How Thick Should Concrete Sidewalks Be?

As a general rule, four inches is the optimal thickness for concrete sidewalks. The thickness of your sidewalk is determined by its purpose. A typical sidewalk is used for lightweight equipment such as skateboards, bikes, strollers, and scooters. Thus, it should provide a smooth solid surface to serve its purpose, however, if your sidewalk accommodates vehicles or it crosses a driveway then additional thickness is needed. Sidewalks that support motorized are eight inches thick and this helps to avoid buckling and cracks. 

Creating a Long Lasting Sidewalk
Your sidewalk should be thick to enhance its appearance and endurance. To have a sidewalk that ticks all the boxes it is better to seek the services of a professional for installation and this will result in a long-lasting and professional appearance sidewalk. When your sidewalk is professionally installed it should suit all your needs without having to add the extras which will make your project costly.

Do Sidewalks Need Rebar?
The majority of sidewalks need not be reinforced with rebar. Concrete is reinforced and strengthened with rebar which is a steel bar that helps the concrete to support heavyweight. Rebar is derived from reinforcement bar and is typically used to strengthen thicker concrete sidewalks that can support heavyweight such as trucks and machinery. Concrete sidewalks withstanding impact regularly are reinforced with rebar.

Using rebar for your general use sidewalk will increase its cost more so when your sidewalk will require repairs. To repair a sidewalk the damaged area is removed and replaced and if your concrete sidewalk is reinforced things could turn out to be more complicated.

How Do Expansion Joints Work?
Sidewalks have occasional lines which look like cracks and these are called expansion joints. They serve an important purpose and they are not cracks because they are only lines that don't go deep in the thickness of the sidewalk.

Expansion and contraction of the concrete might be a result of temperature change or moisture levels. Expansion joints help to prevent random cracks from happening, however, they don't stop cracks. They work by allowing cracks to happen where the joints already exist.

The two most common types of joints are:
Control joints: These are periodical lines placed in most sidewalks, a control joint runs about a quarter of the thickness of your sidewalk. In four-inch-thick sidewalks, control joints can either be cut into the sidewalk or they can be created during the pouring process.

Expansion joints: These are the occasional lines that are placed when a concrete sidewalk meets another material. Expansion joints run throughout the thickness of the sidewalk, they are placed before the concrete is poured and help avoid stress on the concrete.

Increasing the Lifespan of Your Sidewalk
To prevent stains sidewalks are sealed and it also helps to prevent damage to the sidewalks from weather exposure. It takes about a month for concrete to be cured and at this time your sidewalk is good to be sealed.

Professional Sidewalk Installation Basics
In a commercial setting, you need to know what exactly to expect if you are having sidewalk installation. Here is what to expect from your professional paving contractor.

Old Sidewalk Removal: If your old sidewalk is damaged, your paving contractor will repair and depending on the size of your sidewalk it will determine the cost of removal.

Determining the Cost: Various factors go into play in determining the cost of installing your concrete sidewalk. Size is the key factor and other factors to consider include the amount of prep needed, attention to special details, and if there are repairs to be made.

Installation Process Time: It takes 1-3 days to complete the installation process and finishing work lines might be applied after weeks. Using Your New Sidewalk: You can walk on your sidewalk after 24 hours but you need to be careful and you should wait before driving on new concrete.
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A concrete sidewalk is a long-term investment if it is only properly installed. If you need to install a concrete sidewalk on your personal or commercial property contact us today.