Common Mistakes When Constructing Sidewalks
Building sidewalks can be a great addition to any property, providing a safe and convenient way for pedestrians to travel. However, if not done without the right concrete sidewalk contractors, sidewalks can create trip hazards or be costly to repair or replace. To ensure your sidewalk is built correctly, it’s important to watch out for common mistakes when constructing them. By avoiding these mistakes, you can save yourself time and money in the future:
Poorly Prepared Foundation
One of the most common mistakes made when constructing sidewalks is failing to properly prepare the foundation. This means not packing down the dirt or gravel before laying concrete or using an improper mixture of materials for a solid foundation. If these steps are skipped, the sidewalk can be susceptible to cracking or movement over time.
Poor Grading
When pouring and finishing concrete for a sidewalk, proper grading is essential in order to ensure safe drainage of water and snow away from the walkway. If not done correctly, pools of water can form on the surface, leading to an unsightly and dangerous walking surface. It’s important to check the area surrounding the sidewalk for proper drainage prior to finishing.
Incorrect Width of Walkway
The width of your sidewalk should be determined by its usage, such as whether it will be used by a single pedestrian or multiple pedestrians at once. Designing a sidewalk that is too narrow or too wide can create issues with accessibility and the ability to stay clear of other pedestrians.
Inadequate Expansion Joints
Expansion joints are important for any concrete structure, including sidewalks. They allow for some shifting and movement of the material due to weather and temperature changes without causing cracks. Not installing adequate expansion joints can lead to a weakened sidewalk, which can be costly to repair or replace over time.
Wrong Slope
The slope of your sidewalk should be such that water can easily flow away from the walkway. If it is too steep, it can create a hazardous environment for pedestrians and make it difficult to reach the other side of the street.
Avoid making one of the mistakes above to ensure that you will get a high-quality result and that you won’t have to waste time and money in the end. If you are looking for concrete sidewalk contractors in Maple Valley, WA, know that you can always count on Armas Concrete LLC. For inquiries and information, be sure to contact us at (253) 262-5038!