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I'm in need of some advice regarding a damaged concrete sidewalk, and I would appreciate your insights and suggestions. Over time, the sidewalk in front of my house has developed cracks and uneven surfaces, posing a safety hazard for pedestrians.
Should I consider a DIY solution or hire a professional contractor for this task? While I have some experience with minor repairs, I want to ensure a thorough and long-lasting fix that meets safety standards.
Are there any maintenance practices or treatments that can help extend the lifespan of the concrete sidewalk and minimize the likelihood of cracks and deterioration?
I look forward to your valuable suggestions and recommendations.
Sounds like your best option would be to obtain bids from several concrete contractors as well as checking if with the municipality to determine what requirements as far as a permit or bond are required for a replacement or repair.
A concrete contractor should be able to decide if a repair or section removal and replacement is the best option depending on the specific cause of the problem.
My municipality has had a program over the past several years wherein they engaged a contractor to evaluate and replace broken side walks throughout the city. This year, it's my turn to have some sidewalk replaced. I received a notice in the mail this past week concerning this situation.
On the sidewalk by my house two five by five squares of concrete have lifted at least six inches above the ground, thanks to the large root of a tree that used to be next to the sidewalk (the city removed the offending tree years ago). The cost of the new concrete sections is about $675, and the city will bill me in December, an addendum to my usual winter tax payment. The actual replacement will happen sometime this year before the ground freezes.
The notice that informed me of the situation also allows for me or my own designated contractor to perform the sidewalk replacement, but it would have to be approved and reviewed by the city before the effort was undertaken.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Hopefully that would be the city's responsibility. If not, there are products in caulk tubes that are a flexible mortar repair, I have used it on the chimney and pathway cracks. It's not really good for more than about a 1/2 wide crack, however, and if the damage is enough to cause tripping, that section may have to be removed and replaced.
The slab jack people can sometimes lift a sunken section back to level.
I would contact your town government regarding the regulations about sidewalks. In my last town, I reported it, they replaced it.
As a data point, in my primary residence town, sidewalks are homeowners responsibility. They are to be fixed when a house sells (seller's expense). Repairs are not terribly expensive
First, I would address what is actually causing the problem. Concrete can develop cracks due to temperature and moisture changes, but uneven surfaces are usually due to tree roots. If the tree can't be removed, it will continue to cause the concrete to "move".
You don't say where the sidewalk is...if it is adjacent to the street in front of your house, it could be a municipality issue. They will want to repair it to make sure it meets ADA requirements.
If it is actually on your property, you can have a contractor out to give you an estimate for repairs. There are lots of options and it just depends on what works best for you.
BTW - I would NOT DIY. I'm sure this is a long shot, but if you (presumably not a contractor) DIY, and someone trips and falls, I won't want that (added) liability. Might be a reach, but still.
The answer to your question depends on how big the repair job is, your skill level and how much needed equipment you already have.
A 60 lb bag of concrete from the big box stores only costs ~$4, but it only makes about 1/60th yd of concrete....A 3' x 3' x 4" section of walk will need 9 bags-- ~$40.
You'll need a barrow big enough to mix the stuff, a shovel or hoe for the mixing, a shovel to transfer it and a trowel for finishing..Add in a sledge and pick to lift and crush the old section, and before you know it, you've spent $200 just to replace one small section if you need to buy all that stuff. Additonal sections will cost $40 each + your time and effort.
What made the section break?-- a tree root or poor soil/ poorly prepared bed? You gotta address that too or you'll soon be repeating the job.
A few seem to think this is the "public sidewalk"... could be the sidewalk from the driveway to the front door(?).
To what extent, and how much will most likely determine the path of repair. If it's a small 3-5' section- it could most likely be DIY'd. Otherwise, it's probably better to find a concrete contractor to do the work.
As was previously mentioned, it would be good to determine what caused the damage to begin with. Are there trees in close proximity? (roots) Is there a drainage issue? (undermining/erosion) Is there severe grade change? (sink hole) Or, is the damage mostly a cosmetic issue? (harsh weather/ice and chemical)
Knowing where this is also helps- pictures would also help. But since you are a new poster you can't post pictures through the forum- but you can use a third-party image website.
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