A concrete slab is a flat layer of concrete used as a floor, base or outdoor surface, such as a garage floor, patio, shed pad, basement floor or equipment pad. Because slabs serve so many purposes, the right design for one depends on how it will be used. Slabs are one of the most common…
Yes, a new concrete walkway can usually connect to an existing patio or driveway, as long as the heights line up reasonably, the existing concrete is in decent shape and the joint between old and new is planned properly. The connection should also keep water moving away from both surfaces. Linking surfaces is one of…
The right width for a concrete walkway depends on how it will be used, how many people walk it side by side, what needs to roll along it and any accessibility or local requirements that apply. A main front entry walk usually calls for more room than a simple path to a garden shed. There…
Plan a concrete walkway layout by starting with where people naturally walk, then connecting the key points, such as the driveway, front door, patio or garden, with a route that is direct, comfortable and able to drain well. Curves, width and transitions are then shaped around the yard and the house. A walkway is a…
A cracked sidewalk can often be repaired when the cracks are limited and the panels are still level and solid, but replacement usually makes more sense when panels are broken, sunken, heaving or crumbling. The decision depends on the actual condition of each section rather than the crack alone. Sidewalks see steady foot traffic and…
Some uneven sidewalks can be fixed without full replacement, usually by raising a sunken panel or reducing a raised edge, as long as the concrete is still in reasonable condition. Panels that are badly cracked, broken or lifted by ongoing forces may need to be replaced instead. Uneven sidewalks are common in older Kalamazoo neighborhoods.…
Within the City of Kalamazoo, owners or occupants of property are generally responsible for keeping the sidewalks next to their premises in good repair. The sidewalk article of the City of Kalamazoo code also allows the city to make repairs and assess the cost to the property if a sidewalk is not repaired after notice.…
Care for a concrete sidewalk in winter by clearing snow promptly, using deicers sparingly and choosing them carefully, keeping water from collecting on the walk and avoiding sharp metal tools that chip edges and joints. These habits help limit freeze-thaw damage and surface wear. In Kalamazoo and across Michigan, sidewalks go through many freeze-thaw cycles…
For most concrete sidewalks, a broom finish is the most practical choice because its light texture helps with traction and it is simple to maintain. Smooth or decorative finishes are possible, but they can be more slippery when wet or icy and may not suit every sidewalk. In Michigan, sidewalks face rain, snow, ice and…
Yes, inside the City of Kalamazoo a permit is required to build a sidewalk on a street, alley or other public place. The sidewalk article of the City of Kalamazoo code states that no one may construct a sidewalk there without first getting a permit from the city’s public services department. Sidewalks along the street…