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The sidewalks of New York City have greater importance than being mere concrete paths. They are the lifelines for countless pedestrians who are navigating the city daily. However, with ongoing foot traffic, changing weather conditions, extending tree roots and hefty deliveries, even the strongest sidewalks might start to fail.
When you see a broken sidewalk in the city, it isn't just an unpleasant sight. Instead, it can soon become a security issue for the people walking on it and a liability for property owners. Identifying the early warning signs is essential and can let you know if the sidewalk will collapse or crack. That way you can address the issue before it becomes an expensive repair or turn into a DOT violation.
Hairline fractures and small surface cracks
One of starting signs of a broken sidewalk is the damage that starts rather small. It begins with spiderweb-like, fine cracks all through the surface. These minor fissures might appear harmless in the beginning, but they enable water to get inside. When there is the freeze-thaw cycle in NYC, the trapped moisture can expand, thereby aggravating the crack that eventually breaks the concrete apart. Daily inspection can help to detect these early signs before they become uneven slabs and bigger splits.
Raised or uneven slabs
If some parts of the sidewalk appear a little lower or higher compared to others, it is a sign that there has been underlying movement. Tree roots expanding underneath the pavement typically push the concrete upward, while soil erosion can lead to sinking. In most cases, if you find poor drainage or older trees in your residential area, then you are bound to come across uneven slabs. The moment a certain segment starts to lift, it can develop tripping hazards and speed up any structural weakness in the nearby panels.
Water pooling right after rain
The puddles that linger for a long time after rain can signify that the sidewalk grading is off. It could also suggest that specific segments have started to sag. The standing water doesn't just aggravate concrete deteriorating over a span of time but it also adds to the freeze-linked cracking and slipperiness prevalent in the winter months. Correct drainage is necessary for averting any long-term structural damage. Here the sidewalk repair contractors NYC need to check for water drainage in areas and implement a restoration plan.
Finally, in several parts of NYC, tree roots appear to be a primary reason for broken and cracked sidewalks. Roots looking for oxygen and water push outside against the pavement, developing visible bulges and even cracks. When you notice soil mounds developing close to roots or a sidewalk coming out of the joints, it's a visible sign that the concrete is about fracture or lift. Noticing this beforehand and responding accordingly helps.
Summing it up
When you check for these early warning signs, it can make a big difference between a huge reconstruction and an easy, simple repair. In New York City, property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks near buildings. Hence, overlooking the lifted slabs and small cracks can result in violating local rules and regulations and become a reason for accidents and injuries. It is necessary to inspect your property early and address issues head on, so that you can avert the sidewalk damages to some extent.