How Can You Tell if Sidewalk Damage Is Getting Worse?

You can tell sidewalk damage may be getting worse if cracks get longer or wider, sections start to tilt or sink more, edges begin to break off, or water and soil behave differently after storms. Tracking these changes with simple notes and photos helps you decide when it’s time for a closer look.

Some sidewalk damage stays the same for years. Other damage slowly grows until it becomes a safety issue. Knowing what to watch for helps you tell the difference.

Keep a Simple Record

The easiest way to spot change is to compare. Take clear photos of cracks and uneven spots from the same angle every few months. Placing a coin or ruler next to a crack in the photo helps show its size.

You can also mark the ends of a crack with a small line of chalk or a paint pen and note the date. If the crack grows past the mark, you’ll know it is moving.

Keep your notes in one place, such as a folder on your phone. A short history of changes is useful when you talk with a contractor or your local government.

Signs Worth Paying Attention To

Watch for changes like these over time:

• a crack that gets wider, longer or starts branching,
• one side of a crack rising above the other,
• a section that rocks when you step on it,
• pieces chipping off at edges or corners, and
• a surface that is flaking or pitting in more places.

Any change that creates a new trip edge deserves quick attention, even if it seems small.

Check After Heavy Rain

Burlington gets its share of heavy storms, and they can reveal problems that are hard to see on a dry day. After rain, look for puddles on or along the sidewalk, soil washed onto the surface or muddy spots near the edges. These clues may point to drainage or erosion issues that could affect support under the concrete.

Also notice nearby changes, like a downspout that now drains toward the sidewalk or a growing tree close to the path. Our article on tree roots and concrete sidewalks covers how roots can play a part.

When to Have It Evaluated

If you see steady change, a growing trip hazard or several problems at once, it’s a good time to have the sidewalk looked at. A contractor can check the concrete, the support below it and the water around it. Depending on what they find, repair, partial replacement or another approach may make sense.

For sidewalks along a public street, contact your local government first to learn who handles the work.

Our concrete sidewalk repair service can help you understand what your records show. If your Burlington sidewalk seems to be changing, get in touch for an evaluation.