SECTION 6 II~ 
HARDSCAPE SYSTEM 
WALKWAYS, 
DRIVEWAYS 
& 
HARDSCAPE 
SYSTEM 
INSPECTION 
GUIDE 
Safe Access. Proper Drainage. Long-Term Value. 
'-'.ti 
PURPOSE 
The walkways, driveways, and hardscape system provides safe access throughout a property 
while contributing to drainage, aesthetics, functionality, and long-term property value. 
These surfaces are continually exposed to pedestrian traffic, vehicle traffic, ultraviolet (UV) 
radiation, rainfall, biological growth, and environmental contaminants. 
In Hawaii's tropical climate, hardscape surfaces frequently develop algae, mold, mildew, moss, 
lichen, efflorescence, staining, and surface deterioration that can create slip hazards, accelerate 
material degradation, and negatively affect the overall appearance of the property. 
Routine inspections help identify developing conditions before they become safety concerns 
or require more extensive repairs. 
0 
SYSTEM OVERVIEW 
PRIMARY FUNCTION 
The walkways, driveways, and hardscape system 
is designed to: 
0 Provide safe pedestrian and vehicle access. 
0 
Direct surface water away from structures. 
0 Reduce slip and trip hazards. 
0 Protect surrounding landscape and 
drainage systems. 
0 
Preserve the appearance and value of 
the property. 
0 
Support long-term durability of 
exterior improvements. 
~ INSPECTION FREQUENCY 
A_ PRIMARY THREATS 
A 
Biological growth (algae, mold, mildew, 
moss, lichen) 
A 
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation 
A Heavy rainfall 
A 
Standing water 
A 
Vehicle traffic 
A Tree roots 
A 
Settlement 
A Salt exposure (coastal properties) 
A Chemical staining 
A 
Deferred maintenance 
0 SAFETY FIRST 
@ INSPECTION GOAL 
Determine whether the hardscape system 
continues to provide safe access, effective 
drainage, and long-term durability by 
identifying early signs of deterioration, 
documenting observations, and prioritizing 
maintenance before conditions worsen. 
STEWARDHIP PRINCIPLE 
Hardscape surfaces should provide 
safe access first and attractive 
appearance second. A clean 
surface is valuable, but a 
safe surface Is essential. 
PROPERTY EXPOSURE 
RECOMMENOEO INSPECTION FREOUENCY 
Before beginning your inspection: 
it 
Typical residential property 
Annually 
~ 
....., Windward prop.,ties 
Every 6 months 
Ai Commercial & HOA properties 
Semi-annually 
w. 
High pedostrlan traffic a,eas 
Quarterly 
,.. 
After sevore storms or flooding 
Inspect when conditions are safe 
e WHAT ARE YOU INSPECTING? 
The hardscape system indudas all permanent exterior 
walking and driving surfaces designed to provide access 
while managing surface drainage. 
During this inspection, you are evaluating whether 
these surfaces remain structurally sound, safe, propor1y 
drained. and free from conditions that may accelerate 
deterioration or create hazards. 
WAI.XWAYS 
0 Wear slip-resistant footwear. 
~ 
STEWAROHIP PRINCIPLE 
0 u ... caution on wet or shaded surfaces. 
Never compromise 
..... 
0 Mark h.aurdous a,eas ;f necess.ry. 
personal safety to 
0 
complete an inspection. 
Avoid walking on unstable retaining 
walls or decorative features. 
Wet biological growth 
0 
Bo aware of uneven walking surface,. 
can be extremely 
slippery. 
HARDSCAPE SURFACES INCLUDE: 
DRIVEWAYS 
STEPS & STAIRS 
PATIO & COURTYARD 
RETAINING WALLS 
SECTION 6 
WALKWAYS. DRIVEWAYS & HARDSCAPE SYSTEM INSPECTION GUIDE 
STEWARDSHIP TODAY VALUE TOMORROW 

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