I'm in the process of replacing a short sidewalk in front of my house. The existing sidewalk isn't level, and there's a low spot where water pools after it rains. I want to raise the sidewalk and direct the water away from both the sidewalk and my house. I'm considering using gravel as a substrate but worry it might lead water toward my foundation. I'm also thinking about using sand since it's absorbent, but I'm not sure what's best. Just to clarify, I'm replacing the old concrete with 16x23 inch pavers, not pouring new concrete. I wish I could share a photo for clarity!
3 Answers
Just a heads up, if you live in a city, they often have strict guidelines for sidewalk repairs. It's typically the homeowner's responsibility to maintain the sidewalk, so make sure to check local regulations to avoid any issues.
Do you need to check on whether you're responsible for the sidewalk? In many areas, property owners are accountable for the maintenance and repair of the sidewalk, so it's worth looking into!
If you're setting a new sidewalk, it's a good idea to use crusher run, which is essentially crushed stone with some fines. You want to ensure it's compacted well to create a solid base. After leveling it out, you can layer about an inch of stonedust on top for placing your pavers. That should help with drainage without directing water towards your house.