As time goes by, you may see signs of wear and tear on your walkway, indicating that it’s time for a replacement or a repair. Having a walkway in disrepair can ruin the whole aesthetic of the house. Walkways are an innovative addition to any home; they enhance the home’s appeal while also providing a safe passage for you and your guests.
Nevertheless, walkways need to be in top-notch condition to fulfill their purpose. A walkway that is old and in disarray can not only make your house look ugly, but it can also affect your home’s value and cause serious injuries.
Here are some signs it’s time to invest in a new walkway:
It Feels Out Of Place
If your walkway doesn’t go with the aesthetic of the rest of the house, particularly the patio and the deck, it may be time to go for an upgrade. Having a walkway in poor condition while the rest of the house looks new is not the ideal picture to go for.
Consider hiring a landscaping and masonry service company that can take care of the problem for you.
It Has Become Uneven
If made efficiently, walkways can last for several years. However, they also experience the most wear and tear, and the concrete can crack over time. These cracks can be caused by natural elements, such as harsh weather, trees, or bushes submerging their roots in the walkway. Choosing an experienced contractor is the key to ensuring your walkway lasts longer.
It Keeps Shifting
Shifter walkways refer to when the material used underneath the walkways begins to erode and becomes a tripping hazard. To effectively deal with this problem, hiring a professional is advisable. Not only will they re-stabilize your pavers by reinstalling them, but they might also replace your entire walkway if the damage is substantial.
Consistent Water Puddles
Although it is normal to see water puddles on your walkway during the rainy season, their frequent appearance can be a problem. Water cannot cause much damage to a stone or concrete walkway. However, this can be a big problem if the foundation is weak. Water pooling on uneven walkways can weaken concrete underneath, resulting in more cracks and holes. The only viable solution is to replace a walkway that shows signs of water damage.
Cracks and Holes
With certain materials, especially concrete and asphalt, cracks can be common. Ice, grease, and other materials can get in between the cracks causing more damage. Water and ice can seep into the walkway, freeze due to severe weather and weaken the foundation from underneath. These factors are prevalent in areas that face harsh weather conditions such as snowstorms, hails, and heavy rain.
Small cracks may be salvageable. However, if the walkway has suffered substantial damage, it is better to replace it.
Unruly Tree roots
Tree roots can cause a lot of damage to walkways. They sprout from the ground and can lift the panels as they grow, causing the concrete to break entirely. In order to avoid tree roots from damaging your walkways, it’s better to opt for a design that doesn’t mix with any trees.
Including curves in your walkway can help clear steer a clear path away from trees. If any trees are planted in the perimeter, make sure they are kept well away from the walkway.
Noticeable Fading
Over time the sun’s rays can fade the color of the walkway. Although this damage may only appear at the surface, it truly means that the walkways have been damaged from underneath. Not only does it affect the appearance of the walkway, making it look older than it is, but it is also a question mark on the walkway’s durability.
It is vital to look for signs of damage and disarray of your walkway, just as it’s important to maintain other parts of your house. Although minor problems can be repaired, the signs mentioned above shouldn’t be ignored.
If your walkway shows signs of ruin, it may be time to consult a professional. We at Stone Solutions, in Falmouth, ME, have 26 years of experience dealing with all kinds of masonry services. Our mission is to do a functional and elegant job so that your walkway lasts a lifetime. Give us a call today to learn about our services.