Sidewalks, Walkways & Flatwork

Your sidewalks and walkways do more than just connect point A to point B. They keep people safe from traffic, prevent trips and falls, and guide visitors to your door. Well-installed concrete flatwork lasts decades and needs almost no maintenance. Cheap installations crack, settle, and create hazards within a few years.

Think about the sidewalks you walk on every day. The good ones are so smooth and level you never give them a second thought. The bad ones make you watch every step, especially when it is dark or icy. That is the difference between concrete installed with proper base preparation and work done on the cheap.

Municipal code requirements exist for good reasons. Sidewalks need to be a certain width for wheelchair access. They require proper slope for drainage. Expansion joints have to be placed at specific intervals to prevent cracking. We handle all these details so your concrete work meets code and passes inspection the first time.

Property value matters too. When buyers look at a home, they notice the condition of walkways and sidewalks right away. Fresh concrete in good condition signals that the property has been well maintained. Cracked, uneven sidewalks suggest neglect and lead to lower offers.

The secret to long-lasting concrete is not in the concrete itself. It is in everything we do before we pour. A solid, well-drained base prevents settling. Proper reinforcement prevents cracking. Correct concrete mix and finishing techniques create a durable surface that stands up to weather and use.

Our Installation Process:

We start by excavating to the proper depth and removing all organic material that could decompose and create voids. Then we install a compacted gravel base that provides both support and drainage. This base gets compacted in layers, not all at once, to ensure it will not settle over time.

Forms go in next, set to the proper grade and elevation. We use string lines and levels to make sure everything is exactly where it needs to be. This is where width, slope, and alignment get locked in. Taking time here means straight, level sidewalks that look professional.

Before pouring, we add reinforcement. For most sidewalks this means wire mesh or fiber reinforcement mixed into the concrete. For wider sections or areas with poor soil, we use rebar. Reinforcement does not prevent cracks completely, but it keeps cracks tight and prevents sections from separating or settling differently.

The concrete pour itself needs to happen efficiently. We use the right mix for Connecticut weather including air entrainment for freeze-thaw protection. Once poured, we screed, float, and finish the surface to the specifications you chose. Control joints get cut at regular intervals to direct where cracks form and keep them nearly invisible.

Curing happens last. We keep the concrete moist and protected for several days while it gains strength. This step often gets skipped by contractors in a hurry, but it makes a huge difference in the final strength and longevity of the concrete. Your new concrete driveway or sidewalk should last 30 years or more with proper installation and curing.