Three Tips For Caring For Your Paved Sidewalk
Having a paved sidewalk can greatly increase the accessibility of your property. However, it is a reality that your sidewalk will be subjected to some fairly routine forms of wear and tear. If these issues are not addressed, they can contribute to the sidewalk suffering severe damage. For this reason, you might benefit from utilizing the following tips to care for your property's new sidewalk.
Use Sand Rather Than Deicing Chemicals
Ice forming on the sidewalk can be a major threat during the winter months. However, many homeowners will simply utilize commercial deicing products to manage this type of problem. Unfortunately, these substances can gradually start to wear down the sidewalk. These chemicals are corrosive, which can weaken the surface of the sidewalk and expose it to a higher risk of developing cracks.
You can help to avoid this problem by utilizing sand rather than deicing chemicals. The sand can interfere with the formation of the ice, but it will be safe for use on your paved surfaces.
Monitor For Weeds
Dirt can start to gather on the surface of your sidewalk. This dirt can create a surface for weeds and other plants to start growing. As these plants grow, their roots can start to pry into the small pores on the surface of the concrete. To avoid allowing this to cause serious damage, you should regularly monitor for weeds and remove them when you notice their presence. Also, you should regularly wash the concrete to remove dirt before weeds can take root in them.
Know The Steps For Repairing Minor Damages
Cracks and chips can be another frequent issue for paved surfaces to experience. Unfortunately, these issues can rapidly spread across much of your sidewalk. In order to prevent this damage from worsening, you will want to repair the damage as soon as possible.
Repairing chips and cracks can be done by using a pavement repair kit. These kits contain a small amount of cement that can be mixed and applied to the cracks. This will allow you to close these gaps and reinforce the pavement to stop the damage from spreading. Once the patch has finished drying, you can apply a sealant to help protect it against moisture damage.
Caring for your paved sidewalk does not have to be a difficult task. By understanding the important benefits of opting for sand over deicing chemicals, removing weeds from the concrete and repairing surface damage as quickly as possible, you will be better prepared to get the most from this part of your property. For more information, contact a residential paving contractor like New England Paving.