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Having an uneven sidewalk is more than a cosmetic issue. Sidewalks that have lifted, sunken or buckled can cause a trip hazard that can be costly to homeowners and business owners alike. Unfortunately, many people choose to ignore these issues, as they don’t understand the dangers of trip hazards or how it can actually be fixed cost-effectively. Below is some helpful information on how to properly address sidewalk repair.
Concrete patching is not an option
Before we talk about how you should repair a sidewalk, let’s talk about a few ways you should not. Historically, homeowners and businesses alike have tried to remove sidewalk lips or trip and fall hazards by concrete patching or cement patching their sidewalk. This is never an acceptable concrete repair solution due to the problem with winter ground frost we experience in colder states. The cement patch or cement resurfacing will only last until the ground frost raises the concrete sidewalk slabs. The walkway patch on the sidewalk joint will then delaminate and pop off. This typically leaves the property owner repeatedly patching his or her sidewalk on a yearly basis. This applies to all outdoor concrete including driveway repairs.
Don’t use bars to raise concrete
Another method for concrete repair that homeowners and businesses owners are trying is to raise concrete sidewalk slabs with bars as a method of concrete repair. Aside from being dangerous or risky, this never works for any length of time due to not being able to obtain proper support under their concrete slab. This is not a good long-term solution for your sidewalk repair needs.
Why concrete grinding is the best for sidewalk repair
Concrete grinding or sidewalk cement grinding is one method to remove sidewalk trip hazards typically up to 1 1/2″ in height where sidewalks have been lifted by tree roots, shifting soil, etc. Concrete grinding will remove the top finished layer of cement and leave an exposed aggregate finish where the concrete trip area has been removed, but will also bring your sidewalk trip and fall hazard back into compliance. While there are instruction videos on how to do this yourself, it’s recommended that you engaged a concrete professional to do the job for you in order to insure the repair was done correctly.
Concrete grinding is a modern technique to eliminate trip and fall hazards.
How concrete grinding saves you money
Aside from all the liabilities avoided by correcting potential trip hazards, concrete grinding can save you money by not having to replace the concrete altogether. By addressing the issue caused by tree roots or other factors, the damaged sidewalk can effectively be repaired instead of replaced, which can save homeowners and businesses hundreds of dollars if not thousands. Learn more about concrete grinding as an option before considering complete concrete replacement.