Don’t replace your sidewalk, fix it instead!
The initial reaction to a broken sidewalk is typically to have it replaced. But, we at PCC think you should fix it instead and here’s why.
The PRIMARY reason your sidewalk should be in good working order and without cracks, lifts or other potential trip hazards, is due to the ADA.
In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed to protect the disabled. It created regulations, holding property owners accountable for ensuring safe means of passage on sidewalks and walkways.
In property management, it is the responsibility of the property owner or manager, to ensure ADA compliance. In commercial or retail shopping centers, ownership or management is typically responsible for maintaining the integrity of walkways within the center itself but not at the interior of each store or suite. Meaning, that any damaged pedestrian areas need to be rectified by whomever is specifically responsible for the section of property they’re on.
Replacing a sidewalk may seem like the easiest way to resolve any issue but its far more costly than having it repaired. Its reasonable to think, that over time, sidewalks and walkways will become damaged due to normal wear and tear or other acts of nature like an earthquake. As a result, portions of the sidewalks or walkways will fall out of ADA compliance.
ADA compliance indicates no one particular portion of the sidewalk can be raised higher than another by more than a quarter inch. This height differential is known as a “trip hazard”. Trip hazards must be dealt with quickly to keep injuries from happening. Injuries resulting from a trip hazard are the responsibility of the property owner. Therefore, if your sidewalks or walkways have trip hazards, the time is NOW to have them fixed.
In years past, sidewalk tiles needed to be completely removed when trip hazards became an issue and it became very costly, very quickly. Precision Concrete Cutting can save you time and money by offering a better option. We can repair the trip hazard, using an advanced cutting method, smoothing out the gap between the sidewalk tiles, creating a smooth transition and in turn, getting you back into ADA compliance. This costs far less than total replacement and prevents costly payouts on ADA compliance claims. If your sidewalk or walkway is in need of repair, don’t wait until its too late and somebody gets hurt. Call Precision Concrete Cutting today!