How Concrete Leveling Enhances Commercial Property Accessibility

As a business owner, you have a legal obligation to keep your property accessible. While many property owners may think of installing ramps and lifts, automatic doors, and other accessories, something that shouldn’t be overlooked is your concrete. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that parking lots, sidewalks, and points of entry are level and accessible.

In this post, we’ll explain how concrete leveling can easily and affordably fix uneven surfaces, restoring proper accessibility and enhancing the property’s overall aesthetic.

Eliminates Trip Hazards

One of the biggest reasons to level uneven concrete surfaces is safety. Any uneven surface, concrete or otherwise, poses a tripping hazard, so leveling helps restore proper surface level, providing safe passage and significantly reducing the risk of slips, trips, or falls.

ADA Compliance

Business owners have a legal obligation to restore uneven concrete surfaces. In fact, Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all public accommodations to remove barriers, provide accessible parking and entrances, and ensure equal access to goods and services for all Americans.

According to the ADA, vertical changes in concrete level should not exceed a quarter-inch. Leveling essentially corrects any faults to meet the legal standards, creating a more seamless path for Americans with disabilities to access entrances.

Smoother Surfaces for Carts, Strollers, & Wheelchairs

Aside from ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities, a smoother concrete surface is also essential for consumers with strollers or rolling carts, as well as for delivery workers using dollies to transport supplies and inventory.

Improved Drainage

Uneven concrete disrupts the slope, leading to significant drainage issues. Rather than safely flowing away, uneven concrete can cause water to pool in certain areas, leading to foundation damage, erosion, and potentially more expensive problems around the property. Pooling water can also weaken the structural integrity of the cement over time, often resulting in premature replacement.

Poor drainage increases the risk of slip-and-fall accidents, especially during winter months when water pools and freezes.

Additional Benefits

• Preventing Legal & Liability Issues: Violating the ADA can result in significant legal problems and fines. Uneven concrete also increases liability risks.
• Increases Property Value: Leveling concrete can improve curb appeal, enhance safety, and address potential structural hazards, all of which can increase property value.

Don’t Put Off Needed Leveling

Concrete can become uneven for many reasons, whether from ground soil instability, tree roots, or freeze-thaw damage. Regardless of the reason, uneven concrete should be addressed immediately. Detroit Concrete Leveling can help improve property accessibility with reliable concrete leveling, joint sealing, crack repair, step replacements, and more.

Don’t wait for an accident to happen. Contact us today to request a free estimate.