Sidewalks & Steps in Kenosha, WI

Sidewalks and steps are the concrete people use every day, and they are often the oldest concrete on the property. In Kenosha, where a summary of Census data shows more than one home in five was built before 1940, many front walks and stoops are decades old. Tree roots lift slabs, frost heaves sections out of line, and salt eats away step edges until they crumble. We replace and build new sidewalks and steps that are level, properly pitched and solid underfoot.

Sidewalks

We pour front walks from the street or driveway to the door, side walks to the backyard, paths to the garage and sections of public sidewalk in front of a home. HomeGuide's sidewalk guide puts most walks at 4 to 6 inches, going thicker wherever they bear more load. Where a walk crosses a driveway, we pour it to driveway thickness.

Public sidewalks follow their own rules. HomeGuide points out that homeowners are often responsible for the walk in front of their property, but cities handle it differently. If you have received a notice about a public walk, or you want to replace one, we check the requirements with your city or village before we schedule the work.

Signs a walk needs replacing

• Joints that have lifted an inch or more and create a trip edge
• Sections tilted by a nearby tree root
• A surface that has flaked down to the stone
• Low spots where water collects and freezes into ice
• Cracks that have broken a section into several loose pieces

Steps and stoops

Front steps take a beating from salt because they are where people need traction most. Over time the treads scale, the nosing breaks off, and the whole unit can pull away from the house. We replace steps with a new poured set, built on a solid footing so frost does not heave it. Every riser should match, and each tread gets a slight tilt so water drains off before it can freeze. We can add a broom or stamped finish and leave room for a railing.

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Poured or precast steps

HomeGuide's steps guide prices poured-in-place steps at $200 to $500 each and precast at $100 to $350 each. Precast units are fast to set but come in standard sizes. Poured steps are built to the exact height and width of your door and landing, which older homes often need.

Care through the winter

For the first winter at least, skip rock salt on new walks and steps; sand or a de-icer marked concrete-safe is the better choice. Clear snow before feet pack it into ice. Seal walks and steps every few years. Point downspouts away from the stoop so meltwater does not refreeze on the treads.