Trip hazards on public sidewalks should not be ignored. Not only can a trip hazard result in an injury, but they also make travel difficult for people living with disabilities. This is one reason why sidewalk repair companies provide trip hazard removal services to business owners and property management groups, among others.
But what causes trip hazards to form in the first place? There are actually a few different reasons that trip hazards can begin to develop on concrete sidewalks. We’ll explore those along with what trip hazards actually are below. If you’re ready to speak with a specialist about removing trip hazards in Broward County, contact Florida Sidewalk Solutions today.
What Causes Sidewalk Trip Hazards to Form?
Though a concrete sidewalk is hard, it is also easily broken. Generally, a concrete sidewalk installation happens on top of the soil. This sort of earthy foundation alone causes problems with stability.
As water enters the soil, absorption begins. Absorbing water causes the earth to expand. Similarly, as the water evaporates or filters further down, the soil begins to contract. Rainwater or water collecting due to human activities contribute greatly to this process.
The concrete sidewalk sitting on top of the soil will attempt to adapt to its shifting foundation. This shifting can push panels up against each other, forcing the sidewalk to become uneven or unlevel.
Whenever the sidewalk’s foundation loses its structural integrity, concrete cracks can begin to form. The cracks will only worsen with use, creating more and more unlevel areas. There are also other contributing factors to consider, such as tree roots, burrowing animals, and anything else that has the potential for affecting the layer of soil.
What is a Trip Hazard?
The definition of a trip hazard given by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is “any vertical change of over ¼” or more at any joint or crack” on a public walkway. Because of the strict regulations in place for ADA compliance, having a trip hazard on your property presents an obvious liability.
Fortunately, the advancements in technology that sidewalk repair companies have access to makes removing trip hazards easier than ever before. Although the only viable option not too long ago was to replace the sidewalk, alternative methods like concrete cutting have quickly become the industry standard.
Concrete cutting is a cost-effective and practical solution the top sidewalk repair companies use for removing trip hazards. Removing trip hazards using this method is environmentally-friendly, affordable, and minimally disruptive. Additionally, some municipalities even disperse grants to fix sidewalk problems.
If you’re looking for sidewalk repair companies in Broward County to remove trip hazards completely, consider Florida Sidewalk Solutions your go-to local choice. Contact us if you would like to get a free quote or wish to learn more. To schedule an appointment or to speak with a staff member directly, call 954-514-7218 today.
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