As the chilly winter months settle in here in Des Moines, we all know that icy sidewalks and snow-covered driveways are just part of the seasonal norm. Many homeowners and business owners often ignore uneven concrete, assuming it’s just an eyesore or something they can deal with later. However, ignoring these issues can lead to serious—and costly—problems down the road.
What Happens If You Ignore Uneven Concrete
Uneven concrete may seem like a minor issue—just a small crack or a sunken slab—but it can quickly escalate into a bigger, more costly problem if left unaddressed. Here’s why it’s important to take action before it gets worse:
● Increased Wear and Tear: Over time, small cracks or dips can worsen, leading to bigger hazards and more expensive repairs.
● Trip Hazards: Uneven surfaces can cause trips and falls, leading to potential injury claims and expensive medical bills.
● Water Drainage Issues: Water can pool in uneven areas, causing further damage as it freezes and weakens the surrounding concrete or foundation.
Uneven Concrete Affects the Safety of Your Home or Business
When it comes to safety, uneven concrete is no laughing matter. Whether you’re dealing with a driveway, walkway, or parking lot, any uneven surface can pose serious risks to both your family, employees, customers, and visitors.
● Risk of Injury: For homes, uneven sidewalks are often the most noticeable safety concern. Kids running to catch the bus, guests visiting for the holidays, or delivery drivers arriving with packages—all can easily trip over raised or sunken slabs. In business settings, customers or clients walking into your store or office can be just as vulnerable to trips and falls.
● Vehicle Damage: Uneven concrete on driveways or parking areas is not only a safety hazard for pedestrians but for vehicles too. Vehicles can be jolted or damaged when driving over uneven surfaces. Over time, this can cause alignment issues with your car, especially if you drive over large sunken areas frequently.
● Increased Liability Risks: Uneven concrete can be seen as a liability issue, especially if someone is injured on your property due to a neglected sidewalk or driveway. As much as you want to focus on your business operations, taking care of these concrete issues before they cause harm should be a priority.
Uneven Concrete Causes Damage to Properties Over Time
Uneven concrete doesn’t just affect safety—it can lead to long-term property damage as well. Here are some of the ways that neglecting your concrete surfaces can have a ripple effect:
● Foundation Damage: Uneven concrete may indicate unstable soil, which can eventually affect your home’s foundation and lead to costly repairs.
● Structural Degradation: Cracks and sunken slabs allow moisture to seep in, worsening damage over time, especially in freeze-thaw conditions.
● Expensive Repair Costs: Ignoring small issues now can lead to more expensive full-scale replacements later.
Don’t Wait for the Worst—Call A1 Concrete Leveling Today!
The bottom line is this: ignoring uneven concrete might save you time and stress in the short term, but it could cost you big time down the road. Our team of professionals can assess the situation and provide efficient, cost-effective solutions that restore the safety and integrity of your property. Whether it’s your driveway, sidewalk, or parking lot, we have the expertise to ensure your surfaces are properly leveled and ready for whatever weather comes next. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation or to learn more about our services!
