If you notice a trip hazard on a concrete sidewalk, make it easier for people to see, keep them away from it if you can, and have the damage looked at so you know what is causing it and what repair may fit. If the sidewalk is along a public street, check with the city about who handles it before arranging work.
A raised edge, sunken section or broken piece of concrete can catch a toe or a stroller wheel. Acting early helps keep visitors, neighbors and family safer.
Take Simple Safety Steps First
You don’t need to wait for a repair to lower the risk. Some easy, temporary steps include:
- marking the spot with bright paint, tape or a cone,
- adding lighting if the area is dark at night,
- guiding visitors to another path for now, and
- keeping leaves and debris off the area so the edge is visible.
These steps don’t fix the problem, but they can help until a proper repair is made.
Figure Out Whose Sidewalk It Is
A private walkway from your driveway to your front door is usually on your own property. A sidewalk that runs along the street may be a different story. Rules about who handles public sidewalk repairs vary from place to place, so contact the City of Burlington or your local government to ask before making changes. Our article on who is responsible for fixing the sidewalk in front of your house explains how to find out.
Find Out What Caused the Lift or Drop
An uneven sidewalk can come from several things. Soil may have settled or washed out under one section. Tree roots may be pushing a slab up. Water may be collecting and softening the ground. Sometimes more than one cause is at work.
Looking at the surface alone won’t always show the real cause. A contractor can check how the sections have moved, how water flows nearby and whether the concrete itself is still sound.
Common Repair Paths
The fix depends on what is going on. A small lip between two sections may sometimes be reduced at the surface. A sunken section may be a candidate for leveling if the concrete is in good shape. A broken or badly tilted section may need to be removed and replaced. If roots are involved, that part of the plan may need to be discussed with an arborist.
Avoid quick fixes like stacking patching material on a raised edge or chipping at it with tools. These can create new hazards or damage the concrete further. Leave grinding and lifting work to people with the right equipment.
Our concrete sidewalk repair service can look at the hazard and explain your options. If you have an uneven sidewalk on your Burlington property, reach out and we’ll schedule a visit.
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