Cement sidewalk is unlevel. Can I pour another layer of cemnet on top of it?

Question

My sidewalk is unlevel due to the tree roots under it. Can I pour more cement on top of the exisiting sidewalk to level it out? I don't have the strength to tear up the exsisting sidewalk. If I add about four inches to one side and two to the other side and level it will the new cement hold to the old cemanet?

Answer 1

If you are willing to pull up the sidewalk then go that route then add landscape timbers or some other edging,staying away from the roots at east 3 inches then use a natural stone,mulch or sand.Adding concrete will possibly further damage the tree and create more problems,natural products can be added and raked smooth and are tree friendly.

Answer 2

It won't work.  Unless you live in a climate where it never freezes for basically never rains.  Even still, this is an extremely short-term solution that is unsafe and probably illegal if it is accessible to the general public.  If you want to correct the problem.  Tear out the tree trunk or whatever, and repour the whole segment of the sidewalk from the base up.  This sounds like more work, but it will cost you a lot less money and less work overall.

Answer 3

NO YOU NEED TO TEAR THE TREE ROOTS OUT TO DO IT RIGHT! Then pour new concrete. It will be a waste of time and money to add more concrete unless it is level, ie no roots.

Answer 4

There are types of cement that will work but unless you take care of your root problem you'll always be fighting it! Talk to a concrete person for advice or even get a free estimate and see what they would do. Good luck.

Answer 5

Call a tree surgeon to find out if cutting that section of the root will harm the tree. It must be big to create this problem so I'm almost sure the root ball will continue to nourish it with a few upper roots gone.

Answer 6

As long as this tree is there, you cannot do anything to the sidewalk, because the tree roots will unlevel it again, but you still can level other sidewalk areas using self leveling materials from any Home Improvement Store, ar you can buy a thin set cement, mix it, then apply it on the sidewalk, it should stick to the old side walk, but you have to make sure that it is free of dirt, good luck.

Answer 7

no, dont do it

Answer 8

It would be a temporary fix, but it can be done. You MUST use "concrete glue" that you apply to the original concrete just before pouring. Ask at your local hardware store.

Build a form out of 2 x 6's on both sides of the sidewalk and pour between the boards, levelling as you go.

By "temporary" i mean it will last for only several years before it begins to chip on the thinnest side. I guess it depends on the traffic, weather conditions, etc.

Answer 9

Never pour a cement layer less than 4 inches thick. On concrete work, that is the rule. If you must raise it, raise it. It should have been pored in sections. If not, A cement saw is for rent at the local Lows or Home Depot or whatever hardware store is near you. Cut out that section and pour a new one. There are also searvices that will raise it with foam...But roots don't just go away. They will continue the problem if not taken care of properly.