Concrete Sidewalks and Walkways
Sidewalks carry a responsibility most homeowners do not think about until there is a problem. In many boroughs and townships the property owner is responsible for maintaining the public sidewalk in front of the house, including liability for injuries caused by an uneven or broken one.
Public sidewalks and private walkways
Public sidewalk in the right of way generally has to meet township specifications for width, thickness, jointing and slope, and the work usually requires a permit and inspection. Accessibility requirements apply at crossings and driveway aprons.
Private walkways from the driveway to the door are yours to design. Width, shape, finish and materials are open, and permits are rarely involved.
We handle both, and we confirm which requirements apply in your township before quoting rather than after.
Getting walkways right
Four inches of concrete over a compacted stone base is standard, thicker where a walkway crosses a driveway apron and will carry vehicle weight.
Cross slope should shed water to one side without being noticeable underfoot. Standing water on a walkway becomes ice.
Control joints go in at regular intervals, generally at spacing close to the walkway width, so shrinkage cracking lands on a planned line.
A broom finish across the direction of travel gives grip. Smooth finishes on an outdoor walkway are a slip risk in this climate.
Other concrete we handle
Concrete Driveways
Poured concrete driveways with proper thickness, reinforcement and control joints.
Concrete Driveways detailsConcrete Patios
Patios poured with the pitch, base and joint layout that keep them flat and dry.
Concrete Patios detailsStamped Concrete
Stamped patterns, integral color and exposed aggregate finishes, sealed to hold up outdoors.
Stamped Concrete detailsConcrete Repair
Honest assessment of what can be repaired and what has to be replaced.
Concrete Repair detailsSteps & Stoops
Front steps and stoops rebuilt level, safe and matched to the house.
Steps & Stoops detailsConcrete Leveling
Lifting settled slabs back to grade when the concrete itself is still sound.
Concrete Leveling detailsTowns we cover for sidewalks & walkways
Sidewalks & Walkways we have finished
Sidewalks & Walkways questions
Am I responsible for the sidewalk in front of my house?
In most Pennsylvania municipalities, yes. The property owner is typically responsible for maintaining and repairing the public sidewalk abutting the property, and can be liable for injuries caused by a hazardous one.
Specifics vary by borough and township, and some issue repair notices with deadlines. It is worth confirming your local rule rather than assuming.
Do I need a permit to replace a sidewalk?
For public sidewalk in the right of way, usually yes, and the work generally has to meet township specifications and pass inspection.
Private walkways within your property normally do not need one. We check what applies in your township as part of quoting.
How thick should a concrete walkway be?
Four inches over a compacted stone base is standard for foot traffic.
Where a walkway crosses a driveway or anywhere a vehicle might drive over it, six inches with reinforcement is appropriate. Four inch walkways crack quickly under vehicle loads.
Get a free estimate
Send a few photos of the driveway, patio or drainage problem and we will come back with a real number, not a range.
- Most estimates come back within one business day.
- Photos usually get you a real number without a site visit.
- If you need less work than you asked about, we will say so.
Prefer to talk? (610) 646-1187