Somerville Homes: Replacing Brick Paths With Concrete Walkways

Disadvantages of Older Brick and Poured Concrete Solutions

Disadvantages of Older Brick

Brick is a timeless-looking material; however, to maintain this aesthetic in our area’s weather conditions will require a great deal of upkeep to keep the brick level. During the winter months, water enters through the brick, freezes, and pushes the brick upward. Also, moss and weeds grow between the bricks, causing the bricks to become slick when wet. Old brick levels are often temporary solutions that fail after a couple of years. Pouring a solid pathway solves the source of the problem – the joint in the bricks.

Modern Design for Curb Appeal

Concrete doesn’t mean losing the style of your house. There are many different modern ways to finish your pathways to fit with the architecture of your house. For example, if you’re interested in keeping the look of a brick pathway but don’t want the maintenance, you could use a stamp pattern to resemble brick. Cobblestone border designs would be another option to add to the look of your house, while maintaining a vintage look and feel. Curves to the entrance to your front door can provide a softer transition into your home and create a welcoming flow to your home. The options available for designing a poured pathway are endless.

Making Your Path More Accessible and Safer

Having a flat and predictable surface is a necessity for people who use walkers, wheelchairs, or strollers. Many people find walking across uneven paths with brick to be difficult to access their homes due to the uneven surfaces. A flat and seamless pathway provides a much safer and easier route for anyone to access your home. Additionally, we can incorporate ramps and steps to meet current ADA standards. Incorporating accessibility features will open your home to the entire community.

Installation and Longevity

Removal and Preparation for the New Path

Preparing the new pathway begins with removing the old material. Carefully, we remove the old brick and the compromised base underneath. Many times, the original base has developed roots or has been eroded. After the old material is removed, we lay a new layer of compacted gravel to provide the best drainage and stability. This creates a solid base for the new path and prevents it from shifting or rising as the old one did.

Working Around Mature Trees

Mature trees growing along residential streets in our area can destroy sidewalks with large roots. Cutting these roots can damage the tree and affect its ability to thrive. When working around trees, we attempt to either bridge over the root system or redirect it with root barriers. In some instances, we may need to adjust the layout of the path to provide space for the tree to grow. Finding the correct balance between the tree’s needs and providing a safe and accessible path is one of the skills of Somerville Concrete Masters.

Longevity and Maintenance Requirements

Because a poured pathway is a single unit, it will withstand environmental stressors far longer than individual pavers. There is less chance for weed growth and ant infestation since there are fewer joints. Shoveling snow off a poured pathway is easy because the shovel will glide smoothly over the surface. Typically, a quick power washing in the spring will keep the pathway looking fresh. This is just one of the many advantages of owning a low-maintenance pathway that will attract many potential buyers.

Aesthetics, Permits, and Economics

Integration with Landscaping

Installing a new walkway is a great time to rethink your landscaping in your front yard. We can install plant bed spaces or install pathway lighting that will enhance the pathway and also improve the safety of your home at night. The contrasting color of the lighting will highlight the texture of the pathway. Creating contrast with borders can help to define the pathway and lawn areas. The hardscaping acts as the framework to organize the remaining design of your garden.

Obtaining Permits for Work Done Near Streets

Most projects completed near the street are considered to be located on public property, and therefore, require permits from the city before starting the project. If your walkway crosses the public right-of-way, it must adhere to the city’s specifications for the minimum width and the type of finish allowed. Somerville Concrete Masters is knowledgeable about the permitting process in Union Square and other neighborhoods. As such, we will obtain the necessary permits to complete your project to meet the local ordinances. Meeting the requirements the first time will prevent fines and potential lawsuits.

Economic Viability of Replacing vs. Restoring Historic Brick

While restoring historic brick is admirable, the expense of doing so can exceed the cost of installing new pathways. Installing a new pathway is typically more cost-effective per square foot than repairing historic brick. Installing a new pathway will eliminate future maintenance expenses and will provide a good ROI for many years to come. Because of its durability, you will not need to replace or repair your pathway for decades. Making a smart financial decision for the long-term health of your property is a goal of Somerville Concrete Masters.

Your Local Hardscaping Professionals You Can Rely On

Somerville Concrete Masters takes pride in enhancing the walkability and attractiveness of our neighborhood one pathway at a time. From attention to detail to cleaning the edges and completing the perfect finish, we are committed to providing quality craftsmanship. Throughout the construction process, we will protect your landscaping and leave your yard cleaner than when we started. We strive to provide a safe and inviting entrance experience for both you and your guests. At Somerville Concrete Masters, we are committed to paving the way for a better home.