ADA Concrete Ramps

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990, many property owners and managers have had to reevaluate and upgrade their buildings and parking lots.  This act was designed to allow accessibility for those in wheelchairs or electric scooters to public buildings and other areas.  One major factor in the design and construction of these public areas is concrete ramps.  Concrete ramps allow disabled people to get out of cars, get into buildings, or onto sidewalks.  Bernardo Concrete, Inc.  has years of experience constructing concrete ramps.  The ADA has a set of requirements for property owners to abide by when making their properties ADA compliant.  These requirements can be complicated for someone not used to working with them.  Bernardo Concrete, Inc.  can help you get your property up to code and accessible to handicapped patrons.

ADA Concrete Ramp Considerations

There are many things to consider when designing a new concrete ramp.  The ADA has set forth the required width, slope, and grade of a concrete access ramp.  Consideration of landings, edge protection, outdoor conditions, proper signage, and much more needs to be taken into account when making these types of upgrades in order to be compliant.  A typical placement for a concrete ramp would be where the sidewalk transitions to the asphalt.  This type of ramp allows disabled people to access a parking lot or cross a street without having to navigate a curb.

If this is not your line of work, this may seem overwhelming.  This is why you hire a professional concrete contractor and Bernardo Concrete is one of the best in the business.  Bernardo Concrete can walk you through the steps needed to get your property up to code for a reasonable price.  The concrete contractor you hire should know the ADA code and be someone you can trust to do a quality job.  Bernardo Concrete, Inc. is that concrete contractor.

About Bernardo Concrete, Inc.

Bernardo Concrete has been installing concrete for 20 years now.  That gives us the wisdom & experience of time and we like to think that it shows in our work.  We specialize in industrial, commercial, retail and residential concrete services.  We are always looking for a challenging concrete construction project to do so, let us know if you have one by calling Toll Free 888-499-0899 .  We offer many concrete services including concrete demolition, curb & gutter installation and repair, handicap concrete ramp repair and installation (to ADA code), block wall installation and repair, concrete demolition, core drilling and saw cutting, and many more.  There are just too many services to mention all of them so, take a look at our website by clicking on any of the links within this blog.  We are located in Orange County California and service the surrounding areas including parts of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino.  If you have a project that requires a concrete contractor, then give Bernardo Concrete a call today and we will get an estimator out to your business for a fast, free quote.

Call BCI Today at One Of Our Two Locations:

Orange County / LA Office
8130 Monroe Street
Stanton, CA 90680
Tel. (714) 220-2800

Riverside / San Bernardino Office
80731 Dillon Road
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241
Toll Free 888-499-0899

How to Get Perfect Concrete Sidewalks

If done correctly, concrete sidewalks could last 20 to 40 years.  However, there are many factors that can limit the lifespan of concrete.  Here are a few tips to getting the best product possible.

Tip #1 Hire a reputable concrete contractor.

Do your research.  Make sure you have an idea of what you want before you contact any contractors.  Look up several local concrete contractors and give them a call.  Pay attention to how long it takes them to respond to your call.  Get written estimates and compare “apples to apples” on several bids.  Call references and check on licensing and insurance.

Tip #2 Select an appropriate site

If you are lucky enough to be putting in new concrete sidewalks, you may have a choice of where you put them.  If, for example you are putting them throughout a business park, you may have the option of keeping them away from trees.  Tree roots are the enemy of concrete sidewalks!  If you choose to locate trees near the sidewalk, choose smaller trees or a deep rooted variety.  If you have to locate your concrete sidewalk near existing trees, know that you may have to repair the sidewalks periodically due to root lift.  Cutting the root that is lifting the concrete may damage the tree or make it less stable.  Your concrete contractor should be able to help you select the optimal path for your concrete sidewalk.

Tip #3 Know the process

Once you have chosen a concrete contractor, speak with them about the process.  Quality of construction is an important factor in the longevity of your concrete sidewalks.  There is such a thing as different strengths of concrete.  Make sure your concrete contractor is using the proper strength for your job.  Know what type of preparation of the sub grade your concrete contractor is planning to use.  Sometimes the concrete can be poured directly on your ground or you may require base fill and steel rebar installed in the slab.  To help minimize cracking, find out if there are any special curing instructions.  This can greatly depend on the weather at the time of pouring.  Last, but not least, ensure that there are proper control joints.  These should be 4 feet apart across the width of the sidewalk and about one quarter of the slab thickness.

Proper installation and quality products are key factors in concrete sidewalk installation.  When done properly, concrete sidewalks can last for years.  However, it is not unheard of for concrete to fail.  Choosing a good concrete contractor is the most important factor for a smooth project that you will be enjoying for years.

About Bernardo Concrete, Inc.

