In one form or another, sidewalks have been in use for at least four millennia, but they were not always paved with concrete. Wood, cobblestones, and bricks were commonly used in the United States when cities first began to install sidewalks. However, during the late 1800s, concrete became increasing popular for sidewalks and other pavements. Compared to the other materials, concrete was more cost-effective, durable, and widely available. Today, most sidewalks in America are concrete, and they provide pedestrians with a safe, defined path of travel to stroll beside a street or to reach building entrances.
The experience, skills, and integrity of the contractor installing a concrete sidewalk will play the most significant role in the appearance and longevity of the finished walkway. Your contractor must know how to evaluate the soil that will lie underneath the sidewalk to determine its reactions to changes in temperature and moisture levels. Depending on the contractor’s evaluation, the soil will need to be compacted, amended, or supplemented with an aggregate base. Your contractor should also be able to advise you on potential problems that nearby trees can pose, make recommendations for the proper distance from your sidewalk to plant new trees, and possibly suggest some suitable types of trees that will be less likely to develop intrusive roots. Furthermore, experienced concrete contractors can tell you how to properly care for and maintain your new sidewalks to prolong their lives.
In some cities, civic leaders prefer to budget for repairs rather than preventive maintenance, so many concrete sidewalks receive little or no routine care. Property owners might trim the part of the sidewalk adjacent to their lawn, bagging the clippings or sweeping them into the gutter. They may also take care to ensure that any trees they plant are located at a suitable distance from the sidewalk. Unfortunately, this approach can lead to damage that can make the sidewalk unsafe. Cracks can develop that allow water to seep beneath the concrete slabs, which can allow individual slabs to sink, posing tripping hazards. If the soil has a high clay content, the soil can expand during wet conditions and uplift the slabs, which can affect both their horizontal and vertical alignments. Similar problems can result if tree roots grow underneath the sidewalk or exert sufficient pressure on the sides of the slabs. Fortunately, most concrete repairs are long-lasting, relatively inexpensive, and effective.
If you need asphalt or concrete services for a hotel, retail establishment, HOA, church, educational institution, condominium, or other facility in California, contact Peterson Grading & Paving for assistance. We offer a complete range of services, including asphalt paving and repairs, sealcoating, concrete repairs, marking removal, parking lot striping, asphalt milling, concrete ramps, asphalt overlays, concrete curbs, asphalt crack repairs, bollard installation, epoxy coatings, concrete sidewalks, warehouse striping, ADA compliance, parking lot signage, line removal, and shot blasting. To request a free quote, simply fill out the online form, call 949-402-6979, or email Ryan@GradePave.com.
At Peterson Grading & Paving, our aim is to serve our clientele in the most efficient way with the best work possible. Your money cannot be wasted or misused in trying economic times.
Copyright ©2020 Peterson Grading and Paving. All Rights Reserved.