Rob Miller

July 26 marks ADA Awareness Day and serves as a reminder that accessibility should not be neglected. While many property owners understand the importance of ADA compliance, it is often viewed as a one-time project rather than something that should be maintained over time. Regular maintenance is necessary to identify and take care of issues before they become safety hazards.

Some of the most-common accessibility issues are easy to miss because they develop gradually. Pavement markings fade, surfaces wear down or become damaged, and tree roots can create trip hazards. Access features that once functioned properly can become more difficult to see and navigate.

Faded Markings and Missing Signage

ADA parking spaces and access aisles rely on clear, highly visible striping to remain functional. Over time, weather exposure and daily vehicle traffic can cause markings to fade, making designated areas less obvious for visitors and tenants. Missing or unclear signage can also cause confusion and may not be immediately noticeable during day-to-day operations.

Maintaining highly visible pavement markings and signage helps properties remain organized and supports safer and easier navigation throughout the property.

Inaccessible Entrances

Insufficient accessible parking and inaccessible entrances (missing ramps, narrow doorways) are among some of the top frequently-cited physical ADA violations. Access aisles, pathways, curbs, ramps and sidewalks all contribute to accessibility. 

Routine evaluations and preventive maintenance help keep pavement access features in better condition over time, contributing to overall property safety and usability.

Uneven Concrete/Pavement and Trip Hazards

ADA compliance goes beyond the presence of designated parking spaces, walkways and ramps. These paved assets must always meet ADA/HC standards, be correctly finished and be free of defects that prevent safe access. 

Small issues that may seem insignificant can create  real challenges for individuals who rely on those features for smooth, hazard-free  navigation. RAM Pavement has the expertise to remediate concrete sidewalks, curbs, ramps and truncated domes as needed.

ADA Compliance Should Be Reviewed Regularly, Not Reactively

Many property owners wait until visible deterioration or complaints arise before addressing accessibility features. However, taking a proactive approach allows issues to be identified before they become larger concerns. At RAM, we advocate Preservation through Proactive Prevention - our P3 Program.

P3 maintenance program

As a holder of the ADA Coordinator Certification, our Estimator, Peter Williams, spoke of the benefit this certification holds for our clients. “The industry knowledge of current codes, compliance and standards allows us to keep our clients aware of the liabilities and be their trusted advisor.”

With an emphasis on great communication, cost effectiveness and timely execution, RAM offers proactive management of paved assets. 

“Since we are already performing parking lot evaluations for paving and maintenance, adding accessibility assessments can strengthen client relationships and often uncover additional concrete, striping, and paving work without changing your core business.” — Peter Williams, Estimator, RAM Pavement

ADA Awareness Day is a good reminder that accessibility requires ongoing attention. Well-maintained pavement markings and access features help properties remain safer and easier to navigate for everyone.

At RAM Pavement, we work with commercial properties across the Carolinas to help identify pavement-related issues and provide proactive care to extend the lifespan of your assets. Get in touch with us.

Rob Miller is the President and Founder of RAM Pavement, a Charlotte-based commercial paving company serving property managers and businesses across the Carolinas. With more than two decades of industry experience, he focuses on practical leadership, process-driven paving solutions, and giving back to the communities RAM Pavement serves.