Repairing vs. Replacing Concrete Sidewalks

Although concrete replacement is more expensive than maintenance or a repair job, it is still the cost-effective option if your concrete’s issues cannot be easily corrected with repairs. Overlying or patching over failing concrete is a short-lived solution that may cause safety issues or accelerate damage to other areas of pavement.

If any of the following signs are present, it is time to consider sidewalk replacement:

• Previous attempts to repair the sidewalk have failed – If repeated attempts to repair the sidewalk are not working, replacing the slab will likely be recommended. Multiple repair failures indicate deeper weakness in the pavement – weakness that could be caused by an unstable base or low-quality concrete materials. Instead of wasting money attempting repairs, only for the same problems to emerge, property owners are encouraged to replace their sidewalks from the base up.
• Damage to your concrete sidewalk is extensive or spreading – Some forms of concrete damage can be repaired, but if the sidewalk slab is crumbling or if cracks run down to the pavement’s base, replacement may be recommended. Widespread damage across multiple slabs also indicates a larger problem – one that only replacement may solve. Also, if cracks or other surface damage threaten the pavement’s stability, it will likely need to be replaced.
• There are signs that the steel reinforcement is failing – Steel-reinforced concrete may be used in some sidewalks – especially those that receive heavy traffic. There are important guidelines that concrete teams must follow when installing steel-reinforced concrete as corrosion may compromise this type of concrete if it is exposed to repeated water intrusion. If the concrete is badly discolored by rust, this could be a sign that rebar mesh inside the concrete is at risk of sudden failure.
• The sidewalk needs a new feature, like a pedestrian ramp – Sometimes, it makes sense to remove the existing sidewalk and replace it with new slab, even when a repair would be sufficient. For instance, if the sidewalk needs a new feature, such as an access ramp or storm drain, it is more cost effective to remove the damaged sidewalk and install the new feature along with a new stretch of pavement.
• The sidewalk has reached the end of its useful life and projected repair costs are high – Concrete’s durability is impressive and concrete sidewalks can last for decades if properly installed and if maintenance is performed on time. However, eventually wear and weather will cause the concrete to deteriorate to the point where repairs are no longer effective. If your sidewalk has been in place for more than 20 years and if its condition cannot be improved with cost effective repairs, replacing the concrete slab may save money in the long run.

Regardless of whether repairs or replacement of the sidewalk are necessary, working with a reputable paving contractor will provide the best results.

Concrete sidewalks are a proven investment, offering decades of reliable performance for commercial property owners and pedestrians. However, weather, soil conditions and heavy foot traffic can cause slow and steady wear over time.

If these factors have caused your concrete sidewalks to deteriorate, it is time to consider calling the professionals. An expert concrete contractor can identify which method will be more effective for your sidewalks and will align with your organization’s budget and goals.