures to fix different types of cracks.
Minor Cracks: For minor cracks, resurfacing using a thin layer of concrete is an efficient choice to seal the surface.
Deep Cracks: Big cracks allow water to accumulate in the soil and to fix the water damage, complete removal of existing concrete and installation of a new surface are essential.
Related Article: How to Repair Cracks in Concrete? NYC Homeowners Guide
Drainage Issue
Broken utilities beneath the concrete surface and cracked and uneven slabs are the main culprits of water pooling. A sidewalk without a proper slope makes drainage difficult and water stays in the soil, damaging it through freeze-thaw cycles.
Ways to Repair Drainage Issues
Different factors can contribute to drainage issues, and different solutions are necessary to fix them.
Utility Issues: If water pooling is the reason for damage to the utility pipes, contact the NYC government to fix them.
Complete Replacement: Completely replacing the sidewalks is an efficient option to identify the underlying issue and fix it.
Always take professional help for complete sidewalk replacement as they install the concrete pathways as per city guidelines. The results are also long-lasting and enhance the functionality of the area.
Tree Root Damage
Trees and plants by the side of a pathway enhance the overall look of the property. However, as the trees continuously grow, their roots can cause damage to the sidewalks. Roots sometimes grow in an upward direction in search of nutrients and water.
Upward growth near concrete structures can lead to crack formation and make the smooth surface uneven.
Ways to Repair Tree Root Damages
To efficiently fix tree root damage, the following are the steps you should take:
Tree Root Program: You can apply for the tree root program. If you are eligible for this program, you will get the funding to fix the damages.
Professional Experts: Depending upon the extent of damage, professionals can either repair or replace the surface. Moreover, if there is a risk to the health of the tree, they also call the tree doctor.
Missing Slabs or Curbs
Curbs are a part of sidewalks and their presence is essential to separating the pathway from the street. Missing curbs or sidewalk slabs can be a tripping hazard and lead to severe injuries.
Ways to repair Missing Curbs and Slabs
If you have received a DOT violation because of missing curbs or slabs, reach out to professional experts.
Professionals inspect the damage and repair or replace the surface. You can install new curbs of your choice, including steel, blue stone, or concrete, with professional help.
Conclusion
By identifying the common signs of sidewalk damage, you can ensure timely repairs and avoid potential accidents. You can either inspect the sidewalks yourself or get professional help to identify the damages.
Moreover, hiring sidewalk contractors for efficient repairs will allow you to make the surface safe and functional as per DOT guidelines.