Sidewalk Replacement: 8 Signs It’s Time to Say Goodbye to the Old Sidewalk
A severely damaged concrete sidewalk in desperate need of replacement along a brick wall.
Sometimes a sidewalk just needs to be repaired and all is well for a long time. For signs that you need to repair your sidewalk, check out this post.
Maybe it’s just completely obvious that your sidewalk has to be replaced. There is so much damage that there’s just no way to “put a bandage” on it.
Other times, it may be a bit trickier to know if it’s time to give your old sidewalk the heave-ho.
If you’re not really sure whether you need repair or replacement, you can always speak with a trusted sidewalk replacement contractor near you for a consultation and quote.
Let’s go over eight of the most common sidewalk issues that mean it’s time to replace your pavement below.
If you are thinking about replacing your sidewalk in the Columbia, SC area, we can help.
Whether you need sidewalk replacement or repair, we can handle all your commercial and residential paving needs: sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, roads, patios, pool decks, and other hardscaping projects.
And if your sidewalk is a mess due to tree roots or drainage problems, we offer professional tree services, drainage repair and installation, irrigation system repair and installation, and landscaping services, as well.
Contact us today for a FREE estimate.
Phone: 803-521-4978
Email: bootsonenterprises@gmail.com
Next-day or same-week services are available.
If your entire concrete sidewalk is broken into little pieces, it may be time to replace the pavement.
8 signs it’s time to replace your sidewalk
Sidewalk replacement can be necessary for more significant issues. Here are the biggest ones we tend to see.
1. Severely damaged pavement
With a sidewalk where the whole thing is broken and a mess, like in the image above, it may need to either be replaced.
One caveat, if the foundation is still good, it’s possible you could get by with a sidewalk resurfacing which could save you money. If you resurface the sidewalk, it means removing the top layer but keeping and repairing the foundation base layer and adding a new top layer of concrete.
Resurfacing does require a decent foundation. If the foundation is not salvageable, or the pavement is very old, it may be best to replace it.
Significantly eroded sidewalk pavement along a busy city street.
2. Eroded pavement
Mother Nature can do a number on pavements of all types. If the elements have washed away your concrete, asphalt, or pavers… there’s not much you can do other than to replace it.
Frost heaving damage on a sidewalk with a bit of snow melting in the grass on each side.
3. Frost damage throughout the sidewalk
If the sidewalk is heaving all over the place (rising up from water underneath freezing and pushing up chunks of the pavement) it may need to be replaced. Sometimes, the foundation may need to be redone.
Your local paving company can evaluate your sidewalk and give you specialized recommendations about whether the sidewalk frost damage can be repaired. If you live in colder climates, check with your local paving companies about heated driveways and walkways that could keep you from having to shovel snow and may help prevent frost heaving.
If frost heaving is a big issue in your area, installing an efficient yard drainage system will be vital.
Many potholes on asphalt pavement.
4. Lots of potholes
If you have a sidewalk with widespread holes and/or large cracks everywhere, it is likely there is a systemic problem with every level of the pavement from the foundation to the top level. This would likely be a good time to consider a replacement.
A closeup view of a large crack in a sidewalk.
5. Large cracks all over the pavement
A sidewalk with a few cracks may just need some crack filler and a bit of TLC. But if there are a bunch of cracks, resurfacing may be necessary. And if the foundation is weak, again, it could be time to look at replacement.
A concrete sidewalk replacement project in a suburban neighborhood.
6. Damaged foundation
Just like with your home, if there is damage in the foundation, it has to be addressed. If you attempt to resurface or repair pavement that doesn’t have a sturdy and level foundation, the new or repaired pavement will just become damaged, as well.
Your sidewalk is only as strong as its base level. If that foundation is washed away or severely compromised for some reason, there’s no way around having to rebuild it.
Pavement buckling from tree roots causes lifting beneath the concrete slab.
7. Severe pavement buckling on the sidewalk
Buckling can be caused by extreme heat that causes concrete to expand and then push up. Also, tree roots can cause the pavement to be lifted up from underneath. Either way, it’s a big problem. And a huge hazard.
Sometimes, if the buckling is not too severe, it can be repaired. Other times, replacement may be necessary for concrete.
This is one area where concrete pavers or stone pavers can have an advantage. You may be able to just fix the areas directly impacted by a buckling situation and may not have to replace the whole thing.
That’s why some people like to go with pavers. So when you are thinking about replacing your sidewalk, it is a great time to consider all the beautiful and functional options for paving materials.
One of our machines doing a demolition of an old concrete sidewalk in the fall.
8. The pavement is very old and worn out
Unfortunately, concrete, asphalt — and even pavers — eventually lose structural integrity and need to be replaced with something newer and stronger.
Concrete contracting company finishing a new sidewalk installation project.
Sidewalk installation
Maybe you don’t need to replace a sidewalk, you just need a brand new sidewalk installed where there wasn’t any pavement before.
Whether you need a front sidewalk to your door or a walkway on the side of your home or in the back, you want a high-quality sidewalk that is going to last a long time and looks good.
Installing sidewalks is something that every good paving company knows how to do well. So be sure to check reviews and find a sidewalk installing company that you can trust will do a great job for you.
Many sidewalk installers will provide a free quote upfront so you can make an informed decision before committing to the project with them. Be sure to ask questions so you understand what to expect and there are no surprises down the road.
What does sidewalk installation cost?
The cost of a sidewalk depends on quite a few factors. But you can expect an average cost of $1400-$3400 in the Columbia area at this time for concrete sidewalks. Or, think of it in terms of $7-$17 per square foot for concrete.
For natural stone, you can expect a range of $15-$40 per square foot. And for pavers, plan on about $10-$20 per square foot, in general.
Factors affecting the price of a sidewalk include:
Material costs
Labor needed
Accessibility to the area
How complicated the design is
How many colors/textures are being used
What finishes you choose
Sealcoating
Whether you need a drain or other services
How thick the sidewalk is
If you want a vapor barrier
If you need a sand or gravel base
The grade of material you choose
The shape of the sidewalk
Whether you need curbing or other features
Whether you need removal of an existing sidewalk
How much prep work is needed (removing trees, roots, boulders, etc…)
Whether you are in the normal service area of the contractor
Whether you want sidewalk lighting
If you desire landscaping
A channel drain grate provides a perfect rainwater runoff for a paver sidewalk near a grassy area with walkway lights.
Don’t forget to ask about installing a sidewalk drain, too
Not all sidewalks need a drain. But some definitely do. So please be sure to get a pro opinion if you’re not sure. A telltale sign it’s necessary… water ponds on the pavement often during a heavy rain
It’s crazy how much damage water can do to your pavement. If you’d rather avoid giving it a chance to cause havoc, talk with your local paving company about having a sidewalk drainage system installed.
We love to help our clients think through potential drainage issues ahead of time and invest in a yard drainage system to protect their hardscape and landscaping investments. If you are installing a new sidewalk, patio, or driveway — it makes sense to have a yard drain, too.
Or, talk to the paving professionals about using a pavement that drains well on its own like pavers. Rainwater has to go somewhere. So you’re going to need a good plan for where you want to direct it to go.
A paver sidewalk with border near a landscaped area in a front yard installed by Boots On Enterprises.
Ready to have a new sidewalk installation in the Columbia, SC area?
At Boots On Enterprises, we can take care of everything from start to finish from your sidewalk paving needs, yard drainage, hardscaping, landscaping, tree services, retaining walls, and more.
Big or small, we do it all!
Contact us today for a FREE estimate.
Phone: 803-521-4978
Email: bootsonenterprises@gmail.com
Next-day and same-week services are available.
