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A sunken concrete sidewalk is an unsightly flaw in a property's landscaping. To prevent such a dangerous condition from happening to your community, use the following steps to restore the ground and make your sidewalks as safe as possible. Some of the causes of a sunken concrete sidewalk are weathering and improper installation by contractors.

Step 1 - Establish a Plan of Action

To restore the condition of your sunken concrete sidewalk, it's important to have a plan in mind. Identify the location where the blockage is happening for your community. Then set goals for fixing what needs fixing in the immediate term, and long-term as well. These steps will require some time on your part working with professionals who are knowledgeable about all things blockage related.

Step 2 - Remove the Water

Water can be removed from the walkway in many ways. The use of high-pressure hoses is the most common method with a 55-gallon per minute flow rate being used to remove water from around the concrete blockage. Another way is by using a water vacuum truck (fiberglass to remove water using suction) provided by a professional contractor that specializes in rivers and streams restoration. If you have a large body of water on your property, you may need to rent one of these trucks. You'll also want to remove standing water quickly to avoid any potential mold or mildew problems.

Step 3 - Look for Signs of Degradation

Inspect the concrete walkway carefully after the water has been removed and look for signs of degradation, such as cracks or small holes. If your community has a lot of trees, it is likely that roots are growing under the concrete and causing it to crack.

Step 4 - Clean the Walkway

The walkway should be washed to remove any soil and debris. This step is critical to making sure that the concrete walkway is in a safe condition. Be sure not to use chemicals as these could cause damage to your sidewalks and concrete.

Step 5 - Fill, Aggregate, and Repoint

If your concrete is severely damaged, it may not be repairable, but will still need some serious work done on it. If you can't fix the problem with your concrete sidewalk, it may be best to replace the blockage or place new stones along the path of the concrete. You can also use expanding foam to fill cracks in the concrete.

Step 6 - Fill and Repoint with Concrete

If you can't repair or replace the sidewalk, it may be necessary to use concrete. Don't use lime or fly ash. Lime is not permitted in most areas and can cause problems for the concrete due to the acidity of the material. Using fly ash is still a no-no as it is a hazardous material, as well as being expensive and not environmentally friendly.

If you cannot do the concrete repair yourself, a contractor can do the job for you. This can be an expensive endeavor but will ensure that your area is safe and relatively smooth. You should also make sure that it isn't being done improperly. When hiring a contractor, determine the level of experience they have in repairing concrete walkways.