Bernardo Concrete has been installing concrete for 20 years now.  That gives us the wisdom & experience of time and we like to think that it shows in our work.  We specialize in industrial, commercial, retail and residential concrete services.  We are always looking for a challenging concrete construction project to do so, let us know if you have one by calling Toll Free 888-499-0899 .  We offer many concrete services including concrete demolition, curb & gutter installation and repair, handicap concrete ramp repair and installation (to ADA code), block wall installation and repair, concrete demolition, core drilling and saw cutting, and many more.  There are just too many services to mention all of them so, take a look at our website by clicking on any of the links within this blog.  We are located in Orange County California and service the surrounding areas including parts of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino.  If you have a project that requires a concrete contractor, then give Bernardo Concrete a call today and we will get an estimator out to your business for a fast, free quote.

Call BCI Today at One Of Our Two Locations:

Orange County / LA Office
8130 Monroe Street
Stanton, CA 90680
Tel. (714) 220-2800

Riverside / San Bernardino Office
80731 Dillon Road
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241
Toll Free 888-499-0899

About Concrete Contractors

When it’s time to get your concrete repaired there are several things you should know before making a decision on which company to call and use on your project.  The main reason this is so important is because most contractors will take any job they can get, especially in these trying times.  Although many will get the job done, what is really happening is you are paying someone else to hire the contractor.  When it comes to concrete contractors there are mainly four different types of concrete companies that you will find.  Knowing the difference between the four is crucial in not only getting the right job done, but also getting the best price.  Here is a breakdown of the four major concrete contractor types.

#1 The Big Guys aka Concrete Generals

The big guys are the concrete generals, these are contractors you see working on the freeways and roads.  They usually specialize in public works and larger new construction projects.  These concrete contractors may or may not be interested in smaller projects.  Often their price will typically be a more than an industrial / commercial concrete contractor.  This concrete company will do a good job for you, but you’re probably going to pay more.  These companies are designed to be competitive on the large new concrete construction projects.  Most Southern California counties like Orange County & Los Angeles County will have at least three of these big boys around.

#2 Industrial Concrete Contractors/ Commercial Contractors

Industrial & commercial concrete contractors are pretty much the same thing.  They are the medium sized companies that are servicing the property management firms, general contractors and property owner types.  They are usually built to get large to small projects done quickly and at a more affordable cost than the bigger guys.  A typical commercial concrete contractor will be built to handle new construction projects as well as general concrete repairs.  Their focus is usually commercial in nature.  Their projects usually consist of business parks, churches, shopping centers, etc.  A good commercial concrete contractor will have a long list of professional references to supply you with so ask for a few.

#3 Residential Concrete Contractors

Residential concrete contractors are the smaller companies that are typically seen pouring the concrete in homes and gardens.  Often times a landscaping contractors will offer hardscape services to his accounts.  These services typically include sidewalks, planters, & patios. These types of concrete projects are usually smaller and done in house by their own crews.  These contractors usually do a good job, but their production is usually limited by their crew size and equipment.  Pricing on work from residential concrete contractors can be all over the place so be sure to get several bids.  In Orange County & LA there are literally hundreds of these types of contractors.  Southern California has more landscaping contractors than anywhere in the world.

#4 Specialty Concrete Contractors

A concrete contractor specialist is a company that has really narrowed down on a niche in its industry.  All of their focus has been placed in one or two areas of expertise. A few examples of niche concrete contractors or concrete specialist would be something like stamped concrete contractors, decorative concrete contractors, or concrete pool deck specialist.  These concrete contractors can be absolute artisans when it comes to their craft and their price can reflect that as well.  If you are looking to get a specialty concrete service project done, use a specialty concrete contractor.

Final Thoughts on Concrete Contractors

Most people who are looking to hire a contractor start with the yellow pages or the internet.  Often times it can be hard to tell the difference between two concrete contractors and their advertisements.  I am going to give you a hint, though. When you look at their list of services they offer, look at the order they are positioned in.  In most cases you will find that they place them in the order of importance to them. Contractors that show you pictures of residential jobs and then say they can handle a tilt up probably cannot. What they are doing instead is contracting work out to the proper contractor.  Another suggestion would be to consider asking the concrete contractors you are looking to hire for current reference (at least the last 20 days) of the exact work you’re looking to get done.  Try to get at least 2 references and ask their customers if you can go see the work that was done. At most, it will take you around 30 minutes to see them.  Remember, that 30 minutes can save you countless hours when hiring the wrong concrete contractor on your next job.

Call BCI Today at One Of Our Two Locations:

Orange County / LA Office
8130 Monroe Street
Stanton, CA 90680
Tel. (714) 220-2800

Riverside / San Bernardino Office
80731 Dillon Road
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241
Toll Free 888-499-0899

ADA Requirement And  Concrete Ramps.

About ADA Lawsuits

Here is an unfortunate scenario that happens all too often these days.  You open the mail and find that you’re being sued by an attorney for ADA violations.  Now, if you haven’t figured it out, most times (99.999%) these ADA lawsuits are just a load of garbage, but garbage you actually have to take out. This isn’t to say that some ada lawsuits are valid because some are. But most of the time in our experience these lawsuits have little to do with a disabled man or women being denied access and more to do with the attorney needing a new Lexus.  California is no stranger to frivolous lawsuits and the ADA and it’s constant changes just open the door to more of them.  The first thing that you need to do when you get the letter is get yourself a good attorney that understands how to handle these problems quickly and affordably.  The second thing you will probably need is a good concrete contractor.  The reason you’ll need a concrete contractor is more likely than not the attorney that filled a lawsuit has done so based on your parking situation.  That’s where Bernardo Concrete comes in.  Most ADA lawsuits will target property issues whose solutions involve expensive repairs, hoping that the property owner will choose to settle with the attorney’s client for a lump sum of five or ten thousand dollars.

