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A Guide to Understanding the Cost of Sidewalk Repair in NYC

Repairing damaged sidewalks on an immediate basis saves you from a lot of hassle like lawsuits, extensive and costly repairs, and DOT violations. Damage to the sidewalks can be caused by a variety of things, and the severity of the damage can vary.

Some issues can be minor, while others can be extensive. Nevertheless, fixing each damage as early as possible is essential. Let us tell you what cost might be associated with fixing these damages and what factors might affect the cost.

Cracked Sidewalks

The most common damage to the concrete structures is crack formation. They can occur due to numerous reasons, including interaction with extreme weather conditions, ground shifting, or tree root invasion damages.

While some cracks might be minor, others might be extensive, and if left unattended, can lead to a more significant problem.

Average cost of Repairing Cracks

  • Minor Cracks: Between $3 and $11 per square foot
  • Extensive Cracks: Between $5 and $20 per square foot

Factors Affecting the Cost of Repairing Cracks

  • Width and Depth of Cracks: Wider and deeper cracks will require more material and might even need complete replacement of the slabs if there are structural damages.
  • Type of Patching Material: The choice of material, like standard concrete epoxy or polymer, can affect the overall cost. Keep in mind that the high-quality material is usually more expensive.

Uneven or Sunken Slab

Uneven or sunken slabs usually occur because of soil erosion, poor drainage, or ground settling beneath the sidewalk. These types of damages not only look unsightly but also pose a tripping hazard and should be a high priority for repairs.

Cost of Repairing Uneven or Sunken Slabs

  • Slab Leveling (mudjacking/slabjacking): Between $5 and $20 per square foot
  • Full Slab Replacement: Between $5 and $20 per square foot

Factors Affecting the Repair Cost of Uneven Slabs

  • Number of Affected Slabs: The number of damaged slabs that need leveling can significantly increase the total cost of the repair process.
  • Cause of Unevenness: If the damage has been caused due to the underlying issues like poor drainage or soil erosion, 
  • Method Used for Repairs: leveling techniques like mudjacking or slabjacking are usually less expensive compared to complete slab replacement. However, the replacement is essential, especially if the damages are severe. 

Spalling

Spalling usually occurs when the surface of concrete flakes, chips, or crumbles away due to a freeze-thaw cycle, poor installation or use of low-quality material. Spalling can expose the aggregate underneath and lead to further damages if not addressed properly.

Cost of Repairing Spalling 

  • Surface Repairs: Between $3 and $5 per square foot
  • Full-depth Repairs: Between $7 and $20 per square foot

Factors Affecting the Cost of Repairing Spalling Concrete

  • Extent of Damage: Minor spallings can often be repaired with simpying resurfacing or patching material, which is a less expensive technique. However, deep and extensive spalling needs more significant repairs that can be costly.
  • Type of Material Being Used: The type of material being used in repairs can also impact the cost. High-quality material or decorative overlays can be significantly more costly as compared to the average material. 
  • Cause of Damage: If the damage is because of the underlying issues like improper concrete mixing or poor drainage, they must get addressed using the replacement technique, which will add to the overall cost of repairs.

Tree Root Damage

Tree roots can cause significant damage to sidewalks by lifting and cracking the concrete. This type of damage is particularly common in areas with mature trees, where roots have had ample time to grow and spread.

Cost of Repairing Tree Root Damage

  • Root Trimming: Between $150 and $300
  • Slab Replacement with Root Barrier Installation: Between $5 and $20 per square foot

Factors Affecting the Cost of Repairing Tree Root Damage

  • Extent of Root Damage: The more extensive the root damage, the higher the cost. In some cases, large sections of the sidewalk may need to be removed and replaced to address the issue.
  • Tree Root Removal or Trimming: Depending on the size and location of the roots, removing or trimming them can be a complex and costly process.
  • Installation of Root Barriers: To prevent future damage, root barriers may need to be installed. These barriers add to the cost but are a worthwhile investment to protect the sidewalk from future root invasion.
  • Permits and Regulations: In NYC, tree root damage repair often requires permits, especially if it involves trimming or removing roots. The cost of obtaining these permits and complying with city regulations can add to the overall expense.

Full Sidewalk Replacement

In cases where the sidewalk is severely damaged or has reached the end of its lifespan, full replacement may be necessary. This involves removing the existing sidewalk and installing a new one.

Cost of Full Sidewalk Replacement

  • Removing Old Concrete: Between $2 and $6 per square foot
  • Pouring New Concrete: Between $4 and $8 per square foot

Factors Affecting the Cost of Full Sidewalk Replacement

  • Size of the Area: The larger the sidewalk area that needs replacement, the higher the cost. Commercial properties with extensive sidewalk areas will incur significantly higher costs than residential properties.
  • Type of Concrete or Material Used: Standard concrete is the most cost-effective option, but if you choose to use high-strength concrete or decorative finishes, the cost will increase.
  • Complexity of the Installation: If the sidewalk has a complex design or requires additional features like curbs, ADA-compliant ramps, or decorative elements, the cost of the replacement will be higher.
  • Demolition and Disposal Costs: The cost of removing the old sidewalk and disposing of the debris can add to the overall expense.

Conclusion

Ensuring timely repairs for your sidewalks is essential to comply with city regulations. However, the cost of repairs can vary depending on different factors. Understanding the specific costs associated with these factors mentioned above can help property owners plan and budget effectively.

For timely, efficient, and city complaint repairs, it’s essential to work with experienced sidewalk contractors. You can find the best contractors in your local area by searching for them online. Just make sure they are licensed and have a good reputation.