Making My Concrete ADA Compliant

Why Does ADA Regulation Exist?

At first glance, ADA compliance seems like just another annoying regulation that costs you money during the process of building your commercial property. However, if you put yourself in the shoes of a disabled person, it’s easy to see the value of making your building accessible to all.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. This act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the ADA is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

Does My Property Have to Comply with ADA Requirements?

Almost all businesses are required to be ADA compliant, as well as state and local government facilities. Residential properties may not be required by law to be ADA compliant, but may be a smart investment.

Whether you’re building a shopping mall, private school, or distribution center, your building must be accessible to people with disabilities.

What are the Benefits of Being ADA Compliant?

ADA compliance can improve your sales. As an ADA compliant business, you’re making your services available to a wider range of customers, increasing the potential number of customers who will frequent your business.

Perhaps the most important benefit of ADA compliance is reducing your legal liability. While it’s possible that code enforcement officers might slap you with a fine, the bigger risk is that someone may see your lack of compliance as an opportunity to bring a lawsuit against you. By making sure your facility is compliant, you can greatly reduce your legal exposure.

Give Me a Quick Overview of How to Be ADA Compliant

For this discussion we’ll limit ourselves to compliance rules that directly relate to a concrete contractor.

1. Accessible Entrances: You’ll need to have at least one wheelchair accessible entrance–typically your main entrance.
2. Parking and Drop-off Areas: Accessible parking spaces must be designated, appropriately sized, and located closest to the accessible entrance. Access aisles and clear routes from parking and drop-off areas to the entrance are required.
3. Routes and Pathways:Accessible routes must connect all accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility.

Accessible entrances are perhaps the most important part of how we help companies be compliant. There are a lot of exact specifications for ADA ramps, such as slope, width, landings, cross slope, and edge protection.

Can I Retrofit Non-compliant Ramps?

If your facility is an older facility, there’s a strong chance your ramps are not fully ADA compliant. Fortunately, it is possible to remove wrongly constructed ramps and replace them with ramps that meet modern regulations.

Typically the process involves cutting and removing the old concrete first. Then, we can pour fresh concrete that meets all requirements. New concrete is tied into existing concrete to create a long lasting ramp.

What Is My First Step?

The first thing you’ll need is an ADA compliance audit to determine where your facility is not in compliance. Contact our friendly team today to request a consultation for your facility, or assist you in having an ADA audit performed.

We can then help you come up with a smart plan to make so that the concrete at your facility is welcoming to all.