Concrete walkways and sidewalks can provide pedestrians with a safe path to follow for many decades. However, the primary key to a long-lasting concrete pavement lies in the initial construction. If the contractor uses poor materials, designs the pavement incorrectly or fails to follow proper construction techniques, the sidewalk can fail in just a few short years.
Ensuring the Longest Possible Life for Concrete Walkways and Sidewalks
Your satisfaction with your new sidewalk or walkway begins with the contractor you choose. You need to hire an experienced contractor with a solid reputation. Remember that you cannot always accept the lowest quote that you receive; you must also consider the contractor’s references, experience, the quality of his equipment, the training his crew has received and his reputation in the industry.
When installing new concrete, a good contractor will evaluate the type of soil on which the sidewalk is to be built. Different soils react differently to moisture and temperature fluctuations, affecting their load-bearing properties and stability. Based on his findings, the contractor will plan to compact the soil uniformly to create a level subgrade that reduces the chances of differential settling of the concrete as well as the chances that cracks will develop.
Although it is possible for a concrete walkway or sidewalk to have the concrete installed directly on top of the subgrade, it is better to install a base layer between the subgrade and the concrete. This gives more uniform support to the concrete and helps bridge any minor defects in the subgrade. A base is especially important in areas that can experience drought conditions or that have long, dry summers.
Tree roots can cause extensive damage to sidewalks. Roots that grow underneath the pavement can lift one or more slabs of concrete, creating an uneven and treacherous sidewalk. Trees should be planted a distance equal to at least twice the width of the sidewalk from the edge of the sidewalk. Deep-rooted trees or small species are preferable if you will be planting them close to a sidewalk or walkway.
Repairing Concrete Sidewalks and Walkways
Repairs to concrete sidewalks and walkways typically fall into one of three categories: crack repair, resurfacing or leveling. Timely crack repairs can help prevent the development of potholes and alligator cracking caused by water penetration and the resulting erosion of the base. Resurfacing is essentially the removal and replacement of a badly damaged slab of concrete. Leveling is a procedure by which concrete is elevated to fill a void that has developed beneath the pavement, allowing a slab to settle to a depth lower than the adjacent pavement.
Let Alpha Paving Help
Alpha Paving is a full-service paving company headquartered in Round Rock. We offer a full range of concrete and asphalt services, including installation and repairs, sealcoating, parking lot striping and pavement marking. Whether you need concrete sidewalks and curbs for your apartment complex or signs and car stops for the parking lot of your business, we can help. We provide services to a wide range of customers, including retailers, HOAs, industrial facilities, schools, airports, hotels, restaurants, municipalities, business complexes and churches.
At Alpha Paving, we are strongly committed to delivering exceptional work and superior customer service at competitive rates. If you would like to discuss your upcoming project or need a quote, reach out to us at (512) 677-9001 or submit our convenient online form.
