Concrete Walkways and Sidewalks in Willow Springs

Usually one of three things. Tree roots pushed a section up. The ground underneath washed out or settled, and a section dropped. Or the concrete was thin and poorly cured, and the surface started flaking apart after a few winters of salt. On wooded, sloping lots like many in Willow Springs, it is often all three. Fixing it for good means dealing with the cause. We break out the old walk and haul it away. Roots in the path get cut back. We dig to firm soil and build up a compacted stone base so the new walk has something solid to sit on. On a slope, we pay attention to where water comes from and where it goes, so runoff from uphill does not undermine the new walk. The forms get a slight side slope so rain runs off. We match the height of the porch, the drive and any sections staying in place so there are no lips. The surface gets a light broom finish for grip, and joints are cut at even spacing so any cracks stay straight. Last, the boards come out, dirt goes back along each side and we sweep.