Have you noticed that your concrete driveway, walkway, patio, or porch steps are suffering from cracks, breaks, potholes, or uneven areas? This problem is definitely unsightly when it happens—but more than that, these signs of damage can create safety concerns that put you and your home at risk. Even small issues with your concrete can lead to someone getting hurt, deciding to sue, and creating major headaches.
Here’s why it matters to maintain your concrete. As it stays smooth and level, you’ll be able to avoid these 5 common safety hazards so you can have greater peace of mind.
5 Safety Issues that Broken Concrete Can Cause
Dangerous Trips and Falls
A concrete surface that is smooth and level is essential when people will be walking on it. Even tiny bumps and cracks can cause someone to trip or fall—leading to all sorts of injuries. From broken bones to head concussions and worse, falling can leave someone seriously hurt, and in some cases, it could even result in death. (Sadly, this happens more often than you might expect.) Uneven, cracked concrete should therefore be seen as a significant safety hazard and addressed promptly.
Legal Liabilities
Whenever someone receives an injury while on your property, it puts you at risk of legal troubles. This includes not only your normal guests, but anyone who might need to set foot in your yard, such as construction workers, public service employees, emergency personnel, and delivery people. If you don’t properly maintain your concrete, you could end up being sued for damages and medical costs by the person who fell.
Increased Wear and Tear on Tires
Your vehicles travel across your driveway daily, which means that anything that mars the driveway surface can also cause issues for your tires. Navigating unlevel pavement can create uneven wear on the rubber, which can throw off your car’s alignment. You could even end up with a blowout, requiring you to buy new tires sooner than you should have to.
Faster Breakdown of Your Pavement
Cracks and holes in concrete lead to more and bigger cracks and holes. Why? Because water sneaks into the space and wears down the concrete. In cold weather, moisture freezes, expands, and pushes the cracks and holes open wider. Add to that breaks and uneven slab areas, and you end up with a surface that doesn’t last as long as it should. You end up having to replace the whole slab sooner—costing you more.
Reduced Property Value
Unattractive concrete surfaces make your home look worn down and less appealing to those who visit it. If your aim is to rent or sell your house, damaged driveways and sidewalks can make it harder for you to find the right renter or buyer. You will likely be offered less than your ideal price. Even if you have no plans to put your home on the market anytime soon, your concrete should last you many years—so it pays to care for it.
Your Concrete Is Damaged—Now What?
Concrete can begin to fail for a number of reasons, from improper installation and normal wear to chemical corrosion and excessive weight from heavy construction vehicles. The end result is the same, though—a concrete slab that needs repair.
Do You Have to Replace Uneven Concrete?
If you’re dealing with a driveway or sidewalk that is cracked, broken or unlevel, it’s best to address the issue promptly to eliminate any risks associated with this damage. If the slab is severely broken, you might need to redo the entire surface. A professional concrete installer can examine your property to provide an assessment and make recommendations.
Foam Lifting—A Cost-Saving Solution to Consider
Often, concrete slabs can be leveled by using cost-effective, high density polyurethane foam injected underneath the uneven surface areas. The foam raises the lowered concrete sections and levels them. Any remaining holes are then filled and sealed, providing you with a smooth, attractive finish that is safe to navigate. This process is convenient, effective, and can be performed without disrupting your daily routine.
Restore Your Concrete Surface with Cost-Friendly Foam Lifting
Addressing cracked, uneven pavement around your home doesn’t have to be complicated or pricey. If your concrete has become uneven or is showing cracks and other signs of damage, our team at Edens Structural Solutions can evaluate its condition and offer smart, innovative solutions that make the surface safe, smooth, and attractive. Learn more about how our foam concrete lifting services can restore your pavement and give you peace of mind.
