Concrete That Complies: Summer Is the Season to Get Your Property ADA‑Ready

Concrete That Complies: Summer Is the Season to Get Your Property ADA‑Ready

During the summer, Utah property managers shift focus toward curb appeal, traffic flow, and seasonal maintenance—but accessibility must stay at the top of that list. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public-facing elements like sidewalks, ramps, curb ramps, and loading areas be accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities. As tenant activity peaks and warm weather opens up construction windows, August is the ideal time to assess whether your property’s concrete still meets those standards.

Go Pave Utah partners with commercial property owners and managers to identify compliance gaps and deliver practical, durable ADA improvements. Whether you manage retail centers, office parks, or mixed-use developments, concrete accessibility is not a one-time checkbox—it’s an ongoing priority that needs to be addressed proactively.

ADA Standards That Affect Concrete

According to the U.S. Access Board – Chapter 4: Accessible Routes, accessible exterior concrete surfaces—including sidewalks, curb ramps, parking access aisles, and entrance zones—must meet the following ADA design requirements:

  • Firm, stable, and slip-resistant surfaces
  • Minimum clear width of 36 inches for pedestrian access routes (exceptions apply in constrained spaces)
  • Smooth surfaces without abrupt level changes larger than 0.5 inches (changes ≤ 0.5″ must be beveled at 1:2 maximum)
  • Maximum cross slope of 1:48 (approximately 2%) on walking surfaces, and a running slope no steeper than 1:12 for ramps

Although these criteria are typically adhered to during construction or renovations, heavy traffic and seasonal conditions—especially soil shifts related to summer heat or drought—can cause unevenness, cracking, or slope changes. These subtle alterations may still violate ADA standards, reinforcing the importance of regular inspections and timely remediation during the summer months.

Summer Brings Unique Compliance Challenges

Summer conditions present specific risks that can affect the long-term accessibility of exterior concrete. As temperatures rise and soil moisture decreases, even well-installed concrete surfaces may shift or settle in ways that compromise ADA compliance. Common seasonal issues include:

  • Heat-driven soil movement that leads to slab shifting or uneven joints
  • Drought-related soil contraction, which can cause voids beneath concrete and surface inconsistencies
  • Increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic during peak summer activity, which may reveal surface wear, cracks, or minor grade changes

These issues often develop gradually but can result in subtle violations of ADA standards—particularly at access points, curb ramps, and pedestrian routes where smooth transitions and precise slopes are essential for usability.

Go Pave Utah’s Summer ADA Services

Go Pave Utah offers a comprehensive suite of ADA-focused concrete services that address both compliance and climate resilience. These include:

  • Site evaluations with precise slope and surface assessments
  • Concrete repair, ramp replacement, and landing construction
  • ADA-compliant striping and layout updates for parking areas
  • Transition corrections between walkways, curbs, and entrances

Each project is designed around the physical demands of Utah’s summer environment and the technical requirements outlined by the ADA.

Why August Is the Right Time

Summer offers dry conditions that are ideal for surface work, and it provides enough lead time before end-of-year inspections, tenant turnover, or fall construction deadlines. Making accessibility upgrades now also helps minimize downtime and avoid last-minute disruptions during busier seasons.

For Utah property managers, ADA compliance isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about delivering a safer, more functional site for every visitor. Go Pave Utah is the trusted partner to help make that happen.

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