Though sidewalks play a crucial role in our everyday lives, we ignore their maintenance, which is the fundamental cause of premature damage. Concrete will crack, crumble, and chip over time, but most often, we are responsible for the severity of the impairment. Failure of upkeep and ignoring the early signs of damage aggravate the problems, leading to irrevocable damage.
In such cases, sidewalk replacement Queens is the only alternative to ensure prolonged durability and increased safety. Typically, concrete sidewalks last around 25 to 30 years, depending on their upkeep and usage. Unfortunately, no concrete sidewalk lasts forever! So, replacement becomes necessary at some point. We may not be able to prevent it, but we can at least delay it with adequate measures!
In this post, we will get into the details of sidewalk replacement and the ways it can improve traffic safety.
When Do You Need Sidewalk Replacement?
Most of the time, a repair job may be an effective solution for your damaged sidewalk. However, in some scenarios, you need a complete replacement. These include:
If cracks, gouges, and other damages occur frequently, it means your sidewalk has lost its strength and stability. You need to consult sidewalk replacement experts for permanent and effective results.If there are serious structural problems like sinking or lifting of your sidewalk, then you require replacing the damaged section of the sidewalk.If your sidewalk has large-scale damage impeding traffic movement and posing a critical threat to lives, replacement is the best fix.A crumbling and succumbing sidewalk due to ageing and weathering has no other option than to replace it with a new one.A complete sidewalk replacement is beneficial to restore the structural integrity and functionality of your sidewalk. It promotes enhanced aesthetics and improved safety.
Sidewalk Replacement by Experts
Replacing a sidewalk is a labor-intensive job requiring superior skill and expertise. So, always look for reliable sidewalk replacement companies to avoid costly mistakes.
The sidewalk replacement procedure involves the following steps:
Cut the ends of the damaged section precisely with an angle grinder or a masonry blade to avoid the spreading of cracks. Demolish the concrete slab to remove it entirely.Clear the area by removing all the broken pieces and debris.Install wooden forms to match the elevation of the existing sidewalk.Compact the base with gravel and sand for a stable foundation.Install rebar to promote increased strength and solidity.Mix the concrete ingredients in an appropriate ratio.Pour the concrete mix evenly on the area while retaining its thickness.Level the surface to achieve a smooth finish. Let the concrete get rid of excess water and appear firm. You can then use a broom to provide a non-slip finish.Do not use the sidewalk until it has cured completely.Thus, the replacement procedure is indeed laborious. The cost of sidewalk replacement relies on the complexity of the project. Nonetheless, sidewalk replacement is an incredible way to restore the lost curb appeal and functionality.