Tree root sidewalk damage makes a mess of concrete and creates major trip hazards. But when encroaching tree roots start to make your sidewalk buckle or sink, ripping it out and re-pouring it isn’t your only option. Concrete lifting, otherwise known as slabjacking, may offer a more cost-effective and convenient solution.
Are Your Sidewalks Safe?
Are you responsible for keeping your sidewalks hazard-free and safely walkable? Talk to your city or town. In some cases, the city is responsible for the cost of repairs. In other situations, even though the city may technically own the land between your lot and the street, the homeowner is responsible for the repairs.
Every municipality is different, and the only way you will know if it’s your responsibility is to contact the town directly to find out. If you are responsible and you have severe tree root sidewalk damage, the town may issue a citation to force you to make the necessary repairs.
What You Should and Shouldn’t Do
What shouldn’t you do? Don’t cut the roots of the tree that’s causing the damage. Unless you get approval from the city, cutting the tree roots could result in a fine. Not only that, it isn’t an effective way to solve the problem. They will simply grow back, and you’ll just delay the issue.
Also, don’t depend on tree growth inhibitor products. They won’t produce the desired effect. You will only make the roots grow larger, because this treatment diverts nutrients from the leafy crown to the roots.
What you should do? Start looking for help right away. You don’t want to wait until you’re close to the end of your repair deadline. Call concrete contractors to find out who is experienced in this area and who has a plan to solve your tree root sidewalk damage.
How Concrete Lifting Works
While concrete lifting can’t help lower a slab once it’s been raised, it is a method that can be used to raise a sinking section of concrete. You could also use it to make a section level with the raised area.
The first step in slabjacking is to drill a small hole into the section of concrete to be raised. Then a specialized grout is pumped beneath the surface. It raises the slab until it’s even, and the trip hazard is gone. Then the hole is sealed and the sidewalk is fully functional once again.
Repairs vs. Replacement
You should consider the cost — for the most part, concrete repair is less expensive than concrete replacement. Excavating and building a new sidewalk will require more time, and you must get work permits and city approval. Concrete lifting could potentially solve tree root sidewalk damage in less than a day, for a much lower price.
Contact Lift-Up Concrete today to schedule a time when we can examine the problem and see if slabjacking is the right repair method for your situation.
