Sidewalk Trip Hazard & ADA Repair in Dallas-Fort Worth
Lifted panels, broken edges, steep ramps and missing warning domes. We fix trip hazards on apartment, HOA and commercial properties, document every one, and help you get ahead of the next inspection.
Apartments · HOAs · Commercial
What counts as a trip hazard
On accessible routes, the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design set the limits. Texas uses the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), which track closely with them. The numbers that matter on most sidewalks:
- Up to 1/4 inch:a vertical change in level is allowed.
- 1/4 to 1/2 inch:has to be beveled, no steeper than 1 to 2.
- Over 1/2 inch:has to be fixed or treated as a ramp.
- Cross slope:no steeper than 1:48 (about 2 percent) side to side.
- Gaps:openings in the walking surface should not let a 1/2 inch sphere through.
Even off accessible routes, a lifted edge is what people catch a toe on. Insurance carriers and inspectors look for them. Fixing them is cheaper than defending a claim.
Sidewalk, curb and ADA work
Lifted and sunken panels
Fixed in place when the panel is sound, replaced when it's broken or keeps moving.
Broken edges and corners
Cut back to sound concrete and replaced.
Breezeways and landings
Cracked breezeway slabs and stair landings at apartment buildings.
Curb ramps
Rebuilt to the right slope with detectable warning surfaces (truncated domes).
Accessible routes
The path from accessible parking to the entry or leasing office, fixed where it's out of spec.
Root damage
Panels lifted by tree roots replaced, with root cutting where it's safe for the tree.
Fix in place or replace?
Fix in place
- Panel is solid and only slightly tipped
- Height difference is small
- Base is stable
- Fastest and lowest cost
Replace
- Panel is cracked through or broken
- It keeps moving
- Roots or washout under it
- Cross slope is out of spec too
We'll tell you which one each location needs, and list them separately on the estimate so you can decide.
How a trip hazard job runs
- 01
Walk and number
We walk every sidewalk, number each hazard on a site map and photograph it.
- 02
Prioritize
Worst hazards and inspection items first, with a price for each location.
- 03
Notices and barricades
You get dates to post. Each spot is barricaded with a safe way around.
- 04
Repair
Fix in place or saw-cut, remove, fix the base, pour, finish, seal the joints.
- 05
Closeout
Before-and-after photo for every numbered location.
A note on ADA compliance in Texas
Fixing trip hazards and rebuilding a curb ramp to the right slope are repairs we handle. Bringing a whole property into accessibility compliance is a bigger project. In Texas, many projects with a construction cost of $50,000 or more on buildings open to the public have to be registered with TDLR and reviewed by a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS).
If your project needs that, the owner hires the RAS and we build to the approved plan. If you're not sure whether it applies, ask your RAS or check with TDLR. We'd rather tell you that up front than guess.
What affects sidewalk repair cost
Number of spots
Many small, scattered locations cost more per square foot than one big run.
Method
Fixing in place costs less than replacing.
Access
Courtyards and breezeways with no truck access.
Roots and base
Root cutting and base repair add time.
Ramps
Curb ramps with warning domes take more forming and finishing.
Deadline
Tight inspection dates can mean extra crews.
Related services and areas
Sidewalk Trip Hazard & ADA Repair: common questions
What height difference is a trip hazard?
On accessible routes, the ADA Standards allow up to 1/4 inch of vertical change. From 1/4 to 1/2 inch it must be beveled. Over 1/2 inch it needs to be fixed or ramped. Many insurers and inspectors flag smaller lips too.
Is grinding or replacing a sidewalk panel better?
If the panel is sound and only slightly tipped, fixing it in place is faster and cheaper. If it's cracked, broken, or keeps moving because of roots or washout, replacement is the fix that lasts.
Who is responsible for sidewalks at an apartment complex?
Sidewalks inside the property are generally the owner's responsibility. Public sidewalks along the street can fall under city rules that vary by city. Check with your city if a public sidewalk is involved.
Can you fix trip hazards before our inspection?
Send us the date and the list. We'll schedule cited items first and send before-and-after photos of each one.
Do you build ADA curb ramps?
Yes. We rebuild curb ramps to the required slopes with detectable warning surfaces. Larger accessibility projects may need a RAS review under Texas rules.
How soon can people walk on a new sidewalk panel?
Usually within a day or two, depending on weather. We keep it barricaded until it's ready.
Send us the address. We'll come look.
Photos get you the fastest answer. One wide shot that shows where the problem is, then a couple of close-ups. Put a shoe or a tape measure in the close-ups so we can judge size.
Mon-Fri 7:00 AM-5:00 PM
Orange paint on the same panel for months?
Call or text 469-237-8862. Send the list or a few photos and we'll price every spot.