GC Construction Services is a leading concrete contractor in the Cary, Raleigh, and Durham North Carolina area that understands the importance of creating well constructed and long lasting concrete sidewalks. Most of the sidewalk construction work we perform is in large residential and commercial developments. If you are developing a large residential or commercial project in the greater Raleigh North Carolina area and you are looking for a skilled concrete company to manage the sidewalk portion of your project, click the send a message or call button below.
Why Choose GC Construction Services for Your Sidewalk Construction Project?
Locally Owned and Operated — We are your local sidewalk experts. GC Construction Services is a local company that has an in-depth understanding of local environmental factors that can affect the integrity of sidewalks and other concrete structures. Soil composition can have a major impact on the quality and longevity of your concrete sidewalk’s lifespan. Raleigh, Cary, and Durham can have clay-heavy soil which affects drainage and therefore concrete’s long term viability. GC Construction Services thoroughly evaluates a project’s soil to make sure we use the correct concrete mixture to ensure your project will have an outstanding end product.
Experienced Contractors — Our concrete company has completed many large scale projects in the Triangle that require sidewalks. Some of those projects include: Parks, industrial facilities, industrial facilities, and commercial developments. Every member of the GC Construction Services crew has extensive experience in the concrete industry. Our collective experience ensures that your project will stay on schedule and the finished product will be impeccable.
Competitive Pricing — We understand how important it is to stay on budget especially on large projects. GC Construction Services has competitive prices when compared to other experienced local concrete sidewalk construction experts in the Raleigh area. We submit bids on each project with your bottom line in mind. GC Construction Services’ extensive experience in the concrete construction industry allows us to provide accurate estimates while not sacrificing the quality of concrete work we provide.
Click the call now or request an estimate button below to get an estimate on your sidewalk construction project.
The Concrete Sidewalk Construction Process
Sidewalk Project Planning — Parking garages, office complexes, warehouses, and shopping centers.
Permits — Factories, distribution centers, and large storage buildings.
Sidewalk Layout — High-rise buildings, large apartment buildings, large homes with large floor plans.
Clear the Site — Post tensioning is also used in bridge construction to handle the large amount of weight and strain they are put under.
Excavation and Grading — You may be surprised to find out that a lot of outdoor sports courts use post tensioned slabs. The post tensioned slabs allow for a level playing surface and a long lifespan without cracks.
Set Formwork — Formwork is the process of installing metal and or wooden forms along the edges of where the sidewalk concrete is going to be poured. Forms are used to create the desired shape and level of the sidewalk. Ensuring the forms are secure and level prevents them from shifting during the concrete pouring process.
Subbase Preparation — Subbase is gravel or crushed stone that is spread and compacted beneath where the concrete sidewalk is going to be poured. Usually 4-6 inches of subbase is used. If a company does not properly level or compact the subbase the concrete could shift after it is poured creating an unstable end product. When it is necessary our company will install edge forms for control joints and or rebar/wire mesh to improve the concrete’s durability. Reinforcing the concrete will strengthen the concrete and prevent cracking.
Concrete Mixing and Pouring — GC Construction Services has the environmental and local expertise to ensure the proper mixture is used for your sidewalks. Most sidewalks are a 4,000 PSI mix. We will ensure the mix has good workability and durability. Even though we do not have as much freezing weather as other parts of the US, we still want to make sure your sidewalks endure the freeze-thaw process. We pour the concrete into the forms in a consistent and even layer. Our company works in sections to prevent premature setting of the concrete. Additionally, we consolidate the concrete by using a vibrator and or tamping tool to eliminate air pockets and ensure uniform compaction. Finally we level the surface with a screed board or bull float.
Finishing and Detailing — The first step of the finishing process is surface finishing. We use a float to smooth the concrete. We can also use a broom finish or other texture as specified by the design requirements. In order to prevent cracking, we cut control joints using a jointing tool or saw. Spaced joints are typically created every 4-6 feet apart depending upon how thick the concrete is. We use an edging tool to round off the edges of the concrete sidewalk. This helps prevent chipping and makes it look more aesthetically pleasing.
Curing the Concrete Sidewalks — Proper curing is one of the most important steps of the entire concrete sidewalk process. The concrete sidewalk must stay moist for at least 7 days to ensure the concrete stays hydrated enough to develop more strength. Some hydration methods may include curing compounds, wet burlap, or plastic sheeting. During hot weather concrete sidewalks are more susceptible to cracking during the curing process. Therefore, following a carefully planned curing process is even more important during hot weather. Raleigh rarely gets weather that is cold enough to require heated blankets or tents to protect concrete during the curing process. If there are any stains, debris, or finishing tools we will clean them at this time.
Post Construction — The first step of the post construction process is removing the concrete forms. This has to be done in a careful manner after the concrete has cured and hardened. (Typically 24-48 hours) This is when we have an opportunity to carefully inspect the sidewalk for cracks, low spots, and imperfections that need to be repaired. If you have opted for a concrete sealant for additional protection, it is applied at this time.
Quality Control Inspections — GC Construction Services takes quality control inspections seriously. We do a thorough walk through after every concrete sidewalk project. We check for uniform finish, joint spacing, and smoothness. Additionally, we confirm that the sidewalk complies with accessibility standards and is compliant with local codes. We also test for strength and durability if the project requires concrete tests such as compression tests.
Landscaping and Grading — Finally, we backfill any excavation alongside the sidewalk with soil and landscaping products to restore the grade. If applicable we can add plants, bushes, and other features adjacent to the sidewalk. The final grade can impact whether or not water is properly shed from the sidewalk so it is an important step of the concrete sidewalk construction process.
Final Walkthrough — We will do a final walkthrough with the project manager and or foreman to ensure we have met all of the requirements for your project.
Call Us to Schedule Your Quote
When you need to hire a company for concrete sidewalk construction in Raleigh, reach out to GC Construction Services. We are one of the most well respected large scale concrete construction companies in the greater Raleigh area. We would love to have the opportunity to bid on your concrete sidewalk project.