Struggling with an uneven sidewalk? This common issue not only detracts from your property’s appearance but also poses significant safety risks. 

Imagine a child, an elderly family member, or a neighbor taking a casual stroll and tripping over an uneven slab on your sidewalk. Beyond the immediate pain and potential medical emergencies, such incidents can spiral into expensive legal battles or increased insurance premiums. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about safety and financial prudence.

Fortunately, there are four methods to address uneven sidewalks, ensuring a safer, more appealing walkway.

Concrete Grinding: A Quick Fix for Minor Issues

For minimal height differences, concrete grinding is a practical solution. This method involves shaving down the higher sections of the sidewalk to eliminate trip hazards. It’s quick and cost-effective, although it may result in a less visually appealing finish.

Although concrete grinding is cost-effective, it does come with risks that are worth taking into consideration, such as:

• Concrete slab becomes thinner, and subsequently weaker.
• More prone to cracking and freeze-thaw cycles.

Concrete Leveling: Effective for Unevenness

Concrete leveling is great for fixing uneven sidewalks and offers a more comprehensive solution by adjusting the concrete from underneath. To ensure the concrete is level, expert technicians employ a specialized method. They carefully drill strategic holes in the affected slabs and inject a leveling compound into the empty spaces beneath the sunken concrete. The pressure generated by this compound works wonders, causing the slabs to rise and regain their level position. 

Concrete leveling typically consists of one of these processes:

• Stone Slurry Grout Leveling: Utilizes a mix of pulverized agricultural limestone and water to raise slabs effectively.
• Polyjacking: Also known as foam concrete leveling, which uses expanding polyurethane foam to lift the concrete.
• Mudjacking: A traditional method using a mixture of sand, soil, water, and cement.

Each method ensures the sidewalk returns to its proper level with minimal disruption.

Patching: A Temporary Fix for Small Problems

Applying additional concrete or a patching compound can address smaller inconsistencies in a sidewalk. This method is suitable for DIY enthusiasts and can be completed quickly, but it may only offer a temporary fix as the new material may not bond perfectly with the old. When the new compound doesn’t bond with the existing slab, it will eventually chip and crack with the natural expansion and contraction of the concrete.

Complete Replacement: The Long-Term Solution

For severely damaged sidewalks, replacing the entire section is necessary. This approach is more costly and time-consuming but allows for redesigning the walkway to your liking.

Replacing uneven sidewalks makes the most sense when:

• The slabs are uncommonly cracked or crumbling.
• You want to change the shape or functionality of the concrete sidewalk.
• Tree roots are displacing the slab. 

Should You Have a Professional Fix Your Uneven Sidewalk?

It’s possible to tackle concrete grinding or adding extra concrete as DIY projects in certain situations, but for the most part, it’s best to entrust replacement to the experts.

At Aurora Asphalt & Concrete, we specialize in concrete. Get a Free Estimate to fix your uneven sidewalk, or check out our Pricing Calculator to get an idea of what a new concrete sidewalk will cost.