Proven Walkway Maintenance Tips for Your Business
As a business owner, you know that finding ways to reduce your liability risk isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential to the financial health of your company. One of the best ways to keep your business safe and reduce the risk of both employee and customer injuries alike is to maintain your walkways regularly.
If you’ve never been responsible for the maintenance of a property’s exterior or landscaping before, you may not know where to start. Here are a few simple tips to help you keep your walkways looking great while also making sure they’re as safe as possible for anyone that uses them.
Stay on Top of Weeding
Weeds may seem harmless, but they can create tripping hazards if you’re not careful. They can grow in just about any crack in your sidewalk and walkways, including the space between sections. Once they get tall enough, they make the pavement seem uneven and can catch the toes of peoples’ shoes as they walk.
Instead of leaving them in place, remove them as soon as they’re tall enough to grab. This will remove the tripping hazard and keep your sidewalks easier to navigate at all times. You may also be able to use a weedkiller to prevent new growth, but make sure you consult with your commercial landscaping team before you do. Many weedkillers can hurt nearby plants, and applying them should be done with extreme caution.
Repair Cracks Immediately
Minor cracks may not seem like a major issue, but those cracks can and will spread when exposed to changing temperatures and moisture levels. Once they spread, the pavement can shift and break, creating holes and damage that can easily trip people as they walk. Worse, they can make it difficult for people using mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers to reach your business without getting stuck.
Repair those cracks immediately. A simple patch will keep the crack from spreading and ensure that your walkways are smooth and safe for all users.
Get Rid of Stains and Gum
Not all damage can lead to a physical liability issue. Some can impact the way people perceive your business. Stains on the pavement and old bits of chewing gum can make your exterior and property look less cared for. When customers see that your property looks run down, they may have less confidence in your brand as a whole.
Get in the habit of cleaning your walkways several times a year. Use a pressure washer to blast away stains and old gum without doing damage to the pavement itself.
Use a Safe Deicer in Winter
Ice is common during the winter months, but spreading salt on your pavement can cause pitting and other damage to the pavement itself with enough use. Instead of using standard salt-based deicers, use a safe deicer to keep ice from building up. If you’re not sure which products are best for your property, talk to your commercial landscaping team. They’ll be able to recommend a few options that will keep your pavement and your landscaping safe.
Keep These Tips in Mind
These are just a few tips to help you keep your walkways looking great, but you don’t have to take care of everything on your own. Instead, contact the team at Nationwide Landworks. Our experts will help you keep your landscaping and your hardscaping elements looking great year-round.
Go Back If you’ve never been responsible for the maintenance of a property’s exterior or landscaping before, you may not know where to start. Here are a few simple tips to help you keep your walkways looking great while also making sure they’re as safe as possible for anyone that uses them.
Stay on Top of Weeding
Weeds may seem harmless, but they can create tripping hazards if you’re not careful. They can grow in just about any crack in your sidewalk and walkways, including the space between sections. Once they get tall enough, they make the pavement seem uneven and can catch the toes of peoples’ shoes as they walk.
Instead of leaving them in place, remove them as soon as they’re tall enough to grab. This will remove the tripping hazard and keep your sidewalks easier to navigate at all times. You may also be able to use a weedkiller to prevent new growth, but make sure you consult with your commercial landscaping team before you do. Many weedkillers can hurt nearby plants, and applying them should be done with extreme caution.
Repair Cracks Immediately
Minor cracks may not seem like a major issue, but those cracks can and will spread when exposed to changing temperatures and moisture levels. Once they spread, the pavement can shift and break, creating holes and damage that can easily trip people as they walk. Worse, they can make it difficult for people using mobility aids like wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers to reach your business without getting stuck.
Repair those cracks immediately. A simple patch will keep the crack from spreading and ensure that your walkways are smooth and safe for all users.
Get Rid of Stains and Gum
Not all damage can lead to a physical liability issue. Some can impact the way people perceive your business. Stains on the pavement and old bits of chewing gum can make your exterior and property look less cared for. When customers see that your property looks run down, they may have less confidence in your brand as a whole.
Get in the habit of cleaning your walkways several times a year. Use a pressure washer to blast away stains and old gum without doing damage to the pavement itself.
Use a Safe Deicer in Winter
Ice is common during the winter months, but spreading salt on your pavement can cause pitting and other damage to the pavement itself with enough use. Instead of using standard salt-based deicers, use a safe deicer to keep ice from building up. If you’re not sure which products are best for your property, talk to your commercial landscaping team. They’ll be able to recommend a few options that will keep your pavement and your landscaping safe.
Keep These Tips in Mind
These are just a few tips to help you keep your walkways looking great, but you don’t have to take care of everything on your own. Instead, contact the team at Nationwide Landworks. Our experts will help you keep your landscaping and your hardscaping elements looking great year-round.