People prefer concrete for building sidewalks as it is the most cost-effective, low-maintenance, and long-lasting building material. Efficient concrete curb repair helps you get rid of cracks, slits, and gouges that appear on the sidewalk surface, no matter the type of concrete used in the construction.

Even though mild signs of wear and tear are harmless, they can escalate into extensive damage and become a sidewalk trip hazard.

Hiring a Concrete Sidewalk Contractor

You would need the professional expertise of curb repair experts in NYC when deciding to get a replacement or repair of your curb. However, you would first need to make sure what you need. If the curb is damaged or crumbling in just one place, and the rest of the curb is solid, you could patch the damaged area only.

If large areas of the curb have broken down and there is extensive damage overall, the ideal option would be to get the curb replaced. Since replacing the curb is an expensive job, not to mention bigger and difficult, you should hire professionals for this task.

Timely repair is necessary to eliminate the risk of pedestrians tripping or falling on the curb.

Tips for Hiring Concrete Contractors

Here are some helpful tips that will make the process of hiring curb repair experts a lot easier:

Search for Contractors

Go online and look for concrete contractors in your area. Surely, you will come across many options. You must consider all the alternatives. Ask yourself whether you need concrete repair or replacement. What will be the estimated market expense for the job? Which contractor would suit your needs more? Shortlist a few contractors based on your requirements.

Ask for References List

Although you can look up the reviews on Google, you can also ask your friends if they have used the services of the contractor you have chosen for your job. It is best to ask them to provide references. When they do, check with them and ask about their experience.

License & Certification

Ask the selected contractor if they are licensed to perform this project. They should have the necessary credentials. This is crucial in ensuring a safe working environment while simultaneously removing the risk of fraud or poor services.

A qualified, licensed, and certified concrete contractor is bound by a set of guidelines set by the city/state.

Get a Quote

Concrete projects are expensive. Therefore, to ensure you select the right company, you need to get a quote from a few contractors. Keep in mind what your priority is: quality work or lower cost.

If you want quality work, you may not get it at the lowest cost. When they give an extremely low estimate, it might indicate they will use low-quality materials. Furthermore, they may not focus on delivering quality service.   

A reliable contractor would offer valuable advice about the ideal way to go about your concrete project. Ask them to visit the work site to inspect.

Ask Questions

After you have shortlisted the list of contractors, ask them a few questions. Ask them about insurance, estimates, and certifications. You can also ask technical questions regarding concrete, how it is poured, cured, etc. This would also tell you how much knowledge they have.

The contractor willing to talk to you and give you informative answers is the one for you.

Get Everything in Writing

Technically, every contractor has a contract. However, instead of relying on verbal commitment only, get everything in a written contract.

Bearing these considerations in mind for hiring a concrete curb repair would make the process easier for you, ensure you have a smooth process, and get quality results.

Common Curb Damage & Issues

Home and business owners in NYC have to deal with curb damage. It is a common issue property owners have to deal with. Curb issues look unsightly and pose a serious safety risk.

Curb appeal is essential for any property. Ensuring your curb is well-maintained and without any physical damages adds to the overall appearance of your home/business. Also, it adds to the value of a property as people associate well-kept curbs and sidewalks with a prosperous community.

With the right know-how, you can easily repair most minor curb problems. Today, we will learn about the most common curb issues property owners have to deal with and how you can quickly repair damaged curbs.

Common Curb Issues Repair Tips

Cracks

The most common issue homeowners face is cracked concrete on the curb. Cracked concrete affects the appearance of the curb. Without timely repair, it also becomes a safety hazard. You can restore the curb and fill the cracks using different effective means.

·         First of all, assess the crack’s severity. You can easily DIY for hairline cracks. Clean the crack using a wire, apply a concrete patching compound, and level it with a trowel.

·         For larger and deeper cracks, hiring a curb repair expert would be the best way to get proper repair.

Scratches and Scrapes

Curbs often get minor scratches and scrapes. These occur due to cars and when any vehicle bumps into the curb. Despite their small size, they can increase in number and affect your curb’s appearance.

·         You can easily fix minor scratches and scrapes:

·         The first step is to wash the area using water and soap. Remove any loose particles and pain. Use a concrete patching mix to fill the damaged site. Use a trowel to smoothen the compound.

·         Let it cure. When the compound dries, you can paint it to match the curb’s color.

Potholes

Potholes are damaging to pedestrians vehicles. It is a major concern homeowners have to face. Poor road maintenance, heavy traffic, and freezing and thawing cycles in winter are the main reasons for potholes. Asphalt patching material is the most common and effective method to repair potholes.

Hot mix asphalt is also used in some cases to repair big potholes. Regular maintenance and inspection are necessary to prevent curb damage and costly repair. This way, you can timely identify potential potholes.

Sunken Curb

Another issue property owners deal with is a sunken curb. You can fix a sunken curb using this step-by-step guide.

·         Remove any vegetation or loose debris around the affected area for a clean base for repair.

·         Make a rough surface on the hollow curb area using a hammer and chisel so the new material sits and sticks better.

·         After preparing the surface, mix the concrete patch mix as per the directions.

·         Pour the concrete mix into the sunken area.

·         Smooth out the surface with a trowel.

·         Allow it to cure for at least 24-48 hours.

·         Inspect the repaired area and make adjustments if need be.

Drainage Issues

It is important to implement the right repair techniques to prevent drainage issues. Curb repair specialsits can guide you about that. You have to make sure that water flows away from the property. This prevents potential damage and maintains curb integrity.

Assess the angle and slope of the curb to ensure water is directed away from the property. Timely inspection and repair of any gaps and cracks also keep water away from seeping underneath the surface.

Conclusion

One must timely address curb issues to prevent further damage. Curbs add to the aesthetic appeal of your property. Choosing reliable concrete contractors and following the right curb repair techniques for routine wear will effectively solve your curb issues while ensuring their safety and functionality.