Sidewalks are there to reduce human traffic on your driveway. They offer visitors easy access to your home without having to use your pavement or trample on your lush carpet grass or garden.

Sidewalks are often constructed with a variety of materials. While some homeowners prefer to use interlocking or paving stones, others use slippery materials or concrete slabs.

Concrete slabs are common materials used in the construction of sidewalks. They are usually durable and affordable. As long as they are laid correctly and the proper protocols are stuck to with resources like Heaton Manufacturing helping with crews using the correct shape codes for reinforcement.

But, sidewalks made of this material can crack due to poor soil conditions or a protruding root. And since a sidewalk is a feature of your outdoor space, damage to it can affect your home’s curb appeal while increasing tripping hazards on your property. While you can do a DIY repair job, it could be beneficial if you consider contacting a professional for repair work of stamped concrete Macon GA (or elsewhere). An expert can ensure you get quality service and prolonged life of your newly constructed or repaired sidewalk at a reasonable price.

That said, here are 6 easy steps on how to replace broken sidewalk slabs, if you decide to go for a DIY project.

Required Tools and Safety Equipment

Safety is always a priority when engaging in tasks that put you or other individuals at the risk of getting injured. That is why you’ll need quality gloves, especially when pouring a concrete slab by hand, to prevent the formation of blisters. Also, to replace broken sidewalk slabs, there are certain tools you’ll need. They are all listed below.

  • Sledgehammer
  • Jackhammer
  • Circular Saw
  • Mallet
  • Chisel
  • Trowel
  • Edging Tool
  • Steel Rake
  • Concrete Mix
  • Measuring Tape
  • Admixture
  • 12-inch Wood Stakes
  • Mixing Tub
  • Screws
  • Safety Cones’
  • Yellow Caution Tape
  • Ear Protection
  • Safety Glass
  • Work Gloves

With all these required tools and safety equipment available, you are good to go! Let’s begin with the first step on how to replace broken sidewalk slabs.

Step 1: Set up a Safety Barrier Around Work Area

You don’t want anyone to get injured while repairing your broken slab. One way to prevent potential injuries is by setting up a safety barrier signaling that the sidewalk area will be inaccessible for a few days. Use your traffic cones and yellow caution tapes to demarcate the area you’ll be working on.

Step 2: Remove Damaged Concrete Segment

Break up the faulty slab with your jackhammer. Remove the pieces and throw them into your rented dumpster or trash receptacle. If you aren’t ok with renting or using a jackhammer, you can break up concrete with a hammer and chisel instead.

Step 3: Clean and Prepare Hole where the Concrete was Removed

After discarding all the debris from the section you are replacing, remove the dirt to create an even surface.

Measure the size of the hole and cut your two-by-fours using your circular saw to get the appropriate dimension. Ensure that the edges of the two-by-fours match the existing sidewalk’s elevation. Next, use your wooden stakes to secure the two-by-fours in and fasten them with screws.

NB: Spray your secured 2 by 4 with WD-40, so removing it is less difficult once your new concrete has been set.

Step 4: Mix and Shovel Wet Concrete

Next, grab your mixing tub. In it, mix a gallon of water with the appropriate amount of concrete mix and admixture required by your city, if applicable. With the help of a shovel, stir the mixture consistently. Afterward, toss your mixed concrete into your form section until it is filled.

Step 5: Smooth Surface

With the aid of a two-by-four or a screed, smoothen and even out the top of your new slab. If you observe any excess concrete, remove it using your trowel. Allow your new slab to set for some time (20 minutes minimum), then use your edging tool to perfect the edges.

Next, smoothen the surface of your new slab. However, don’t apply much pressure, so you don’t deform the surface.

Step 6: Allow to Cure

Leave your concrete to cure (typical curing time is 24 to 48 hours). Afterward, remove the wooden stakes with the aid of a crowbar. This task should be easy if you applied WD-40 before pouring your concrete.

Conclusion

After replacing a broken sidewalk slab, ensure you focus on what damaged the slab in the first place. For example, did the slab damage because it was subjected to excess load? Or was it because of the root of a tree nearby? Deal with the issue to avoid going through the slab replacement process again.