Cracked Sidewalks
Smooth, even concrete surfaces are essential for the safety and beauty of your home. Cracked and sunken sidewalk slabs, on the other hand, pose various hazards.
These fissures can arise from many factors, including fluctuating weather conditions and faulty installation. A damaged sidewalk detracts from your home’s visual appeal and poses safety risks to family and guests.
Baker’s Waterproofing understands the concerns associated with cracked sidewalks. That’s why we utilize our revolutionary SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™ concrete lifting technology to restore compromised areas, ensuring a safe and aesthetically pleasing pathway for your residence.
Explore this page to learn more about the underlying causes of sidewalk cracks and why it’s critical to promptly address the issue with professional concrete lifting solutions
What Is a Cracked Sidewalk?
A cracked sidewalk is characterized by visible fractures or fissures in the concrete, typically located alongside a residential or commercial structure. These fractures can range in size and severity, spanning from small hairline cracks to substantial gaps that present potential tripping hazards.
Damaged sidewalks are frequently accompanied by other forms of deterioration, such as:
- Sinking steps
- Sinking porch
- Cracked driveway
- Cracked concrete patio
- Cracked pool deck
- Concrete pitting, flaking, and staining
Unrepaired sidewalk cracks can lead to severe structural problems and potential legal liability for property owners.
Seeking the assistance of professionals such as those at Baker’s Waterproofing provides guaranteed protection for your property against these potential hazards.
What Causes Sidewalk Cracks?
Cracked sidewalks are caused by the following factors:
- Shifting Soil: When the ground beneath the concrete settles or erodes, it compromises the sidewalk’s structural stability by undermining the foundational support. These soil issues can cause cracked sidewalks.
- Tree Root Growth: The expansion of tree roots exerts pressure on the concrete from beneath. As these roots displace soil and grow, they apply force to the concrete, resulting in the formation of cracks and uneven surfaces.
- Weather Challenges: Harsh weather conditions, such as intense rainfall and freezing winter temperatures, can result in soil erosion. As water seeps into small cracks and freezes, it expands, worsening concrete damage upon thawing. This freeze and thaw cycle further deteriorates existing cracks and undermines the structure’s integrity.
- Installation Errors: Inadequate concrete curing time, insufficient reinforcement, or an unstable base layer during concrete installation can contribute to the development of cracks.
The same factors that lead to sidewalk damage can also jeopardize your home’s foundation. It’s vital to pinpoint the underlying issue causing the cracks to ensure a lasting solution.
Can You Fix a Cracked Sidewalk?
Yes, repairing cracked sidewalks is possible, but it requires a comprehensive, expert approach for lasting results.
While off-the-shelf DIY project repair kits, cement patches, and traditional mudjacking methods may offer quick fixes, they all provide only temporary relief for potentially complex problems.
For a dependable and lasting solution, trust in the concrete repair experts at Baker’s Waterproofing. We conduct free inspections to pinpoint and rectify the root cause.
Our exclusive PolyRenewal™ method elevates, stabilizes, and rejuvenates sunken, cracked concrete sidewalk slabs. This cutting-edge technique employs high-density polyurethane foam to fill voids and raise the concrete back to its original position, without causing harm to the surrounding area.
How to Fix a Cracked Sidewalk
At Baker’s Waterproofing, we utilize PolyRenewal™ polyurethane injections to tackle cracked sidewalks. Here’s a brief explanation of how it works:
- Assess damage: We examine your sidewalk to identify the underlying causes of the cracks and determine the best course of action.
- Drill small holes: We drill small, penny-sized holes in the affected areas to inject our exclusive two-part polymer foam.
- Inject the foam: The foam is carefully injected beneath the sunken slabs to fill voids and stabilize the soil beneath. The foam solidifies in 15 minutes.
- Patch the holes: Once the foam has solidified, we’ll remove the injection ports and seamlessly patch the drilled holes.
- Seal and maintain: We seal all existing cracks and joints to prevent future water damage, and we’ll provide you with tips for routine maintenance to help extend the life of your sidewalk.
PolyRenewal™ is a quick, professional, and cost-effective concrete repair method that restores safety and curb appeal to cracked sidewalks.
Why Address Sidewalk Cracks Now
It’s essential to repair cracked sidewalks as soon as possible for the following reasons:
- Safety First: Resolving cracked sidewalks promptly reduces the risk of accidents, preventing trips and falls.
- Legal Protection: Neglecting damaged sidewalks can result in potential legal liabilities.
- Smart Spending: Tackling the root causes of concrete cracks stops them from escalating, saving you from expensive options like complete sidewalk replacement.
- Enhancing Property Value: Well-kept sidewalks improve the overall aesthetic, increasing the appeal and value of your home. Prospective buyers are attracted to properties with safe, hassle-free walkways.
Contact Baker’s Waterproofing for Reliable Concrete Lifting Solutions
Shield your property’s value and visual charm from cracked sidewalks. We provide innovative concrete lifting solutions that eliminate hazards and unsightly damaged walkways, ensuring extended durability and visual appeal.
With over three decades of dedicated service, our team of experts has been assisting homeowners across Pennsylvania and West Virginia. As the region’s leading concrete lifting authority, we’re renowned for our exceptional customer service and reliable repair techniques. Contact Baker’s Waterproofing to schedule a complimentary inspection and estimate.
FAQs
Minor sidewalk cracks can rapidly develop into major concerns. If not promptly addressed, these cracks can widen, compromising the stability of the slab and leading to irregular surfaces. This deterioration poses the risk of falls and demands costly repairs.
Yes, our PolyRenewal™ solution is designed with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. It poses no threat to the surrounding ecosystem, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The material is formulated to remain securely in place beneath the concrete, without leaching into the soil.
Concrete lifting costs vary depending on the severity of the damage, the size of the project, the complexity of the repair, and the method used. BQ Basements & Concrete offers complimentary inspections and flexible financing options to provide the repairs you need and the peace of mind you deserve. Contact us today for a free estimate.
Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Baker’s Waterproofing does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.
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Washington, PA 15301
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