Concrete is hard. If you think about it, that's really the key characteristic that makes concrete useful. You need a hard material to build patios, foundations, pillars, and more. And concrete can easily be that hard material in both residential and commercial settings. Do you know what isn't very hard? Writing about concrete. Yes, we do our research and spend plenty of time making sure we offer you good, helpful information. However, we enjoy the process of writing this blog, which makes the work go by quickly. We're proud to bring you this blog about concrete, and we hope it serves you well.
Writing About Concrete Isn't Hard
Residential Concrete Repairs That Might Help Your Damaged Sidewalk
Everett Burns
If the sidewalk that leads to your house is raised, sunken, cracked, or stained, it detracts from the curb appeal of your property. While you may or may not be responsible for a sidewalk that's in the city easement along the edge of your property, you'll have to repair a sidewalk that leads to your house and goes beyond the easement. Here are some options for residential concrete repair that might work.
Remove Stains
Stains make your sidewalk unattractive. Concrete can be stained by dirt, leaf debris, or algae. Pressure washing the concrete is a possible solution. Pressure washing can lift stains and clean your entire sidewalk so it is bright and looks new again.
If the sidewalk has some sort of permanent stain, a solution for improving its appearance might be to put down a new concrete overlay. This involves pouring a thin layer of new concrete on top of the sidewalk so when the new layer dries, the sidewalk surface is clean and bright.
Seal The Surface
If you want your sidewalk to be as attractive as possible, and you want it to stay clean, then you might want the contractor to add a sealcoat to it. A sealcoat can add color so guests can see the sidewalk easily. The coating protects against stains and other damage so the concrete can be kept clean. You can choose different types of sealcoats so you get the look you like best for your sidewalk. You might want a coating that gives the surface of your sidewalk a glossy, wet look for a little added glamour.
Replace A Portion Of The Concrete
If the sidewalk is damaged in just one area, there is no point of going to the expense of ripping out the entire sidewalk if you don't have to. Ask your residential concrete contractor if it's possible to tear out the broken section and leave the rest of the sidewalk alone.
Then the contractor can build a frame and pour new concrete in the broken area to repair the sidewalk. The new area will be a lighter color, so you may want the rest of the sidewalk pressure washed to get it as clean as possible so the colors blend together.
Level Uneven Concrete
Before attempting repairs on uneven concrete, the contractor has to figure out the cause of the problem. A side might be higher due to tree roots lifting it, or a side might be lower because it sunk. Both of these problems can usually be repaired so you're spared the expense of replacing the sidewalk.
To repair the raised side, the contractor might saw the raised area down so it's level with the rest of the sidewalk. To repair the sunken side, the contractor might pump expanding poly foam under it to raise the sunken area and level it out.
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