Concrete Grinding Compliant with ADA Regulation


Formed and signed into law in 1990, the ADA( Americans with Disabilities Act) is Federal law that defines what are Trip Hazards. The ADA specifies that a trip hazard as a Vertical lift over 1/4 of an inch high. Any vertical lift over a 1/4 of an inch must be removed, and maintain a smooth clean walkway. The most common areas trip hazards can be found are, broken or lifted sidewalks, walkways, handicap ramps. The ADA demands compliance that any trip hazard be removed. Not doing so can put property owners at risk for legal liabilities should someone have an accident due to a trip hazard. 
One option for trip hazard removal is grinding. Grinding is a process where a gas powered or electric power unit spins a diamond wheel at a high RPM. As the diamond wheel comes into contact with the concrete, it grinds down the area that's raised up. The area is then feathered back to create a smooth gradual incline instead of a vertical tip hazard lift. Grinding can be a alternative to the more expensive remedy, R&R.(Remove & Replace) The steps  involved in R & R include: Saw cutting, Demolition of concrete, removal, reform and repour concrete. Along with the added expense of R & R, grinding can be much quicker and put the lifted areas back into service in a fraction to the time. Typically a five foot sidewalk that has a 1/2 high trip hazard can be ground down in less than a 1/2 hour. Below at a glance I have put some of the benefits grinding has over R&R.

  • Less Expensive                                        
  • Faster 
  • less disruptive to your business   
  • reduces your exposure to liabilities
  • Can be done on off hours   
  • ADA compliant 

In conclusion one can see the many benefits grinding can offer a business or property owner. Reducing your 
exposure to trip and fall accidents. Being Compliant with Federal ADA Laws, and a reduced cost to traditional Remove and Replace method of repairs.  

Finish Line Concrete Cutting can  provide a relatively low cost  solution to most trip hazard locations. So if your property or business has trip hazards, let us come and remedy those areas at a fraction of a cost than R&R.