Sidewalks adjacent to the home are the home owner's responsibility to fix and/or replace. Most cities will offer incentives to the homeowner in tax breaks, rebates or deductions to ensure the work is done properly. The property owner is responsible for removing vegetation outcrops, and other obstructions that may affect safety and pedestrian flow, such as alignment and grading. There are three general methods to maintain your home adjacent sidewalks: sidewalk grinding, concrete fillets and concrete overlays such as rubber sidewalks.

Sidewalk grinding:

This is a proactive and preventative action. Many times due to the weather, ground movement or vegetation, sidewalks lift and create a dangerous tripping environment. Grinders work to eliminate the trip up to an inch and a half in height. The price of grinding is approximately 10% of the cost to replace the affected area. Also, it is a permanent repair rather than filler, and of course lasts longer than the 5-7 year longevity of this ‘band-aid' approach. Grinding is a better choice than a filler patch, it is aesthetically pleasing and creates easier maintenance for the years ahead.

Concrete repair:

Concrete repair involves using concrete fillets combined with grinding is also more cost effective than replacement. These ‘fillets' are a far more permanent alternative to asphalt fillers. The fillets are used when a tripping point is higher than an inch and a half, and grinding would compromise the structural integrity of the existing concrete. It can also be used to overlay sinking, spalling or cracks in the sidewalk. Esthetically this concrete fillet technique is best because the color blends with the existing concrete, as opposed to asphalt which is non-permanent and remains black.

Rubber sidewalk:

This technique is relatively new. It is a concrete-like substance made from recycled tires and a great choice for environmental sustainability. The intention of using a rubber sidewalk is to lessen long term maintenance. This option allows for lifting, for periodic root trimming or other maintenance needs and it is a fraction of the cost to replace the existing sidewalk.

Another thing to consider is building grades. This is the official elevation of the sidewalk, curb or street. Official building grades on city property are needed to ensure the entrances for buildings meet the existing city sidewalk, curb and street levels. Each city has their own specifications, so check with the engineering department in your area to find the official grading levels before you start. On private property the building grades are usually based on a private surveying company, and then approved by the city. The grades are used to establish the height of the structure to ensure proper drainage.

There are different criteria for different structures. For example, any development involving a multi-dwelling home, any development involving underground or covered parking and when a building which is 6 meters or less from the street or lane. The grades must be indicated at all corners of the site, along the perimeter of the structure, along both sides of the property line and 3.1 meters on adjacent properties.