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Maintaining a well-kept sidewalk in NYC is essential for safety and compliance with city regulations. It also enhances the overall appearance of your property.
As a property owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure sidewalks are in good condition. When it comes to repairs, careful planning is crucial. Paying attention to details helps avoid costly errors and complications.
7 Common Sidewalk Issues to Avoid
To ensure smooth and successful sidewalk repair, here are seven common mistakes to avoid.
1. Failure to Comply with Regulations and Permits
The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) requires property owners to obtain permits before starting sidewalk repairs. Failing to secure the permit can lead to fines, violations, and the possibility of having to redo the work.
If the work doesn’t meet the required standards or if it was done without proper authorization, the city can mandate that the repairs be redone according to the code.
It is recommended to work with sidewalk experts who are familiar with city codes and can handle all necessary documentation, including obtaining permits from the DOT on your behalf.
2. Not Conducting an Effective Assessment
The second mistake to avoid is skipping a proper inspection of the damage. Some issues might seem minor but could indicate more serious structural problems. If you repair these without a thorough assessment, the underlying issues may resurface and cause trouble in the future.
It’s important to conduct a detailed evaluation or consult with a professional to get a quick estimate and understand the nature of the damage before proceeding with repairs.
3. Using Subpar Materials
Another common mistake is using subpar materials for sidewalk repairs. Using low-quality materials to save money can cause your sidewalk to wear out faster and need more frequent repairs.
This not only results in higher long-term costs but also fails to meet the city’s standards for durability and safety. To avoid these issues, always use high-quality materials that ensure the longevity and resilience of your sidewalk.
4. Disregarding Drainage Concerns
Poor drainage can lead to water pooling on the sidewalk. Over time, this water can get into cracks and joints. When it freezes, it expands and makes the damage worse.
If your sidewalk is damaged due to water, it’s essential to check the drainage system to ensure it’s not the cause.
When drainage issues are overlooked during repairs, problems will likely come back. Water may continue to pool or seep into the sidewalk, leading to repeated damage or cracks.
5. Avoiding Expert Assistance
Hiring inexperienced or cheap contractors might save money at first, but it often leads to poor-quality work that does not follow city rules. This may result in more expensive repairs later.
In contrast, expert contractors have the skills to do the job right the first time. When you choose professionals, you avoid future problems and extra costs.
6. Failure to Deal with Tree Roots
Tree roots in NYC have the potential to seriously harm sidewalks. If the underlying problem with the tree roots is not addressed, merely resurfacing the sidewalk may result in ongoing damage.
Seek expert advice to properly handle tree root-related issues and avoid further complications.
7. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
After repairing your sidewalk, regular maintenance is key to keeping it in good condition. Regular inspections help catch small problems before they become big issues. To extend the life of your sidewalk, set up a maintenance schedule and stick to it.
Conclusion
Fixing your NYC sidewalks might seem simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving a lasting repair. Consult with experts to ensure the job is done right. Quality repairs today can prevent future issues and save you both time and money.
