Why Your Sidewalk Is a Liability: Trip Hazards and the Fastest Way to Fix Them

If you’ve ever tripped on a lifted edge of sidewalk or avoided a cracked slab near a storefront, you’re not alone—and neither are your customers, neighbors, or tenants.

Uneven sidewalks are more than just an eyesore. They’re a serious safety risk and a legal liability—especially for property managers, HOAs, businesses, and municipalities across Central Washington.

The Hidden Risks of Trip Hazards

An unlevel sidewalk might seem like a minor issue until someone trips and gets injured. In Washington state, property owners can be held liable for injuries caused by unsafe walkways on or near their premises. That means one ignored trip hazard could lead to costly claims, lawsuits, or code violations.

This is especially important for:

• Commercial buildings and retail spaces

• Apartment complexes and rental properties

• Schools, churches, parks, and public spaces

• Sidewalks in residential neighborhoods

What Causes Sidewalks to Sink or Shift?

Sidewalk slabs settle or lift over time due to:

• Soil erosion from water runoff

• Freeze-thaw cycles (especially in Yakima and Eastern WA)

• Poor compaction during original installation

• Tree roots or heavy loads nearby

Once the concrete begins to move, it only gets worse with time—and more expensive to repair.

The Fastest Fix: Foam Lifting, Not Replacement

At Level Best Northwest, we use Eco-Rise foam lifting to raise and level sidewalks without replacing the slab. It’s a clean, fast, and affordable solution that eliminates trip hazards with minimal disruption.

Here’s how it works:

1. We drill small holes in the concrete (about the size of a dime).

2. Eco-Rise foam is injected under the slab, expanding to fill gaps and raise the surface.

3. The foam cures in about 15 minutes.

4. We patch the holes—and the sidewalk is safe and ready for foot traffic the same day.

Why foam lifting is better than replacement:

• No demolition or hauling away old concrete

• No damage to surrounding landscaping or structures

• Less downtime for businesses or public walkways

• Typically 50–70% less expensive than tear-out and pour

Serving Yakima and Beyond

We’ve repaired sidewalks in Yakima, Selah, Sunnyside, Ellensburg, Wenatchee, Moses Lake, Richland, and Spokane—and we know the soil conditions that lead to uneven surfaces in this region.

Whether you manage a commercial property, oversee public works, or just want to make your home safer, Level Best Northwest has the tools and experience to get it done right—fast.

Don’t wait for a trip-and-fall to become your problem—fix it before it happens.

Call 509-424-5188 or contact us online to schedule your free sidewalk inspection and estimate.