What We Do

Sidewalk Trip Hazard Repair

Universal Concrete Grinding specializes in repairing sidewalk trip hazards. We level the concrete pads at the contraction joints and grind down curbs to keep them flush with the sidewalk surface.

Our service

Keeping Sidewalks Safe and Accessible

Sidewalks are a lower priority for cities managing an array of transportation infrastructure, yet they still matter. Effective remediation ensures safety and improves lifespan.

There are several methods of trip hazard remediation, including mud jacking, replacement, cutting, and grinding (also called scarifying). Our grinding methods are the lowest-cost and most time-efficient. In the hands of an inexperienced operator, scarifying machines might leave an uneven, unsightly pattern, which is an unacceptable outcome for clients with high regard for aesthetics. We deliver a suitable uniform and finish for all of our projects.

We can work around trees, utility boxes, and other obstructions on vertical displacement heights of up to two inches (2"). However, we are not able to remove tree roots or entire broken pads. In these cases we would recommend hiring a separate contractor for those specific tasks.

call (800) 969-4906

Sidewalk pad with the trip hazard ground down to be level with the adjacent pad. The ground part is lighter in color from the abrasion.

What We Fix

Trip and Fall Hazards

Before

AFTER

Unlevel Curbs

Before

AFTER

Previous Repairs

Before

AFTER

BENEFITS

Enhance Safety and Maximize Your Budget.

For clients emphasizing value, our service is quite competitive. Municipal clients are often pleased to learn they can easily save relative to our competitors, helping to minimize their overall sidewalk repair costs. Those considering sidewalk replacement know it is expensive, easily reaching $400 per 4x4 square. The concrete itself has become more expensive over the past 20 years, as the world has faced a global sand shortage as well as higher inflation. Our repair process helps defray these costs by providing a permanent, cost-effective solution that saves clients over the long-run by extending the life of their sidewalks.

Person's left hand being wrapped with a cloth bandage.

Prevent Injury

Prevent injury and limit liability.

View of empty wheelchair from above behind right.

Meet (ADA)/504 & HUD Regulation Requirements

We can get you into compliance with federal rules.

Feet of people walking on a sidewalk. One person on skateboard.

Restore Functionality

We improve the usability of sidewalks so they can be fully enjoyed.

$100 bills fanned out. Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Save Money

Compared to the high cost of replacing damaged concrete, our process repairs trip hazards at a fraction of the cost.

Two hands marking with pen on paper. Photo by Jason Coudriet on Unsplash

Improve REAC Score

Score higher on your upcoming REAC inspection

Evergreen trees in the mist. Photo by Staffan Kjellvestad on Unsplash

Act Sustainably & Go Green

Concrete manufacturing is responsible for approximately 8 percent of global carbon emissions. While new concrete contributes to CO2 output, grinding extends the life of existing pads and avoids further emissions.

Legal Considerations

Trip Hazard Regulations

The Americans With Disabilities Act(ADA) defines the maximum permissible vertical change in level to be ¼ inch, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD) deems a height differential exceeding ¾ inch to be deficient. In addition to the height maximum, there is a slope maximum as well.

Ad hoc asphalt or concrete ramp patches typically do not meet guidelines limiting slope to a ratio of 1:12. These repairs are often only temporary, as harsh weather conditions and hasty installation typically lead to patch failure.

Tripping Lawsuits & Injury Claims

Properties with hazardous walkways can be subject to legal liability for injury claims. Horror stories of multi-million dollar injury settlements are fact, not fiction. The City of New York has spent millions of dollars on legal settlements for trip and fall injuries. The responsible course of action is to repair these defective systems and avoid catastrophic injuries.

ADA Lawsuits

The growth rate in ADA Title III lawsuits has increased recently, with over 60% more lawsuits filed in 2016 than 2015. Primarily targeting small business with fewer resources to contend these claims in court, these lawsuits are often filed by plaintiffs with the intent to settle for thousands of dollars.

The number of potentially frivolous lawsuits is intimidating, as the CBS News program 60 Minutes covered in their story titled "Drive-by Lawsuits". Property owners and managers can protect themselves by complying with Federal law. We help you fulfill your statutory obligations by keeping your walkways level and accessible to the public.

What is a REAC Inspection?

REAC is an acronym that stands for Real Estate Assessment Center of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The goal of the center is to assess the condition of HUD housing to ensure that it is safe and affordable. This is done in part through physical inspection of the housing stock, or REAC inspection.

Our role is to help you prepare your facilities to meet existing regulations and maximize the walkway component of the inspection score by eliminating potential health and safety deficiencies.