If you’re part of a strata council or a property manager in Metro Vancouver, chances are you’ve noticed some cracked or uneven concrete around your property — especially along walkways, sidewalks, and common areas. Those raised edges and sunken slabs aren’t just eyesores — they’re potential liability risks.
Here’s what you need to know about trip hazards on concrete, why they happen, and how to fix them without tearing everything out.
Why trip hazards are a serious issue for strata properties
When a concrete slab shifts, settles, or cracks, it can create a vertical gap between sections — often more than ¼ inch — which is officially considered a trip hazard. These hazards:
These hazards:
- Increase the risk of injury
- Create accessibility issues
- Can expose the strata corporation to legal liability
A single incident involving a resident or guest tripping on uneven concrete could result in an expensive claim — especially if there’s proof it wasn’t addressed in a timely manner.
What causes uneven sidewalks and walkways?
At strata properties in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, the most common causes include:
- Soil settlement or washout under slabs
- Water pooling or drainage issues
- Tree root growth pushing concrete upward
- Frost heave in colder months (especially on Vancouver Island)
These issues tend to get worse over time. What starts as a small shift can turn into a dangerous step if left unaddressed.
Your options: replace or repair?
Full concrete replacement used to be the go-to solution, but it’s not always necessary — or cost-effective.
Option 1: Replace the slab
- Requires demolition, removal, forming, pouring, and curing
- Expensive and time-consuming
- Disruptive for residents
Option 2: Lift and level the existing concrete
At True Level Concrete, we offer a repair method called PolyLevel® injection, which lifts sunken concrete back into place using high-density polyurethane foam.
Benefits:
- Fast and clean (most jobs done in hours, not days)
- No digging or heavy machinery
- Residents maintain access during and after
- Long-term stability, backed by warranty
It’s a smart choice for sidewalks, patios, paths, and parkade ramps — especially in busy strata communities where disruption needs to be minimized.
Why property managers trust True Level Concrete
We’ve been working with strata councils, building managers, and commercial property owners across Metro Vancouver for over 25 years.
When you work with us, you get:
Permanent solutions backed by strong warranties
Quick, professional on-site assessments
Honest recommendations and fixed pricing
Scheduled repairs that work around your building’s needs
Clean crews that respect your property and residents
Don’t wait for an incident — book a site inspection
Trip hazards only get worse with time — and ignoring them puts your community at risk. If you manage a strata property and want to make it safer, more accessible, and compliant, let’s talk.
We’ll assess your walkways, sidewalks, and other concrete areas and give you a plan to fix them — without disrupting day-to-day life.Book your free strata inspection
Serving Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Chilliwack, and Vancouver Island.