Construction Industry/Minimum Slope Sidewalk

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Expert: - 3/3/2011


Question
What is the minimum slope for exterior concrete sidewalks?

Answer
Hello Lois,

There is no minimum or maximum - it depends on the field conditions.  The purpose is to allow rain water and irrigation water to drain into adjacent soil.

A slope of approximately 1/4" per foot is acceptable in most circumstances.

For example - a 5 feet wide sidewalk could be crowned in the center and pitch or slope to each side.  Therefore the each edge would be 5/8" below the crown.  A 4 feet wide sidewalk, pitched or sloping to one side would have a difference of 1" from the high side to the low side.

1/8" per foot would be a minimum but as you can see, on the first example, the slope would only be 3/8" from crown to edge.  That is a very small dimension to finish to.

Also, the concrete should receive a "broom finish" with the grooves perpendicular to the edge in order to allow water run-off.

I hope this has been helpful.

Roger
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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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