Five Reasons To Seal and Finish Your Sidewalks

We usually think of wood and plastic when it comes to frequently used materials in the world. However, concrete is quickly becoming one of the most popular items used, especially for sidewalks found everywhere. For businesses, protecting their investment is a priority. When it comes to sidewalks,  it’s essential to finish and seal them to get the most extended lifespan possible. Here are a few reasons why you need to consider concrete sealing.

Stops Mold Growth

Concrete is a porous substance, which creates the likelihood of mold formation. Excess moisture will build-up without protecting your sidewalks. Even smaller cracks can be the culprit of mold growth that could turn your property into an unsightly green color.  Keeping your sidewalks sealed will prevent cracking that eventually lead to mold overtaking your entire sidewalk. You want extra moisture out? Get it sealed.

Durability 

In most areas of the United States, extreme weather is not uncommon. High or low temperatures and various kinds of precipitation can take a beating to your sidewalk.  Again, cracking can become an issue as well as compromising its overall structure. Concrete sealing provides an answer for the sustainability of your sidewalks for years to come!  Taking this extra step can eliminate additional maintenance and unnecessary expenses. In any region you live in, you’ll feel confident that concrete sealing is your answer for the protection you need.

Longer Lifespan

Could there be a better reason than longer lifespan as a reason why you should consider concrete sealing? Concrete already has a better than average lifespan, but it is still susceptible to cracking, mold formation, and losing its luster. Damage to concrete is usually created because of an excess of moisture or water penetration. Applying a sealer to your sidewalk essentially makes it waterproof, meaning you’ll reap the benefits of a functional sidewalk for decades.

Aesthetically Appealing 

Unfortunately, concrete can become discolored when it is exposed to extreme weather. The result can make sidewalks look lifeless, old, and unappealing to anyone who sees it. It’s often said that you don’t get a second chance to make a great first impression. The same statement holds water when you are the owner of any property. When you have a business, first impressions are critical to the long-term success of your operation. You want potential customers to feel good about what they see.  When you choose concrete sealing, any additional water, sunlight, or mold will be far less likely to get down deep inside your sidewalk. A beautiful exterior for years to come awaits!

Lifelong Insurance!

Concrete sealing will make your sidewalks unable from being stained. It’s almost impossible for spills to happen along any sidewalk, but you won’t have to worry about damage or any fading that could occur. Concrete sealing is meant to serve as a permanent solution to eliminate any possible breakdown in the structure.

Sealing and finishing your concrete will involve a small investment, but the long term benefits will undoubtedly put money in your pocket. When you want a long-lasting solution for your sidewalks, there are tremendous benefits when it comes to concrete sealing. Concrete is an essential substance in the world of construction, but it also needs to be appropriately maintained. Consider these reasons before you decide to forgo on this necessary task.

5 Reasons Why Your Business Should Install Asphalt Paths And Sidewalks

In business construction, there are a lot of things to consider. One of them is providing walkable access to the storefront. After all, there are numerous benefits to doing so. Here are 5 reasons why your business should install asphalt paths and sidewalks.

It Increases Security

Security is a vital concern for any business owner. After all, keeping employees and customers safe is important. So is safeguarding your business against a break-in and theft or vandalism. A common security measure for businesses is to use a security camera. However, these aren’t always successful. The low quality of the picture that most commonly-used cameras produce renders the devices ineffective as evidence. Plus, they don’t really deter criminal activity.

On the other hand, pathways in front of a business bring eyes to the street. You can easily see people approaching, so can your neighbors. Knowing they’re being watched is a proven deterrent for would-be criminals. Plus, these features have been shown to instill a sense of community and to decrease littering and speeding.

It Helps the Local Economy

When you add walkable access to your business, it often creates a domino effect with your neighboring businesses following suit. When that happens, your commercial neighborhood becomes more walkable and boosts the number of patrons to your businesses. Studies indicate that pedestrians spend at least 65 percent more than those who drive. Such projects boosted retail sales in Brooklyn 172% and infused more than $1 billion into local Portland, Oregon businesses.

Along with that comes an increase in employment in the area. Researchers found that when a commercial neighborhood was redesigned to be pedestrian-friendly, employment spiked to 300%. It’s a sound investment with businesses installing asphalt pathways or sidewalks received an average return of $11.80 for every $1 they invested in such projects.

It Stimulates Tourism

Tourists enjoy experiencing an area they visit by walking it. When they do so, they more easily visit businesses that are easily accessed by walkways. The benefit is that it creates an impression that will have them coming back and recommending visits to friends and family. Studies show that walkable commercial neighborhoods can increase tourism by as much as 300%. So it makes good sense for businesses to get in on this benefit when they add walkable accessibility to their front doors.

It Stimulates Additional Investment

When municipal governments notice the benefits of having businesses accessible by walkways, they often invest additional improvements to the area, such as parks and seating areas.

They also begin attracting additional private investment in the neighborhood. That’s a really good thing because neighborhoods with walkways have much fewer empty storefronts. A good example of this is New York City’s expansion of walkable space in Union Square, which decreased storefront vacancies by 49%.

It Boosts Property Values

When a neighborhood becomes more walkable and safe, a final benefit is that its property value increases. For home values, that can spike as much as $82 a square foot, which increases the equity of those homes.
For landlords, that often translates to being able to charge $300 per month more for rent. With that comes renters better able to afford to pay higher rent.