Every year, hundreds of people trip, slip, and fall on uneven sidewalks, which results in injuries and accidents. To remedy these sidewalk trip hazards, it’s good to first discover factors that contributed to the problem.
Factors that Contribute to the Development of The trip hazards
- Buckling
Tree roots that make their way under the concrete slabs and push them up can cause buckling.
- Snow and Ice
Snow and ice are also responsible for trip, slip, and fall especially in northern regions. Snow and ice should be removed regularly to reduce the risk of falls.
- Cracks
Cracks in the sidewalk also cause falls, trips, and slips. A weak subgrade and seasonal changes in temperature or moisture can be the cause of them. Sidewalks may also crack if installed during freezing temperatures.
Leveling Concrete Sidewalk Trip Hazards
The type of sidewalk trip hazard determines how you solve the problem and prevent it from happening again. If your sidewalk is uneven or not level due to a tree root pushing it up, you may have to remove the tree root for a permanent fix. If it were caused by a sunken block, raising it is most likely your best option. Here are a few tips for leveling sidewalk hazards:
- Raising Sunken Sidewalk Blocks
There are certain materials you can use to raise sunken sidewalk blocks, such as polyurethane foam or mudjacking mud. Replacing the concrete is also an option if it has cracked beyond repair. To raise sunken sidewalk blocks, the best material to rely on is a special polyurethane foam designed for raising and stabilizing concrete. Polyurethane is a much longer-lasting solution compared to mudjacking mud.
The polyurethane foam injection approach involves injecting the foam through small holes drilled in the slab. The foam spreads out and raises the slab back into position. The material fully cures in 15 to 30 minutes, leaving the concrete ready for unrestricted use.
Leveling Raised Concrete Sidewalk
There are a few ways to fix the raised areas if the sidewalk hazards are due to sections heaving.
- Precision Concrete Cutting
This option may be preferred because it cuts all edges cleanly and quickly. Large sections of concrete can be removed in a single swipe. While cutting is quick, the process will require a special saw and water to control dust emissions.
- Using Concrete Grinders or Scarifiers
Grinding can be an easy solution to trip hazards because the equipment is low-cost and easy to operate. However, depending on the amount of concrete needing to be removed, this can be a slow process. Additionally, grinding will convert all the material being removed into dust. Not only is the dust a physical hazard, it can create a huge mess. A HEPA rated industrial vacuum may be required to control dust emissions.
Conclusion
At Acme Concrete, we specialize in raising concrete sidewalks. If you’re looking for the best sidewalk leveling near me, we at Acme Concrete are your best option.
