How does weather affect sidewalk conditions in NYC?
Sidewalks, an important part of our NYC infrastructure, get used by many on a daily basis but might be neglected by a few. You walk on them to avoid heavy traffic on the road, and you might have noticed snow, dust, debris, obstacles, cracks, and bumps on them.
But have you ever considered what factors might be impacting the sidewalks and what prompt actions can be taken to increase their durability?
Well, to answer this question, Sidewalk Repair Contractor NYC is here with a detailed article on how extreme weather conditions, including scorching sun, snow, and heavy rain, might affect your sidewalks throughout the year.
Let us talk about how each season plays its role in the wear and tear of concrete sidewalks in the city.
Impact of Weather on NYC Sidewalks
NYC weather, including rain, snow, heat, and ice, can have a significant impact on the condition of the sidewalks.
Summer Season: In summer, the concrete can expand and if it doesn’t have enough space in the expansion joints, it might form cracks.
Rainy Season: During rainy seasons, water might seep into the cracked sidewalks and damage the soil, leading to poor integrity of the sidewalks.
Winter Season: During the winter season, the moisture in the soil can freeze and expand, causing the pavement to crack and split.
Snow Season: Ice and snow can accumulate on the sidewalks and removing them using harsh deicing chemicals can cause the concrete sidewalks to deteriorate.
How Does Winter Contribute to Sidewalk Deterioration?
Frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and icy conditions all contribute to sidewalk deterioration. You might not realize it but all these elements lead to slow erosion of the concrete.
During the winter season, the freeze-thaw cycle is the most significant cause of destabilizing sidewalks. Usually, if the sidewalks are already cracked, water can seep through the tiny cracks then you need to know best way to repair cracks and accumulate in the soil.
This water freezes during the winter season and can lead to a freeze-thaw cycle. Repetitive freeze-thaw cycles can disrupt the soil and create uneven surfaces or frost heaves.
Do Heavy Rainfalls Erode Sidewalk Foundations?
Rainfall and flooding can also pose a significant threat to the integrity of the sidewalks. When the rain falls, it can penetrate into the ground and saturate the soil beneath the sidewalks. When the soil becomes overly saturated, it can lose its stability and firmness.
This happens because:
- Water disrupts the soil structure and makes it loose and unstable
- Over time, it can lead to erosion of the soil beneath the sidewalks
- Erosion in the soil can also create voids beneath the sidewalk and cause it to sink, crack, or even collapse
Impact of Salt and Other Deicers on Sidewalk Health
The Department of Sanitation in NYC states that property owners must remove snow and ice from sidewalks within a significant timeframe. However, using harsh deicing chemicals and salts to remove the snow can damage the surface of sidewalks.
To ensure the safety and durability of your sidewalks, you can use less harmful deicing materials that are safe for not only concrete structures but also for wildlife and vegetation.
How to Save Your Sidewalks Against Severe Weather?
Given the consequences of extreme weather conditions on your sidewalks, you must take some precautionary measures to increase their durability.
- Regularly inspect the sidewalks to identify potential sidewalk issues, including cracks, potholes, discoloration, sinking, or drainage issues.
- Hire regular maintenance services, including resurfacing and sealing of your concrete sidewalks.
- Use eco-friendly de-icing salts for snow removal so that sidewalks don’t experience major damage.
- Install rain barrels to collect rainwater so that it doesn't go into soil and damage it.
- Plant trees near the sidewalks so they can absorb the water and reduce the issue of moisture accumulation in the soil.
Bottom Line
Now you know that NYC’s weather plays a significant role in changing the condition of sidewalks. From scorching sun during summers to heavy rains and snow, all seasons are reasons why your sidewalks might be damaged.
We hope that by understanding the impact of each season, you will be better able to take precautionary measures to save your sidewalks from potential damage.