Sidewalks & Steps in Kettering, OH

Sidewalks and steps get the most foot traffic and the most salt of any concrete at a house. In Kettering they also come with City rules. Many front walks and stoops here date from the 1950s and 1960s, and by now they have been heaved by tree roots, flaked by salt and settled away from the house. A trip hazard at the front door or a sidewalk square marked by the City usually starts the call.

Kettering's sidewalk rules

The City of Kettering says property owners are responsible for the sidewalk, curb and drive approach next to their property. Each year the Engineering Department runs a sidewalk and curb repair program, inspecting each section of the city on a cycle of roughly 20 to 25 years. Inspectors mark sections that need replacement with white paint. You then have two choices:

• Let the City's contractor do it, and pay the actual cost in cash or through a property tax assessment with interest and a county collection fee
• Hire your own contractor, who must get a right-of-way construction permit, finish within 30 days of the permit, and pass a final City inspection

The City's right-of-way permit page lists a $40 permit fee and bond and insurance requirements for the contractor. Engineering can be reached at (937) 296-2436 with questions.

Replacing public sidewalk sections

We saw cut the marked squares at the joints, break them out and haul them away. Tree roots in the way are trimmed only as far as is safe for the tree. The base is compacted, forms are set to match the grade of the neighboring squares, and the new concrete is poured, broom finished and jointed to line up with the rest of the walk. Curb sections are formed to match the street.

Front walks

A private walk from the driveway or street to the door can be straight or curved, plain or stamped. HomeGuide puts a standard 4-foot-wide walk at about $28 to $68 per linear foot. We slope the walk slightly so water runs off the side instead of pooling, and we keep it below door thresholds so it does not direct water toward the house.

Steps and stoops

Poured concrete steps are formed on a solid base with even risers and treads. Uneven step heights are a common trip hazard on older stoops, especially where a walk has settled and left the bottom step taller than the rest. We build steps with consistent rise and run and a landing at the door. HomeGuide notes steps over 5 feet tall usually need a landing platform of 3 feet or more. Railings can be added after the pour.

Signs it is time

• Squares or steps that rock, tilt or have a lip that catches toes
• Steps pulling away from the house or the foundation
• Flaking and pitting on treads from salt
• White paint marks from a City inspection
• Water pooling on the walk or running toward the house

Care through winter

Use sand or a deicer labeled safe for concrete instead of rock salt, especially on newer concrete. Keep snow shoveled off steps so meltwater does not freeze on the treads. A penetrating sealer every few years helps protect against scaling.