Neglecting your commercial walkway can be an expensive mistake. Algae buildup can make the surface slippery, and grime may be concealing cracks that can be tripping hazards for your customers and employees. Here are some signs that your walkways are unsafe.
Green or Black Film in Spots
In areas where your walkway is shaded, you may notice a thin layer of green or black growth. This growth is mold, mildew, or algae, and it tends to be slippery. While this may not seem concerning, slippery surfaces can cause falls, which is not only unsafe but could also expose your company to a potential lawsuit. To address the problem, clean the surface thoroughly, and have professionals treat it so that the slippery substances don’t return.
Thick Mud or Dirt
If you neglect your walkways for too long, thick mud or dirt can accumulate, especially after heavy rains. Wet mud is slippery and can cause falls. Worse, it can also conceal cracks or uneven stones in your walkway, creating additional hazards. To get rid of any mud or dirt, have professionals power wash your walkway.
Decaying Leaves
During the fall months, you may notice a large number of leaves on your property and walkway. While the various colors may look attractive, they can be dangerous for passersby. Decaying leaves create a slick surface, which can increase the risk of people falling. To rid your walkway and property of leaves, use a leaf blower. Then collect the dead leaves into paper bags, and haul them away.
Widening Cracks and Fissures
When dirt and debris settle into cracks and fissures, they can worsen the damage. The buildup forces the cracks to expand, widening them over time. These openings can become major tripping hazards. Unfortunately, they can also become costly to repair.
Pitting
If the grime contains a chemical substance, it may start to eat away at the surface of your walkway, creating small pits. These pits are unsightly to look at, and they can worsen when water or additional chemicals settle into them. Professionals typically power wash the surface to remove the grime and chemicals and then fill the pits with a resurfacing compound.
Flaking
Flaking concrete on your walkways is usually due to age or wear and tear. However, excessive amounts of grime can accelerate this deterioration. To address the issue, professionals can power wash any loose concrete and then apply a concrete resurfacer.
How Experts Can Help
When you call our professionals to power wash your walkways, we will use specialized tools and safe practices to remove grime, mold, and mildew buildup. If you need professionals to power wash your walkways and windows in Corvallis, OR, contact our team at Under Pressure.
