Patios, Paths, and Foundations
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Patios, Paths, and Foundations

What kinds of structures do concrete contractors create? They are often hired to pour foundations. Whether it's a basement or a slab foundation, concrete is the way to go. Another common job is pouring patios. A concrete patio is nice and durable, and it also looks nice. Then, there are the smaller projects: concrete stairs, pathways, planting boxes, and more. You don't have to be a concrete contractor to learn about these services. In fact, this blog is written for everyone, and no matter who you are, it will teach you more about concrete work and the people who do it.

Patios, Paths, and Foundations

Sidewalk Raising: Can It Keep You Out Of Legal Trouble?

Freddie Andrews

If portions of the concrete sidewalk in front of your house collapsed or sunk into the ground, raise the sidewalk as soon as you can. If the damaged sidewalk causes someone to trip and fall in front of your home, the individual may legally hold you responsible for their injuries. Learn why and how to raise the sidewalk in front of your home below.

Are You Responsible for the Sidewalk?

In most states, the city is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and upkeep of public sidewalks. However, some states and cities place the maintenance and upkeep of sidewalks solely on the homeowners who live near them. If your state or city requires you to keep the sidewalk in front of your home in good condition but you fail to do so, you can be potentially liable for any problems that occur on it. 

If the concrete sidewalk in front of your home is collapsed or sunken into the ground, take action now. You can repair the sidewalk by raising up from the ground.

Is It Possible to Raise the Sidewalk?

You don't want to raise the sidewalk yourself. You may need to obtain written permission from your city to complete the repairs. Your city may provide you with a permit to complete the repairs safely. After you obtain permission to work on the sidewalk, call a concrete repair contractor and allow them to repair the sidewalk for you. 

The first thing a concrete contractor may do is clean the surface of the sidewalk. Grass, dirt, bird feces, and other debris can mar the surface of concrete. The debris can also hide cracks and other defects in the concrete. A contractor must secure the sidewalk slabs before they work on them.

After a concrete repair contractor cleans the surface of the sidewalk, they'll drill large holes into it. The holes allow a repair contractor to apply a material called foam beneath the sidewalk. As the material expands or grows larger, it fills in the empty spaces beneath the sidewalk. A contractor will continue to apply foam to the sidewalk until it looks even with the rest of the sidewalk along your street. 

The foam beneath the sidewalk needs sufficient time to solidify, or dry and harden. To ensure the foam dries thoroughly, a contractor may place warning signs around the sidewalk. If you encounter any issues with the signs or the people in the area, contact your city for further instructions.

Learn how you can raise the sidewalk in front of your home by contacting a concrete sidewalk raising contractor now.


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