How to save your sidewalk from bad weather conditions?

In NYC, the minimum and maximum temperatures recorded this year were between 8 °F (−13 °C) and 97 °F (36 °C). Similarly, the precipitation recorded this year was 46.6 inches. It shows that people in New York City are no strangers to extreme weather conditions. Whether it is freezing cold in the winters or hot and dry in the summers, you must have seen it all.

These inclement weather conditions surely had adverse impacts not only on humans but also on their surroundings. To ensure minimum damage due to weather conditions, you can take precautionary measures and save the inside of your property but protecting your sidewalks and driveways might be a dilemma.

It is why professional sidewalk maintenance experts at Sidewalk Repair in NYC are here with some amazing tips and strategies to help you protect your concrete structures. Dive into the article and become prepared to tackle all types of weather in NYC.

Effect of Extreme Weather on Sidewalks

Different weather conditions can have different impacts on your sidewalks. Before delving into the strategies for preventing sidewalk damages, let us first describe the types of damages your sidewalks might sustain due to poor weather conditions.

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat can cause the concrete to expand. If the expansion joints between two concrete slabs of sidewalks don’t have enough space, the concrete might crack because of the additional pressure.

Similarly, a high UV index can also cause the concrete surface to show discoloration and minor damages like soft spots and small ripples.

Extreme Cold

A cold temperature can cause the concrete to contract and crack. Similarly, the freeze-thaw cycle is a common cause of sidewalk damage during the winter season if the soil beneath the concrete surface has moisture.

During the snow season, using harsh deicing salts can lead to the formation of potholes, cracks, and other defects in the concrete.

Dry and Moist Weather

Humidity levels influence the rate of water evaporation from the concrete. In a low level of humidity, the concrete might dry quickly and result in a shrinkage crack in the concrete. 

Similarly, at high humidity levels and extremely high temperatures, concrete curing can prolong and might affect the finished result of the concrete surface.

Rainy Weather

Pouring concrete during a rainfall can introduce excessive water into the mix and might weaken the concrete. Moreover, excessive rain can also create imperfections in the concrete surface and wash away the cement paste.

It is the reason why pouring concrete during rainy weather is usually avoided. 

Proactive Approach to Avoiding Weather Damages to Sidewalks

After understanding the weather damage to concrete sidewalks, you need to know about right time to repair your sidewalks let us tell you how you can take proactive measures to prepare your sidewalks and avoid future damages.

Get Ahead of the Issue

Regularly inspect your sidewalks and look for damages like cracks, potholes, discoloration, and tree root damage. Cracks and potholes in the concrete allow water to seep beneath and affect the soil compaction. For hairline cracks and minor defects, repairing your sidewalks with resurfacing, filling concrete in the gaps, and applying sealant can ensure premium repairs. 

Pretreat Sidewalks Before Storm

According to the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA), spraying your sidewalks leads to 75% less use of deicing salts. So, before a storm, apply brine to sidewalks and prevent snow and ice formation on the pavement so that you don’t have to use harsh chemicals to remove the snow.

Sealcoating

Sealing concrete sidewalks can help fill small cracks and pores and create a protective barrier against weathering, staining, and wear and tear. Applying a good sealer will make the surface resistant to moisture and ice and will save pedestrians from slips and trips on ice and snow.

Sidewalk Sheds and Insulating Blankets

During extremely hot weather, to prevent sidewalk concrete from expanding, you can install sidewalk sheds and also pour water on the surface to regulate the temperature of the concrete. Similarly, in cold weather, you can insulate blankets and install an external heating system to keep the sidewalks clear of snow.

Maintenance Tips for During Hot and Cold Weather

Following are a few actions you can take to efficiently maintain your sidewalks during cold and hot weather.

• During the winter, use less harmful and plant-safe deicing chemicals to avoid surface damages
• Wash the sidewalks once a year to make it look attractive and clean
• Apply a fresh layer of sealant every two or three years to increase the durability of your sidewalks.
• Remove the stains of oil and grease from your sidewalks as early as you notice so that they don’t become permanent.

Bottom Line

Concrete sidewalks enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property and provide pedestrians with a safe pathway. However, with time, due to extreme weather conditions, sidewalks might get damaged.

To avoid damage to your sidewalks and keep them looking new and fresh, consider following the tips mentioned above. Moreover, you can also take the help of professional sidewalk experts like sidewalk repair NYC and get your sidewalks inspected for potential damages.