A-Z definitions of NYC sidewalk repair terms, DOT codes, permits, materials, and construction concepts, explained by our licensed sidewalk contractors.
Showing terms in: Common Defects & Damage Types · Clear filter
An edge break is damage occurring along the outer edge of a concrete slab where pieces chip, crack, or separate from the...
Efflorescence is a white, powdery deposit left on concrete or masonry when water carries dissolved salts to the surface...
Erosion, or washout, is the removal of soil or base material by flowing water. Loss of support beneath pavement can lead...
A hairline crack is a very narrow surface crack that typically forms as concrete cures or experiences minor movement. It...
Heaving is the upward movement of concrete caused by forces beneath the pavement. It can raise slabs above their origina...
Honeycombing is a concrete defect characterized by visible voids and exposed aggregate caused by incomplete consolidatio...
A horizontal gap or separation is an opening between adjacent sidewalk slabs or pavement sections without a significant...
Pitting is the formation of numerous small holes or shallow depressions across a concrete surface. It develops gradually...
Ponding, or improper pitch, occurs when pavement is not sloped correctly, allowing water to collect instead of draining...
A pop-out is a small cone-shaped fragment of concrete that breaks away from the surface, leaving a shallow hole. It is o...
Scaling is the gradual loss of a thin surface layer of concrete through peeling or flaking. The damage usually affects t...
Settling, also called settlement, is the downward movement of concrete caused by compression or movement of the supporti...
A shrinkage crack is a crack caused by the natural reduction in concrete volume as excess water evaporates during curing...
Spalling is the breaking, chipping, or flaking away of the concrete surface, exposing fresh concrete underneath. It is a...
A structural crack is a crack that may affect the strength, stability, or load-carrying capacity of concrete rather than...
A sunken flag or sunken slab is a section of concrete that has settled below the surrounding pavement. The lowered surfa...
Surface dusting is the formation of a loose, powdery layer on hardened concrete caused by a weak or poorly bonded surfac...
Talk to a licensed sidewalk contractor and get a free on-site inspection for your NYC property.