A concrete walkway lasts when it's poured over compacted soil and a gravel base, sloped so water sheds off, and jointed at regular intervals. In Atlanta, tree roots and settling soil are common causes of lifted or sunken sections. Public sidewalks along the street are usually in the right-of-way, where local rules and permits apply.
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Walkways and sidewalks are narrow slabs that get a lot of foot traffic, and they're usually the first concrete visitors see. Around Metro Atlanta, they also tend to be where tree roots, settling soil and runoff show up first, as lifted panels, sunken sections and trip-hazard edges.
Common walkway projects
- New front walks from the driveway or street to the door
- Side-yard and garden paths
- Replacing cracked, heaved or sunken sections
- Concrete steps and landings on sloped lots
- Widening a walk to make it easier to use with a stroller, wheelchair or walker
Building a walk that stays flat
Like any slab, a walkway depends on its base. The soil is compacted, a gravel base is placed, and the walk is poured with a slight cross-slope so water sheds off instead of puddling. Control joints are tooled at regular intervals, and on narrow walks they're typically spaced at roughly the width of the walk or a bit more, so cracks form in a predictable line. Where the walk meets the house, steps or driveway, an isolation joint lets each piece move on its own.
Tree roots
Atlanta's mature trees are a big reason walkways lift and crack. Cutting large roots to make room for a new walk can injure or destabilize a tree, and some Metro Atlanta cities regulate damage to protected trees. Options include rerouting the path, bridging over roots, or using a different material near the tree. If a large tree is involved, it's worth getting an arborist's opinion before the concrete crew starts cutting.
Steps
Steps need consistent riser heights and tread depths so people don't trip. Steps attached to a house or deck, and steps that serve as a required exit, may fall under building code requirements, including handrails above a certain number of risers. Requirements vary, so ask the contractor whether a permit is needed.
Public sidewalks
The sidewalk along the street is usually in the public right-of-way, even when it runs across the front of your lot. Responsibility for repairing it, and whether you need a permit to replace it, depends on your city or county. Some local governments repair sidewalks themselves, some require the adjacent owner to, and many require a right-of-way permit and specific dimensions, slopes or curb ramps. Check with your local public works or transportation department before replacing any public sidewalk.
Repair or replace?
- Hairline cracks are usually cosmetic.
- Sunken panels that are otherwise intact can often be lifted. See concrete repair and leveling.
- Broken, heaved or crumbling panels are usually replaced one section at a time, joint to joint.
Questions to ask
- What base and thickness will you use?
- How will you handle tree roots near the walk?
- Will the new section match the old one in color and finish? (Exact matches are difficult.)
- Is a permit needed for steps or work in the right-of-way, and who obtains it?
Have a trip hazard or a new path in mind? Request a walkway contractor.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for the sidewalk in front of my house?
It depends on your city or county. Some local governments maintain sidewalks, while others make the adjacent property owner responsible. Check with your local public works or transportation department before repairing a public sidewalk.
Can I fix a lifted sidewalk panel without replacing it?
Sometimes. A sunken panel can often be lifted, and a small raised edge can be ground down. Panels that are broken or heaved by roots are usually replaced from joint to joint.
Will a new section match my existing walkway?
New concrete rarely matches older concrete exactly, because color and texture change with age and weathering. Replacing whole sections between joints usually gives a cleaner look than patching.