About Surface Grinding and Trip Hazard Removal
Trip hazards from uneven concrete joints and slabs create liability exposure for commercial property owners. Surface grinding removes these hazards quickly and economically, bringing surfaces to safe, ADA-compliant conditions without the disruption of concrete replacement.
Diamond grinding precisely removes concrete to eliminate elevation differences at joints, saw cuts, and slab edges. The process creates smooth transitions that meet ADA requirements for changes in level. Grinding is faster and less expensive than removing and replacing concrete panels.
Commercial properties require regular assessment for trip hazards, particularly in pedestrian areas, building entries, and ADA routes. We help property owners identify hazards and develop remediation plans that address safety and compliance requirements.
Beyond trip hazard removal, surface grinding addresses high spots in floors, prepares surfaces for coatings, and smooths rough concrete finishes. The technique applies to both interior floors and exterior concrete in commercial applications.
What’s Included
- Trip hazard survey and documentation
- ADA compliance assessment
- Diamond grinding to eliminate hazards
- Transition to meet ADA requirements
- Dust control and cleanup
- Documentation of corrections
- Before and after photographs
Frequently Asked Questions
What height difference creates a trip hazard?
ADA guidelines consider any vertical change greater than 1/4 inch a trip hazard requiring beveled transition. Many property owners address smaller differences proactively. We can grind transitions as small as 1/8 inch difference.
How quickly can you remove trip hazards?
Grinding is efficient for trip hazard removal. A single hazard can be addressed in minutes; multiple hazards on a property typically require a few hours to a day depending on quantity and access requirements.
Is grinding noisy or dusty?
Grinding equipment produces significant noise and dust. We use dust collection systems to minimize airborne dust and can schedule work for times that minimize disturbance to tenants or customers.
Will grinding damage the surrounding concrete?
Proper grinding technique limits the ground area to what is necessary, creating a smooth transition without affecting surrounding concrete. Some minor surface texture change at the ground area is unavoidable.
Can you grind interior floors as well as exterior?
Yes. We grind interior floors to remove high spots, prepare for coatings, or address trip hazards. Interior work requires additional dust control and coordination with building operations.

