What we found
Normal Sidewalk Settling Causes: The number one cause for sidewalks to settle in our area are rain gutters being installed on the high side of the sidewalk. As rain drains on the high side it erodes the sub base away until the weight of the sidewalk settles into the earth. The second most common reason is simply a lack of compaction during the construction/concrete installation process. As homes are built and they are backfilling against the foundation they don't always spend the time to compact in "lifts". Compacting in "lifts" means adding a little fill at a time and then compacting it before adding more. Finally, the third reason is decomposition of organic matter. As organic matter decomposes it leaves voids that will eventually cause settlement.