In Brooklyn there is a lot going by on the sidewalks. Among moving soil, heavy foot traffic, snow, salt, and aging, most concrete sidewalks are worn, with cracks, abrasion (flaking along the surface), or uneven areas, or generally deteriorated. Once that occurs, property owners usually have two options: resurface (overlay) the existing concrete, or detach the slab and put in a new one. Sound resurfacing appears cheaper, yet it is necessarily the wiser decision? The solution in Brooklyn lies greatly on the state of the sidewalk, adherence to NYC DOT requirements, the slopes, the integrity of the sub-base and the anticipated life span.
What Is Concrete Sidewalk Resurfacing?
Resurfacing (or overlay) refers to the overlaying of a bonded layer of concrete or a concrete like topping over the surface. The overlay is commonly thinner, and intended to reconstruct the appearance, seal shallow superficial defects, and prolong the life of the underlying slab, on conditions that the underlying slab is sound, even and well-bonded.
What Is Concrete Sidewalk Replacement?
Replacement on the other hand, is the demolition of the old slab, removal of debris, ready a new sub-base and pour new concrete with proper thickness, reinforcement, drainage, and slope according to the DOT and NYC building codes.
Cost Comparison: Resurfacing vs. Replacement in Brooklyn
Local reports have shown that the price of concrete sidewalk work in Brooklyn and the rest of NYC is very diverse in relation to the state of the slab to be replaced, the state of the site preparation and the type of finish to be used. Redoing 100 square feet of sidewalk is estimated to cost between 1000 and 1600 dollars depending on the amount of preparation involved, the condition of the existing concrete and the kind of the overlay surface applied (Brooklyn Sidewalk Repair Pros). In comparison, the cost of full replacement of a complete slab of sidewalk begins at a significantly greater rate, with numerous sources estimating that projects in which the damage is more serious will cost 4,000 dollars or higher ( Brooklyn Sidewalk Repair Pros ). The average cost of repaving sidewalks is $1025 per square foot in the city with the price determined by thickness, finish and curb or driveway transition (NYC Sidewalk Violations).
When Is Resurfacing the Better Option?
Where the environment is good (no significant damage below the surface and a firm foundation), resurfacing or overlay costs are as low as $3 to 7 per square foot (ArtDeck, Inc.). All in all, resurfacing may cost about 40-60 percent of the full replacement, but the rates will vary in relation to the problems of the subsoil, slab sinking, drainage, and freeze-thaw damages (Husky Concrete Resurfacing).
When Full Replacement Becomes Necessary
In most cases, resurfacing is a prudent practice in case the slab at hand is structurally sound and does not have any significant cracks running through its entire thickness. It is most effective in situations with no massive movement or sink areas and the drainage at the edge of the sidewalk repair is adequate such that the water is not accumulating under or near the slab. The sub-base should not be eroded or settled to allow resurfacing. The proprietors of Brooklyn use this path as a means of enhancing the look of their sidewalks or in a hurry to remove the Department of Transportation (DOT) infractions concerning the surface imperfections. It equally suits persons who require a lower initial investment, shorter turnaround and reduced demolition or disposal efforts.
Full replacement, however, is the correct option where the slab of the sidewalk is widely cracked, sinking, or had profound structural flaws. This is required when there has been a shift in underlying soil or the formation of voids or when the drainage or slope is wrong. In other situations, DOT or local building codes really will demand complete compliance, e.g. ADA ramps or curb transitions or minimum thickness being met, and it will be impossible to avoid replacement. The owners of the property also have a tendency to choose replacement once the life expectancy is critical and the owners desire a lasting solution as opposed to a superficial one.
Pros and Cons table
Resurfacing vs Replacement
| Factors | Resurfacing | Replacement |
| Cost (upfront). | Lower-saves on demolition, removal, disposal and labor as compared to replacement. | Higher- demolition, removal, base preparation, maybe reinforcement and complete pour. |
| Time & Disruption. | Quickerness -reduced disturbance to walkways, environs, landscape, reduced downtime. | The demolition, base preparation, curing took more time; disruption around the work area increased. |
| Longevity. | Moderate-lengthens life but not so long-lasting when there are underlying problems; they may require recoat or repair sooner. | Higher-newer concrete, correct base, more durable when constructed correctly. |
| Structural Fixes. | Limited- does not deal with issues of deep foundation, settlement, or base. | General- eliminate slope, base problems, soil problems. |
| Permits / Code Compliance. | In case current slab is within code, and the damages are mostly superficial, overlay can be satisfactory. | Checks compliance to the full extent, particularly the thickness and slope ADA, curb edges, etc. |
| Appearance / Finish Options. | Good- may be used to provide texture, coloring, stamping; newer types of finishes. | Additional choices and greater consistency; able to design it completely flexibly. |
| Maintenance & Future Risk. | Increased cracking, peeling/delamination, when surface preparation is of poor quality or overlay is thin. | Reduced risk once upfront has been covered; reduced patches; reduced maintenance in the long run. |
Is Concrete Resurfacing Always the Better Choice?
Yes–re-use in the majority of instances is very economical in cost than complete replacement. However, being cheap does not necessarily mean being better in the long run. In case you resurface without attending to sub-surface or base problems, or even the current slab is not working, then that overlay will not last long. Resurfacing or overlay is a powerful alternative to sidewalks which have just surface defects. In case of structural damage, drainage problems or non-compliance with the safety requirements of the DOT/NYC code, the replacement could be cost-effective as time goes by.
In Brooklyn, having a professional inspection is the most convenient way to go in case you are a property owner who is thinking about his or her options regarding the sidewalks. The trusted concrete contractor can examine the condition of slab, base, slope, drainage, and DOT compliance and then assist you to make the decision: overlay or replacement.
Why Choose Speedway Concrete Construction
At Speedway Concrete Construction, the condition of your sidewalk is carefully considered- we check below the surface to see whether it is cracking, instability at the base, drainage issues and so forth. In case resurfacing (overlay) will achieve the target of the code and durability, we will offer it as an alternative that will save us some money. Should the sidewalk require complete replacement to meet the NYC DOT, ADA, and safety requirements, we do all the permits, demolition, base preparation, pouring, finishing, and approvals. We are determined that you receive the best value overlaying or replacing.
