How to Repair and Prevent Concrete Tripping Hazards

Noticing cracks and uneven areas in your concrete? Unfortunately, those imperfections are not only unattractive—they can also make walking across your driveway, parking lot, and walkways dangerous. Tripping hazards are a significant problem with worn concrete, creating the risk of injuries, damaged vehicles, and even liability concerns.

Your commercial property doesn’t have to stay vulnerable to this problem. Here’s a look at what causes concrete to pose a risk of trips and falls—and how to put an end to the issue.

What Turns Concrete into a Tripping Hazard

To put it simply, anything that makes concrete uneven increases the chances that people may fall and be injured. Causes include:

Improper pours

If concrete isn’t mixed well, or if the ground isn’t properly smoothed out and prepped, the surface will wear down faster than it should.

Excessive loads

Different concrete blends are made to handle different weight loads. If your parking lot is designed for passenger cars, it’ll likely break down when a heavy truck rolls onto it.

Normal aging

As concrete ages, exposure to the elements will slowly wear down the surface. Small damage (like little cracks) gets bigger and causes problems over time.

Freeze-thaw cycles

Over time, parking lots and walkways begin to form cracks. Moisture sneaks into those spots and forms ice, which expands and pushes the cracks open wider.

Chemical damage

Concrete is vulnerable to damage when it’s not properly cared for. De-icer chemicals can break down the surface badly.

Soil movement

Anything from earthquakes to invasive tree roots underneath the concrete can cause it to crack and become uneven.

Polyurethane Foam Injection: A Lasting Fix for Concrete Surfaces

Slips and falls on your commercial property put you at risk of significant liability claims. On top of that, broken-down parking lots and sidewalks violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA)—which can open up commercial building owners to lengthy, costly lawsuits or fines. So, it pays to care for your concrete promptly when damage arises.

How lifting foam makes concrete repair simple 

This specialty treatment helps address concrete that is sinking, cracked, or shifting. This minimally invasive, straightforward procedure involves inserting polyurethane foam in liquid form through drilled holes that reach underneath the slab, into the dirt below it. As the foam expands and dries, it evens out the sunken areas below the slab and renders the surface level once more.

Commercial property owners appreciate this technique because it is:

• Fast – Repairs can often be made in a few hours or less, depending on how uneven the concrete is.
• Safe – There’s no need to park heavy concrete mixers on your property. They can be parked at a distance, with the foam carried to your slab by a long hose. It’s also eco-friendly.
• Durable – Polyurethane foam penetrates the soil, compacting it and making the base for concrete surfaces stronger than before—yielding lasting durability.
• Thorough – The lifting foam expands to fill any spaces beneath the concrete, addressing them all, so that the fix for your parking lot, driveway, and walkways is complete.
• Waterproof – Polyurethane foam is resistant to moisture. This barrier keeps erosion at bay, preventing the issues that previously contributed to your concrete problems in the first place.

Enjoy Lasting Commercial Concrete Repairs from Our Expert Team

Say goodbye to dangerous, unsightly, uneven concrete—and welcome beautiful, strong surfaces for your commercial parking lot, driveway, and walkways. See how concrete repairs from our well-trained pros at R&M Concrete will put your mind at ease and deliver lasting value for your commercial property.