Settled concrete sidewalks and walkways can pose some serious risks that require attention. Sidewalks and walkways will begin to sink and shift over time as soil erosion and settlement occur. As a property owner, you have repair options to choose from to remedy these issues. A fast, effective, and affordable option to repair sinking sidewalks or walkways is with polyurethane concrete lifting.
What Causes Concrete Sidewalks and Walkways to settle and shift?
Over time, concrete sidewalks and walkways will settle and shift naturally due to erosion and settling soil. Commonly, these things are caused by moisture from leaking pipes or weather events like rain, snow, or freezing. Tree roots growing beneath concrete slabs and digging rodents or other pests can also cause soil erosion. Also, newly constructed concrete slabs may settle due to poorly compacted base soils beneath the concrete. These areas may continue to densify and compact over the first few years following new construction.
While it can be tempting to ignore the issue, there are some key benefits to having sunken or settled concrete sidewalks and walkways lifted before the problem gets worse and more expensive.
Safety Hazard Mitigation
Lifting your settled concrete sidewalks and walkways can resolve trip hazards, a serious safety issue especially in areas that experience high pedestrian traffic. Uneven or misaligned concrete slabs pose a serious risk to public safety and major liability concern for public or private property owners, HOA’s, and municipalities. If neglected, sidewalk or walkway trip hazards could cost thousands in lawsuit settlements and legal fees. Polyurethane concrete lifting raises and levels sidewalks back to the correct grade, saving you from the consequences that may occur from potential trips, falls, or injuries.
Improving Water Drainage
Sunken sidewalks and walkways can cause water to pool and prevent proper drainage. Improper water drainage can lead to further concrete damage due to soil disruption and erosion. If the problem is ignored long enough, it can eventually cause structural damage to the surrounding property. Over time, pooled water can cause concrete surfaces to deteriorate and weaken the integrity of the slab. Standing water also poses a risk to public health. In warm climates, standing water is a breeding ground for disease-carrying insects like mosquitos. Rodents seek out water sources near their nests, so an area that frequently pools with water may attract these pests and encourage them to nest in or around your property. In addition to being a risk to our health, rodents and other pests can cause serious and often expensive structural damage.
Preserving Property Value
Aside from the safety, health, and financial risks associated with sunken concrete sidewalks and walkways, there are also cosmetic benefits to lifting and leveling those concrete slabs. Well maintained sidewalks and walkways add value to a property and improve curb appeal. Sunken concrete sidewalks and walkways can be a clue to potential buyers that the property was not well kept and could be a red flag for hidden issues. If settled and uneven concrete slabs are left untreated, voids beneath the slabs may occur due to water infiltration. Those voided areas create unstable support systems for the concrete and can cause concrete to shift and break.
Lifting concrete sidewalks and walkways with polyurethane is a cost-effective, fast, and efficient solution that can improve safety conditions, drainage capabilities, and adds value to property while saving owners the headache and financial cost of additional, costly repairs in the future. Contact us today for a free consultation on your concrete lifting needs.
