Driveways:
Driveways are typically built of either asphalt, concrete or gravel.
All require some degree of maintenance. Gravel driveways often develop
ruts, and if severe enough, regrading may be needed in addition to more
gravel. Concrete is a durable material, but it may start to crack as
the ground under the drive shifts slightly. These cracks should be
filled with either cement or a special waterproof caulk so that water
won’t fill the crack and freeze during the winter. Another condition
affecting concrete is called spalling. If water penetrates beneath the
face of the concrete and freezes, parts of the face may pop off. This
will expose the underlying aggregate in the concrete, creating the
potential for further deterioration. There isn’t any fix for a severely
spalled concrete drive, short of tearing it out and rebuilding it. When
new, the life of a concrete driveway can often be extended
substantially by treating the surface with a silicone waterseal.
Asphalt driveways may experience sinking, or the surface can crack due
to settlement and water but asphalt can be patched. When severely
deteriorated, an asphalt driveway can have a new topcoat added,
provided that the additional coating does not create a problem at the
garage entrance. The driveway elevation should be below the garage
floor so that rain and melted snow will drain away from the house, not
into it. An elevation mismatch can create a water problem, so the old
asphalt driveway may have to be removed, and a new on laid, if the
potential for that problem will arise.
Sidewalks and Walkways
The term sidewalk is usually reserved for the paved walking area that
runs parallel to the street, while a walkway leads from the street or
driveway to the house. Sidewalks are typically concrete, but a walkway
may be concrete, asphalt, brick or stone, or even wood. Sidewalks are
often in an area that is publicly controlled, a road right-of-way or an
easement for utilities. However, in many instances maintenance of the
sidewalk is the responsibility of the homeowner, as is the liability
which might arise if a person is injured because of a hazardous
condition. Walkways are clearly the responsibility of the homeowner.
Whatever the material, good maintenance means keeping a watchful eye
for conditions that may cause tripping hazards, cosmetic problems or
water drainage toward the house. Any tripping hazards should be
eliminated through repair, ramping or lighting. Repairs are usually in
order also if the condition of the material has deteriorated and
created an eyesore. And pay particular attention to the direction of
water flow in a heavy rain. If either a sidewalk or walkway is tilted
toward the house, forcing water to the foundation wall, and then repair
is in order before water winds up in your basement. That repair may
involve tearing out the existing sidewalk/walkway and re-installing
it–not a pretty task, but better than coping with a wet basement.
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