How To Fix Problematic Walkways In Backyards
How To Fix Problematic Walkways In Backyards
There are many ways to fix problematic walkways. Each method to fix the walkway would be based on the reason it is broken or damaged. Having a broken or crumbling walkway is dangerous, as someone could trip and fall.
Common Reasons Why Problematic Walkways Need To Be Fixed
There are several reasons why walkways crumble, shift, or lift. The most common are roots destroying the foundation, a crumbling base, drainage issues, poor base preparation, and settlement.
Roots Damaging The Walkway
Tree roots from fast-growing trees damage walkways by growing and expanding beneath the surface of the walkway. This leads the roots to exert an upward pressure on the walkway, causing it to lift and crack.
This can lead to a tripping hazard.
The damage can occur in a number of ways. These are the exertion of upward pressure as mentioned, the roots moving or shifting soil around, moisture imbalances in the soil leading to the area drying out and contracting and lasting, the roots penetrating small cracks and causing further expansion.
Methods To Prevent This From Happening
Installing Root Barriers
Installing a root barrier is a great way to prevent a tree’s root system from lifting the walkway. A root barrier is a physical underground barrier made from plastic or a composite material. It is installed in a vertical manner that stops the tree’s roots from damaging foundations, walkways, and driveways. It blocks the roots from moving in a specific direction.
Root Pruning
Root pruning is a potential solution for stopping root systems from lifting walkways. This procedure should be done by a certified arborist to avoid killing the tree and compromising its stability of the tree. It is highly recommended that you use this method in conjunction with root barriers to prevent any further issues from arising.
Removing The Tree
Removing a tree should be a last resort to stop the walkway from lifting. If the roots are causing severe damage, it may be necessary to remove the tree to prevent it from happening or causing further damage. A qualified arborist should be contacted for the removal.
You might consider, after removing the tree to either choosing another tree to plant or going with an option of some native plant choices, alternatively, some evergreen tree or plant options.
Rerouting The Walkway
Rerouting the walkway is another possible solution if the roots are particularly problematic. It may also be a simpler approach than removing a tree. Having a specialist consult on this might be a good option to weigh up the pros and cons.
Drainage Issues
Poor drainage can lead to damage to your walkway, requiring comprehensive repairs to the surface and the base. Damage from poor drainage can be through soil erosion, freeze-thaw cycles, and soil settlement issues.
Water weakens the underlying soil, washing it away, causing cracks and further deterioration to existing cracks.
Always ensure your yard and walkway areas have adequate drainage. Various options assist in drainage during heavy rains.
Gravel is often used around the house to ensure sufficient drainage is possible.
Poor Base Prep
Poor base preparation compromises stability, drainage, and the structural integrity of the walkway. This leads to issues such as cracking, shifting of the walkway, and sinking. Poor base prep may be the most common source of a walkway needing to be fixed.
Poor base prep can lead to the following issues:
- Uneven settling of the walkway.
- Cracking of the walkway, more so if it is concrete.
- Water damage from drainage issues.
- Weed growth through the walkway.
- Reduced the lifespan of the walkway.
Always take care to ensure the base has been properly prepped and installed before laying concrete slabs or pavers. If there are any issues that arise later, the walkway would need to be broken up and rebuilt.
Crumbling Concrete Base
A crumbling concrete base is another reason you need to fix your walkway. Like most issues that arise from poor base construction, a crumbling base is another concern as the walkway’s integrity is compromised. This leads to safety hazards and can also be a result of further underlying issues.
A crumbling base may be the result of erosion to the subgrade, causing the crumbling, poor soil compaction, water erosion, or improper installation.
Settlement Issues
Soil and base settlement can lead to an uneven sinking of a structure’s foundation. This issue is caused by a variety of environmental and underlying soil issues. Settlement issues can arise from poor soil compaction, soil erosion, tree roots, and poor construction.
These issues can result in cracks, sagging sections, and tripping hazards. Settlement issues usually require the base to be redone to fix the problem.
How To Fix Problematic Walkways Made Of Concrete
For concrete walkways and paths around your home, repairing your walkway would depend on the damage and the underlying cause of the damage.
If you have a crumbling base, root issues, soil, or base prep issues, these need to be determined and fixed before you lay the concrete.
For root damage, the walkway would need to be dug up, and a certified arborist should be contracted to either remove the tree or prune the roots. Once this has been done, the landscape contractor should install a root barrier. After the installation of the root barrier, the contractor can start the base preparation. A solid base or subgrade needs to be constructed, ensuring drainage is sufficient and no further issues can arise. Once the subgrade has been added, the concrete can be laid and allowed to cure.
If you have a crumbling base, soil, or base prep issues, the process is identical. You determine the problem, dig up the walkway, fix the underlying cause, install the base or subgrade, and lay the concrete on top.
How To Fix Paver Walkways
Walkways built with pavers are great. They allow you to repair the section that is damaged as opposed to having to dig up the entire walkway.
Much like having to repair concrete walkways, paver walkways should be carefully assessed to determine what the underlying issue is causing this problem. This would need to be corrected before laying the pavers back down.
The first step is to remove the pavers and inspect the base to determine if soil erosion, water damage from drainage, or roots are causing the underlying issue. This would need to be solved before moving on.
The next step is to prepare the base to ensure the sub-base layer has been firmly compacted. A fresh layer of sand should be layered over. This layer may be about 1.5 inches deep. The sand is leveled, and the pavers are laid back down. Sand joints are added, and the pavers are lightly misted with water to ensure the joints are filled and locked.
Conclusion
As you can see, most issues with problematic walkways are either due to environmental issues, such as erosion or tree roots, or the base and its preparation. In many cases, the walkway would need to be dug up and reconstructed to solve the problem.
If you need a landscape construction company in the Phoenix area or a new walkway built, please contact us today.
