How to Fix Concrete Sidewalks that Are Out of Place

Over the years the effects of nature will begin to move small slabs of concrete in your sidewalk and other areas around your home. Freezing and thawing, water erosion, and ground shifting can cause your sidewalks to simply slide out of place. While the work needed to correct this can be pretty hard physically, it is actually quite easy to correct these problems.

For this project you will need to lift or move the slab of concrete. To do so you will need a substantial pry bar, a few short pieces of thick wood (firewood, 4 by 4's or other lumber), some thinner wood for shims, and perhaps a helper. You may also need a hoe, shovel or trowel to remove soil and perhaps rock. A large hammer may also be needed to work the pry bar into place.

Before we begin keep a few things in mind. First, at no time should you place your hands under the slab (this should be obvious but I thought I would mention it!). Second, it always possible that lifting the slab will cause it to break. Stick to concrete slabs smaller that 4 feet to 4 feet and you should be ok on this.

To move a concrete slab back into position, start with the side that the concrete needs to slide toward. Using the large piece of wood as a fulcrum (the pivot point for the pry bar) place your pry bar well under the slab and pry it upwards. A helper can then hold the pry bar down or you can use the shims to hold the slab up. Then use your shovel or other tool to clear away any obstructions that will keep the slab from sliding.