How Concrete Lifting Supports ADA Compliance in Public Access Areas

Public access areas must be accessible under the uniform federal accessibility standards, the access board, and applicable requirements of 36 CFR. These regulations address requirements for walkways, ramps, entry points, and transitions located within commercial or public spaces. To ensure ADA compliance in public access areas, property owners must eliminate trip hazards created by uneven or sinking concrete surfaces.

Concrete lifting raises and stabilizes sunken slabs, creating a level surface that meets the requirements for public accommodations. This process also supports applicable requirements for doors and ensures the area provided within the facility is accessible to all users.

Key Takeaways

• Concrete lifting restores accessible surfaces without full replacement: It raises sunken slabs to correct slopes, eliminate hazards, and support ADA compliance across public and commercial spaces.
• Uneven concrete can violate multiple ADA requirements: Trip hazards, excessive ramp slopes, and misaligned curb ramps often fail to meet federal accessibility standards and must be addressed.
• Timely repairs reduce liability and safety risks: Fixing damaged walkways or ramps early helps avoid accidents, fines, and legal action related to non-compliance.
• Public entrances and routes must meet strict guidelines: At least one accessible route must connect parking access aisles, entrances, and primary function areas within the facility.
• Concrete lifting supports compliance across many industries: From retail to government buildings, lifting helps maintain accessible elements in places of public accommodation and high-traffic facilities.

What is Concrete Lifting?

Concrete lifting is a process used by concrete lifting companies that raises sunken or settled concrete slabs by injecting a material beneath them. The injected material fills voids, expands, and lifts the slab back to its original position. This method is effective for correcting uneven surfaces that interfere with pedestrian movement and accessibility.

Uneven concrete can obstruct pedestrian access and violate requirements for accessible routes, especially in areas used by the public. Lifting these surfaces helps restore a safe and compliant path of travel.

Common public applications include:

• Sidewalks and walkways
• Entry ramps and curb transitions
• Plazas and facility approaches

What are the ADA Requirements?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines specific accessibility guidelines that ensure individuals with disabilities can safely access public and commercial spaces. The 2010 ADA Standards set the baseline for compliance, detailing how facilities must be constructed or modified to remove barriers.

Entities must comply with the requirements under both Title II of the ADA, which applies to state and local governments, and Title III of the ADA, which covers public accommodations and commercial facilities.

These requirements in the ADA standards address walking surfaces, slopes, level changes, curb ramps, and transitions. Refer to the official Guide to the ADA for clear direction on implementing these standards.

How Concrete Lifting Helps Meet ADA Standards

Concrete lifting plays a key role in restoring and maintaining ADA-compliant surfaces without the need for full demolition or replacement. From correcting uneven slabs to reestablishing correct slopes and transitions, this method offers a quick, effective, and lasting solution. Below are the main ways concrete lifting contributes to achieving and sustaining ADA accessibility standards.

Eliminating Trip Hazards and Uneven Surfaces

Trip hazards and uneven surfaces are a common barrier to accessibility in public accommodation areas, especially along public streets and sidewalks. The ADA prohibits abrupt level changes and requires a smooth, continuous surface to support mobility aids and pedestrian safety.

Concrete lifting helps eliminate these hazards by restoring slabs to their original elevation. This is particularly important when addressing the surface of the ramp, where a slope steeper than allowed can result in non-compliance.

Lifting also supports compliance with requirements for curb ramps by creating proper slope, alignment, and smooth transitions for accessible travel routes.

Maintaining Proper Slope and Surface Continuity

To comply with ADA guidelines, the slope of a ramp must not exceed 1:12. This means for every inch of vertical rise, there must be at least 12 inches of horizontal run. The maximum slope for a curb ramp in new construction is also 1:12, while side flares can have a slope up to 1:10.

The ramp surface must be stable, firm, and slip-resistant. Each ramp run must not exceed 30 feet in length before a level landing is required. Concrete lifting helps correct uneven grades and ensures walkways and ramps conform to the requirements by restoring proper slope and surface continuity.

