Concrete Sidewalks in Thornton, CO
We replace cracked, sunken and lifted concrete sidewalks in front of homes in Thornton, Colorado.
- Quotes in writing
- 18 areas covered
Thornton Concrete Driveway replaces broken sidewalk squares in front of homes across Thornton. We look at each square, mark the ones that need to come out, and give you a written quote before we break anything out.
What we mean by a sidewalk panel
When we say panel, we mean one square of sidewalk between two of the cut lines that run across it. We replace a sidewalk one whole panel at a time, not a patch in the middle of a square.
The sidewalk in front of most homes sits in the city's right-of-way, which we'd describe as the public land along the street. That changes who is allowed to do the work and which permits it needs.
How we replace a sidewalk
First we saw a clean line at the joints, break out the old panels and haul them off. Then we dig out any soft ground, lay a new base and pack it down hard.
Next we set the wooden boards that hold the wet concrete in shape, pour the new panels and finish them. We match the height of the squares on each side, so nobody catches a toe on a raised edge.
Permits for sidewalk work
The City of Thornton says right-of-way permits are needed for any work in the city right-of-way that the construction permit for the property does not cover. The city only issues those permits to contractors with a Thornton contractor license.
The city says the standard review time is at least 14 business days, plus 2 more days for processing. We put that wait into the start date on your quote.
The City of Thornton says once a sidewalk has been cut, the whole panel has to be replaced. We price every full panel the job touches, so the number on your quote does not grow once we start.
Closing the sidewalk while we work
The City of Thornton says a traffic control permit is needed if signs or cones go in the city right-of-way. The city says these permits have a $50 processing fee plus a closure fee, and for a sidewalk the closure fee is $0.03 times the number of days times the square feet that are closed. We list that permit on your quote as its own line.
What to get in writing
Ask for these in writing, whoever you hire:
- How many panels come out, and which ones.
- Who applies for each permit, and whether they hold a Thornton contractor license.
- How thick the new concrete will be and what goes under it.
- How the new panels will meet your driveway and the panels next door.
- The start date, with the permit wait counted in.
- When people can walk on the new sidewalk again.
Questions about concrete sidewalks in Thornton
Can I replace the sidewalk myself?
The City of Thornton says homeowners doing work on their own primary home are not counted as contractors and do not need a contractor license. We check which permits apply before anyone breaks it out.
How soon do I have to clear snow off my sidewalk?
The City of Thornton says residents must remove snow and ice from the sidewalks next to their property within 24 hours after the last of it builds up. The city code says the city can clear it and charge the cost to the owner or tenant.
How much salt should go on a new sidewalk?
Connecticut's Department of Energy & Environmental Protection says a 12-ounce coffee mug of salt is enough to treat 500 square feet of driveway, or about 10 sidewalk squares. We tell you when your new sidewalk is ready for winter.
Can I keep a basketball hoop on the sidewalk?
The City of Thornton says not to block the street or sidewalk with basketball hoops, soccer or hockey goals, landscaping materials, overgrown bushes or other items. We leave the new sidewalk clear when we pack up.
Who marks the pipes and cables under the sidewalk?
The City of Thornton says all requests to have buried utility lines marked should go through Colorado 811. The city marks its own lines, such as water, sewer and fiber, in the right-of-way.
What happens to the old sidewalk concrete?
The EPA says old concrete, brick and masonry can be recycled right on site as fill or as bedding for a driveway. We tell you on your quote where the broken concrete is going.
How should I pay for sidewalk work?
The City of Thornton says never to pay in full before the job begins. It says to hold back 15 to 20 percent of the total price until you are happy with the job and all inspections have been approved.
How many quotes should I get?
The City of Thornton says to get several written bids, and that 3 is the usual number. We give you ours in writing after we look at the sidewalk.
What if someone starts the work without a permit?
The city says anyone found doing construction or digging without a construction permit has to stop all work until they get the right permits. We get the permits before we start.
What if my driveway apron is broken too?
Our driveway aprons page covers the strip where your car crosses the sidewalk. The City of Thornton says the permit plans have to show the full scope of work, both in the right-of-way and outside it, so we draw both on one plan.
Get a quote for a concrete sidewalk
Call us, or send the quote form with your ZIP code and a note about your sidewalk. We'll come out and look at it, go through the options with you, and give you a written quote. To see the other work we do, go to the Thornton Concrete Driveway home page.
Ready to talk about your concrete driveway job?
Send the quote form with your ZIP code and what you need. We will get back to you with a written quote.