5 Common Sidewalk Problems and How Professional Repair Services Can Help 

Sidewalks experience the same structural problems as main pavements. And while they may be convenient to ignore, sidewalk issues can eventually spill onto the street or driveway. So, prompt intervention is paramount.  

However, not all sidewalk problems are similar. While some result from substandard workmanship, others are due to environmental factors. Understanding the root cause of the problem is essential to prescribing the right solution.  

Here are the five most common sidewalk issues and how professional technicians can help fix them. 

1. Cracking 

Cracking is unarguably the most common sidewalk problem. The cracks can take on multiple shapes, depending on the underlying cause. Some cracks resemble rectangular blocks, while others look like alligator skin.  

Sidewalk cracking also follows different directions. Some may develop parallel to the centerline, while others emerge perpendicular to the line.  

Most sidewalk cracks result from non-uniform concrete settling.  

After installation, sidewalk concrete doesn’t always settle simultaneously. The upper slab sets in first, while the bottom layers take much longer to find their grip. This can cause undue stress on the foundation, leading to cracking.  

Sidewalk cracking may also be due to shoddy workmanship or nearby tree roots advancing toward the pavement.  

A sidewalk repair Portland will carefully analyze the cracks on your sidewalk to uncover the cause. The inspection largely entails examining the size and appearance of the crevices. The technician will then recommend a solution that effectively addresses the problem.  

2. Uneven Surface 

Does your sidewalk appear wobbly or sagging? Do you frequently bounce off the pathway when walking along it?  

If yes, then you’re likely dealing with an uneven surface.  

Uneven surfaces are a common concrete issue on sidewalks. The problem mainly presents as lifting or sinking of the affected patch.  

Lifting causes the concrete to rise and tilt, resulting in a disjointed surface. Tree roots near a sidewalk are a major culprit behind rising concrete. However, the problem may also be due to temperature fluctuations.  

Sidewalk sinking results from the exact causes as lifting. But in this case, a section of the pavement dips relative to the adjacent surface.  

Regardless of the type or cause, an uneven surface can pose serious danger to a sidewalk. The risks are higher in the dark, where the raised or sunken patches may be invisible to sidewalk users. That’s why most concrete repair technicians will recommend immediate solutions to the problem.  

3. Spalling 

Spalling, or flaking or pitting, refers to the erosion of a sidewalk’s smooth upper surface.  

Flaking exposes the gritty inner layer of your sidewalk, potentially leading to more erosion.  

Note that gradual wear and harsh environmental conditions will eventually erode the upper slab of a sidewalk. But if the erosion happens sooner than later or with no apparent cause, you have all the reasons to be concerned.  

Inconsistent material mix during installation is the biggest cause of sidewalk flaking. That underscores the significance of engaging experts for sidewalk repair and installation needs.  

Even if flaking has occurred, you could still contact a professional concrete repair technician to fix the problem.  

The specialist will likely replace the entire top layer of your sidewalk with high-quality, uniformly-mixed concrete.  

4. Potholes 

This is undoubtedly the biggest eyesore on a sidewalk or any pavement.  

However, potholes don’t develop overnight. These gaping depressions take time to form and usually point to blatant neglect.  

Potholes on your sidewalk mostly result from erosion. As water washes away the soil underneath the sidewalk, the pavement loses its structural integrity and consequently caves in.  

Potholes develop over time, making them one of the easiest sidewalk problems to avoid. All you need is to schedule routine checkups with a professional sidewalk technician.  

Sidewalk potholes are also relatively easy to fill, provided you work with a specialist. Note that these depressions usually stand alone. So the enlisted technician can repair them without affecting the structural integrity of the adjacent pavement.  

Just call for professional help at the first sign of potholes on your sidewalk.  

5. Weed Growth and Sidewalk Discoloration 

It’s bad enough if weeds sprout from the open cracks on your sidewalk. But vegetation growing into the sidewalk isn’t to be ignored either.  

Remember that plant roots advancing toward the sidewalk’s foundation can present significant structural problems on the pavement. Besides, foliage may cause dampness on your sidewalk’s surface, reducing its structural integrity further.  

Proper landscaping might help to keep weeds from growing on or towards your sidewalk. However, you need a professional concrete technician to diagnose and fix deeper subterranean issues caused by ill-growing tree leaves.  

Discoloration is one of the many consequences of letting your sidewalk be covered in dense foliage. It happens when the leaves decay in the presence of moisture. 

However, a discolored sidewalk may also be due to motor vehicle grease or ice-melting chemicals.  

While usually not a major cause for alarm, a faded sidewalk can be an eyesore. Call a sidewalk technician immediately if the pavement gets discolored without apparent cause and if scrubbing doesn’t improve the condition. 

The Bottom Line 

Most sidewalk problems are discernible by the average property owner. But when it comes to fixing the issues, it’s best to enlist professional help. A sidewalk repair technician will carefully assess the situation before recommending the best action. Their expertise will come to bear in determining whether to patch the damaged sections or overhaul the entire sidewalk altogether.