When a sidewalk has failed across most of its length, or the base underneath has broken down, replacing the whole walk is the better investment. A new sidewalk built on a properly prepared base will outlast a series of patch repairs and gives the property a clean, uniform frontage.
When replacement makes sense
Replacement is the right call when the majority of flags are cracked, heaved or sunken, when the walk was poured too thin to begin with, when the base has washed out or settled unevenly, or when a violation covers most of the frontage. It also makes sense when you want to correct the slope or drainage of the whole walk rather than one section of it.
How a replacement is built
The existing concrete is broken out and hauled away. The sub-base is excavated, regraded to the correct pitch so water runs toward the curb, and compacted. Forms are set to the required line and grade, and concrete is poured to the thickness the DOT specifies for the location, which is greater at driveways than on a standard walk. Control joints are cut so the slab can move with temperature without random cracking, and the surface is given a broom finish for traction.
Permits and inspections
Sidewalk replacement in New York City requires a DOT permit, and the finished work is subject to inspection. We obtain the permit before work begins and build to the specification the inspector will check against.
Where we provide this service
Sidewalk Replacement is available across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx. Every borough files permits and fails differently, and the borough pages explain what that means for your block.