How a Good ADA Contractor Helps

Now that you have good legal counsel and that part of the problem is being handled, it’s time to turn your attention to a good contractor.  That is where Bernardo Concrete really shines.  We have been dealing with ADA issues long before the frivolous lawsuits began.  The ADA code changes almost every year, albeit, typically in very small ways.  By example, one of the more recent changes that occurred is the requirement to have the words ‘No Parking’ painted in the crosshatch that is parallel to the handicap space.  It is a small change, but it is the law now to have it there.  So, what are the some of the larger costs that can affect you in an ADA lawsuit?  Well, you have probably guessed by now that it’s concrete.  Concrete ramps can be one of the most costly issues that you will have to deal with.  The good news is that when you choose Bernardo Concrete you will be dealing with a company that has mastered the art of getting your parking lot up to code for as little coat to as possible.  Many companies and ADA consultants will tell you that you need to get very costly repairs done to get your parking lot issues up to code.  On many occasions Bernardo Concrete has been called out as a second opinion contractor on an ADA issue.  Without fail, we find ways to save our ADA upgrade customers money.  In some cases we have even save them thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs.  Not only do we understand how to get their concrete fixed affordably, but we can handle their ada sign installations, truncated domes, and ADA line striping as well.

About Bernardo Concrete, Inc.

Bernardo Concrete has been installing concrete for 20 years now.  That gives us the wisdom & experience of time and we like to think that it shows in our work.  We specialize in industrial, commercial, retail and residential concrete services.  We are always looking for a challenging concrete construction project to do so, let us know if you have one by calling Toll Free 888-499-0899 .  We offer many concrete services including concrete demolition, curb & gutter installation and repair, handicap concrete ramp repair and installation (to ADA code), block wall installation and repair, concrete demolition, core drilling and saw cutting, and many more.  There are just too many services to mention all of them so, take a look at our website by clicking on any of the links within this blog.  We are located in Orange County California and service the surrounding areas including parts of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino.  If you have a project that requires a concrete contractor, then give Bernardo Concrete a call today and we will get an estimator out to your business for a fast, free quote.

Call BCI Today at One Of Our Two Locations:

Orange County / LA Office
8130 Monroe Street
Stanton, CA 90680
Tel. (714) 220-2800

Riverside / San Bernardino Office
80731 Dillon Road
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241
Toll Free 888-499-0899

Handicap Ramp Construction and What you Need to Know

Handicap Ramps Location and Placement

BCI is very precise when it comes to determining the correct location and placement of a handicap curb ramp. Based on the current ADA laws there are three major steps that we at BCI always keep in mind when it comes to location and placement of the handicap ramps. The first thought is making sure the curb ramp is as closest to the access point as possible. Also, making sure the handicap ramp coincides with the path of travel leading to and from the parking lot. Now that the correct location and placement of the handicap ramp is determined, concrete demolition should take place.

Work Area Safety and Delineation

In most cases this process requires concrete removal of the existing curb ramp. BCI always makes sure the area is secure enough for the safety of others and all its surroundings. Once the area is securely marked off, the concrete demolition begins! With this we must also keep in mind that there are different requirements in forming and establishing the elevation of a handicap ramp.

Finishing Touches to Handicap Ramps

Once the concrete has been poured, a 12″ grooved border and truncated domes (tactile dots usually blue or yellow) are inputted specifically for the visually impaired. The 12″ grooved border must be constructed at the very end of the flat surface, where it meets the cross slope. This is used to detect a change in elevation. Truncated domes must be placed at the ends of handicap ramps, only if the path of travel leads to a traffic way. These are also used by the visually impaired to detect the distance between the sidewalk and the street.

About Bernardo Concrete, Inc.

Bernardo Concrete has been installing concrete for 20 years now.  That gives us the wisdom & experience of time and we like to think that it shows in our work.  We specialize in industrial, commercial, retail and residential concrete services.  We are always looking for a challenging concrete construction project to do so, let us know if you have one by calling Toll Free 888-499-0899 .  We offer many concrete services including concrete demolition, curb & gutter installation and repair, handicap concrete ramp repair and installation (to ADA code), block wall installation and repair, concrete demolition, core drilling and saw cutting, and many more.  There are just too many services to mention all of them so, take a look at our website by clicking on any of the links within this blog.  We are located in Orange County California and service the surrounding areas including parts of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino.  If you have a project that requires a concrete contractor, then give Bernardo Concrete a call today and we will get an estimator out to your business for a fast, free quote.

Call BCI Today at One Of Our Two Locations:

Orange County / LA Office
8130 Monroe Street
Stanton, CA 90680
Tel. (714) 220-2800

Riverside / San Bernardino Office
80731 Dillon Road
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241
Toll Free 888-499-0899