Improving Accessible Routes and Curb Ramp Transitions

Another critical aspect of ADA compliance is maintaining a continuous and safe accessible route within the boundary of a site. This includes smooth transitions between walkways, ramps, and other connections to buildings or site features.

Concrete lifting helps correct misaligned curb ramps and entry points, ensuring compliance with the requirements of 36 CFR Part 1191. It also supports proper alignment for accessible passenger loading zones, accessible parking space connections, and adjoining access aisles.

Uneven or sunken areas in these zones can break the required path of travel and create barriers that prevent individuals from safely accessing essential public or commercial spaces.

A Cost-Effective Way to Improve Compliance and Safety

Many would assume that achieving full compliance with accessibility requires complete replacement of damaged or uneven concrete. In reality, concrete lifting provides a faster and more cost-effective solution that can bring surfaces into compliance with applicable requirements.

This method is especially useful in areas where the requirement does not apply to all existing conditions but where upgrades are still necessary to provide an accessible route. Lifting and leveling can eliminate hazards and help property owners meet or maintain compliance with accessibility without extensive reconstruction.

It’s a practical option for improving safety while supporting long-term ADA compliance efforts.

Common ADA Violations Found in Concrete Surfaces

Concrete surfaces that are part of public access routes or employee work areas must meet specific ADA standards. However, many properties fall short due to common design or maintenance issues. These violations can create serious safety risks and result in non-compliance with federal regulations.

Some of the most frequent ADA violations include:

• Cracks, level changes, or uneven slabs that create trip hazards
• Slopes that exceed allowable limits on sidewalks, ramps, or landings
• Improper or missing diagonal curb ramp designs along a public street
• Side of ramp landings that are too small or lack clear space
• Curb ramp must include detectable warning surfaces for visually impaired users
• Inadequate dimensions for parking spaces or missing access aisles
• Lack of visual contrast between concrete surfaces and surrounding areas, reducing visibility

Addressing these issues with proper concrete lifting and surface correction helps restore compliance and improve overall accessibility.

Industries and Facilities Most Affected by ADA Concrete Compliance

Facilities subject to the ADA include any place of public accommodation, commercial property, or government building. These must meet accessibility requirements, especially at entrances and any area containing a primary function.

Industries and facilities commonly affected:

• Restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and theaters
• Medical offices and clinics
• Commercial buildings such as offices, warehouses, and factories
• Government buildings and public service facilities
• Public transportation stations and hubs

Each primary function area and associated routes must be accessible. This includes entrances with all accessible spaces, walkways, ramps, and curb transitions. Compliance is mandatory to ensure safe and equal access for all users.

Why Timely Concrete Repairs Reduce Legal and Safety Risks

Timely concrete repairs minimize legal and safety risks by preventing accidents, maintaining structural integrity, and avoiding potential lawsuits and fines. Uneven or damaged concrete at public entrances, walkways, and accessible routes can quickly lead to ADA violations if not corrected.

Public entrances must be accessible, and all accessible spaces and elements within a facility must comply with the requirements set by the ADA. These include slope limits, level changes, and surface conditions.

Compliance with these guidelines is especially critical for high-traffic areas. For requirements for new construction or altered facilities, repairs must be made promptly to ensure ongoing accessibility and regulatory compliance.

Ensuring ADA Compliance with Reliable Concrete Lifting Solutions

Concrete lifting is a reliable method to help facilities achieve full compliance with the requirements outlined in ADA standards. Uneven slabs can obstruct accessible routes, entry points, and the required clearances at ramps, entrances, and walkways.

Ramps must maintain proper slope and stability. Surfaces of ramp runs must be level, slip-resistant, and continuous. Concrete lifting restores these conditions without the need for full replacement.

Facilities must also maintain at least one accessible route within the site and at least one accessible route from parking areas to building entrances. This includes compliant access aisles and parking access aisles located within 4 feet of accessible entrances. Concrete lifting ensures facility entrances with all accessible elements remain code-compliant and safe for all users.Ensure your facility meets ADA requirements with fast, effective concrete lifting. Contact Superior Polylift today to schedule a compliance-focused assessment.