Concrete walkways play a pivotal role in the safety and functionality of a city. They provide pedestrians with a designated pathway to walk on and keep people off the streets. Given the importance of concrete walkways, municipalities must take care of their sidewalks by routinely cleaning and maintaining them.

In this guide, we’ll outline some best practices for concrete sidewalk maintenance so that you can keep your city walking-friendly year-round. Let’s get started!

Keep the Concrete Walkways Free of Debris:

Concrete walkways see a lot of pedestrian activity throughout the day. From evening strolls to morning commutes, people are constantly walking on them. It means a lot of dirt and debris can accumulate on the surface. You can also expect broken twigs and dried leaves in the fall.

All this accumulation can lead to uneven surfaces and cracks. And since concrete is porous, water can seep through these cracks causing the concrete surface to heave and buckle. So, it’s important to sweep the sidewalks regularly to avoid such damage.

Using a leaf blower is a good way to keep the surface clean. You can also use a garden hose to remove any stubborn dirt or debris. Too much pressure can damage the concrete surface, so be careful.

Repair Sideway Cracks:

Skateboards, stroller wheels, and high heels can damage concrete sidewalks by chipping at the edges or causing cracks. Besides these human activities, continuous UV exposure, extreme weather conditions, and soil movement can also contribute to cracks.

These cracks spoil the curb appeal of your property and can cause accidents. Therefore, it’s important to repair cracks as soon as they appear. The best way to fix cracks is to inject them with epoxy or polyurethane resin. These materials bond well with concrete and can fill up the cracks completely.

You can also use a concrete patch kit to repair cracks. These kits contain a pre-mixed concrete patch that can easily be applied to the cracks. Follow the instructions carefully while using these kits for concrete sidewalk maintenance.

Concrete Resurfacing and Resealing:

If properly maintained, concrete walkways can live up to eighty long years. However, over time, they might show signs of wear and tear. In such cases, you can opt for concrete sidewalk maintenance options.

Concrete resurfacing is a process that involves adding a new layer of concrete over the existing one. You will need to consult with concrete sidewalk contractors to get this done.

You can also reseal your concrete sidewalk to give it a fresh look and protect it from further damage. You must seal concrete surfaces every few years, depending on the condition of your concrete sidewalk. The process involves cleaning the surface of your sidewalk and then applying a sealant. It will help to fill in any cracks and holes and prevent moisture from seeping in.

However, you must ensure the sealant is allowed enough curing time before allowing foot traffic on the sidewalk. Otherwise, it can cause the sealant to peel off.

Conclusion:

Pouring a sidewalk in Pocomoke City is not as simple as pouring concrete and letting it set. Adequate subgrade preparation, the concrete mix quality, and the correct pouring all matter. After the concrete sets, you must also protect them from freezing temperatures and deicing salts.

Surface Solutions, serving Pocomoke City, MD, is your best bet when it comes to concrete sidewalk maintenance. Our paving services will increase the lifespan of your concrete sidewalk.

So, without further ado, schedule a free estimate today!

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