Concrete can be an excellent paving choice for many parking lots, sidewalks, gutters, curbs, and other pavements. It is a long-lasting material that can withstand heavyweight vehicles and high traffic levels. However, there are some types of damage that can trip pedestrians, unseat cyclists, or potentially damage cars. You want to look out for concrete trip hazards and repair them as quickly as possible.
What Are Concrete Trip Hazards?
Essentially, a trip hazard is any pavement irregularity that could cause a pedestrian to stumble or fall. However, trip hazards can include issues that can also pose problems for bicyclists, motorists, or motorcyclists. Some concrete companies also include issues that could cause problems for people roller skating, pushing carriages, or pulling wheeled suitcases.
What Causes Trip Hazards on Concrete Pavements?
Most concrete trip hazards are the result of a dislocation of one or more slabs. For example, tree roots may grow underneath a sidewalk and lift a slab vertically. Alternatively, the tree roots could exert sufficient pressure on the side of a slab to force it out of position horizontally. If the soil beneath the concrete contains a lot of clay, the changes in its moisture content can cause issues. When moisture levels are high, the soil can expand and lift one or more slabs. During periods of drought, the soil can contract, allowing slabs to sink. Allowing heavier vehicles than the concrete installation contractor expected can crack or break the pavement, creating a trip hazard. Other causes of concrete trip hazards include the freeze/thaw cycle and subterranean soil erosion.
How Do Dallas Concrete Contractors Repair Trip Hazards?
Concrete contractors will want to see the type and location of the damage as well as determine the source of the damage. The pavement type can also be important. For example, repairing a cracked concrete foundation may call for a different method than repairing a misaligned curb. Contractors can then decide which of several concrete repair methods will yield the best results.
1. Slabjacking is a method for returning sunken slabs to their correct elevation. Typically, sunken slabs have empty pockets beneath them. Slabjacking backfills these pockets with foam or slurry to raise the slab.
2. Horizontal cutting involves sawing off a section of a slab to make it level with the connecting slab. Concrete companies consider this to be a temporary fix, and it does not correct the source of the uplift or subsidence.
3. There are several concrete repair methods for cracks, including filling and sealing. Epoxy or polyurethane injections can repair some types of cracks. The correct crack repair method will depend on the size of the crack and whether it is active or dormant. Sometimes, contractors can repair cracks by installing a layer of concrete over the damaged area.
4. Removing and replacing the damaged concrete is often the best repair method. This method will also allow the contractor to correct many underground problems that might be responsible for the trip hazard.
HI-TEK Paving is an asphalt paving and concrete service assisting clients in the greater Dallas area who need exceptional work at competitive rates. Our services include concrete repairs, asphalt paving, parking lot maintenance, asphalt repair, concrete installation, parking lot striping, asphalt sealcoating, and asphalt overlays. We have an immaculate reputation and impeccable references. You can request a free quote by calling our headquarters at 214-908-9641, or you can submit our online form.