Let’s say your yard doesn’t have a walkway, and that you don’t see why a walkway’s absence is such a big deal. Well, whether you’re stumbling from the car in the dark with arms full of groceries or leading your toddler to the front yard after a long day at the park, lacking a walkway is a safety concern. Paving your walkway with interlocking pavers creates safe footing for you and your family as you approach the front yard and increases your home’s curb appeal, too. Learn about four ways having paved walkways promote safety around a home.
Secures Your Footing on Steep Slopes
Your yard’s gradual slope doesn’t look steep, but when you’re making your way up a grassy slope in work shoes or sandals, the slope feels much steeper and becomes a dangerous place for small kids and the elderly.
A steep slope up your yard is difficult to traverse even in ideal conditions. At night, the tricky footing becomes doubly difficult. When the ground is wet, you may find yourself slipping and sliding on muddy ground.
Installing a walkway with pavers and one or two shallow steps, makes walking up your inclined yard much safer and easier, especially for younger and older family members.
Prevents Erosion That Causes Uneven Ground
Rain and wet weather can produce mud that you could slip on and erosion you could discover in your yard. Even when you keep your grass maintained and trimmed, the ground will never be entirely flat.
As the weather changes, the consistency of the ground changes. Erosion makes securing your footing on uneven ground difficult. You and your family members might stumble over exposed tree roots or rocks if you’re not careful. A paved walkway covers these spots and pavers won’t erode the way dirt does.
Eliminates Concrete and Asphalt Cracks and Holes
Poured concrete and asphalt are walkway paving options that many people seek. However, concrete and asphalt wear out, and when they do, cracks appear and their surfaces become uneven. These cracks and uneven spots create tripping hazards. Minor erosions that are difficult to see with the naked eye are especially dangerous because they present falling hazards that you might not see until you’ve already tripped over them.
Ensures Wheelchair and Walker Access
A grassy slope or an old, damaged concrete walkway is not a wheelchair or walker-friendly way to access your house. The older members of your family will appreciate the safety a paved walkway offers them. Wheelchairs will be easier to operate or push across a walkway with interlocking pavers. Walkers won’t get stuck in imperfections in concrete or asphalt. Uneven bricks won’t trip up your grandmother or grandfather at the beginning of a visit. Your loved ones will appreciate your concern for their safety every time they visit.
Makes Melting Snow and Ice Easier
Correctly installed pavers interlock to create a seamless surface with no cracks or divots where snow and ice can accumulate. When you’re blowing or shoveling snow, you’ll have an easier time removing all the snow from the walkway. If you’re scattering salt to eliminate packed snow and ice, a paved surface can help snow and ice to melt evenly without pooling and freezing to create dangerous slippery patches. A slip-resistant snow- and ice-free walkway is especially important when you have children or older family members who often use the path.
Versatile, attractive pavers are the safe choice for a paved walkway. Choose pavers that match your home’s exterior decor for a welcoming yard with a lovely path. Paving your walkway is a worthwhile investment when you realize you’ll be helping your family stay safe with such a simple action.
Image via Flickr by Field Outdoor Spaces
Featured photo credit: positionmktg via flickr.com
