Sidewalk reapir

[M&K]

I need to replace a section of my sidewalk ( not the municipal section). Is there a website detailing the proper proceedure for planning, forming, mixing, etc?

mm

[jam]

Yes

[Bill]

Maybe. The public library is loaded with do-it-yourself books, many of which cover this subject.

[User Example]

Not much too it. Make your form with any wood you have. Use flexible stuff for curves. Make sure it has a slight slope to one side so water drains. If it is a long piece make sure to add expansion joints. Add metal reinforcement wire to prevent cracks. Make sure ground is packed down, but if you are replacing sidewalk it probably already is.

Mix concrete per directions. You can buy a ready mix (just add water) or the kind where you add your own gravel/sand. You want it workable but not soupy.

Pour it and then float it. A long board works good at first. Rest it on the board of your form and wiggle it back and forth as you move it down the concrete. That will get it nice and level. Then take a small float and work it til it is smooth like you like. Use an edge travel to make the grooves on the side and to make the sidewalk "cracks" where there aren't expansion joints. You don't need them but they look nice.

After it dries a bit take a broom and brush it to give it that brushed texture look. Let it dry for awhile (a day is plenty) then remove the boards and cover it with plastic for a few days. This keeps it from drying too fast.

That's about all there is too it. The hard part is mixing it. It isn't fun.

[Gideon]

User Example said: Let it dry for awhile (a day is plenty) then remove the boards and cover it with plastic for a few days. This keeps it from drying too fast.

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Concrete isn't supposed to "dry", even for a day. It is supposed to cure. If you don't understand the difference between drying and curing, then you don't understand concrete.

[User Example]

Whatever. It gets hard.