Concrete and Asphalt Paving for Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare facilities like hospitals, medical centers, clinics, and nursing homes have unique needs when it comes to their outdoor concrete and asphalt surfaces. These pavements must accommodate ambulances, wheelchairs, stretchers, rushing staff, and vulnerable patients on a 24/7 basis through all weather conditions. They also undergo heavy foot traffic and vehicle loads, leading to rapid deterioration if not properly maintained.
Proper paving and diligent upkeep of parking lots, sidewalks, ramps, and driveways are critical for keeping people safe and allowing efficient facility operations. By partnering with a qualified paving contractor, healthcare facilities can ensure they meet all ADA compliance standards while implementing durble, long-lasting pavement solutions.
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Unique Paving Needs for Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities have vastly different requirements for their roads, parking areas, and walkways compared to most other properties. Their unique needs include:
Transporting vulnerable patients
Avoiding tripping hazards
Accommodating ambulance traffic
Heavy traffic volumes
Accessibility around-the-clock
In particular, ADA compliance should be a top priority for healthcare facilities, as any violations can spur injury lawsuits or land them with federal fines of $75,000 for first offenses and $150,000 for subsequent ones.
ADA Compliance is Critical
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets legal standards for the design and construction of accessibility features like sidewalks, parking spaces, ramps, and restrooms. All public facilities must comply, with requirements varying based on when construction or alterations occurred. Some major requirements related to outdoor concrete and asphalt include:
Sidewalk/ramp widths
At least 36 inches of smooth clearance. 60 inches allows two wheelchairs to pass.
Sidewalk slope
No more than 1:20 (5%) grade. 1:12 (8%) is only acceptable for very short distances.
Ramp slopes
1:12 (8%) is the max grade. No more than 30 feet between landings.
Parking spaces/access aisles
Qualified paving contractors
Around-the-Clock Access is Necessary
While a retail store may schedule their parking lot repair during off hours, healthcare facilities almost always need to remain open to the public. This means paving contractors must implement careful traffic control plans and phase projects appropriately to avoid blocking critical access routes like:
Ideally, work should be structured to keep over 50% of parking available at any time. Detours, signage, cones, and flaggers may be deployed as well.
It’s also imperative that contractors **notify ambulance companies** of intended construction timelines and available pathways well in advance. Emergency vehicles cannot ever be impeded from swiftly reaching their destinations to transport patients in need of critical care.
Thoughtful project planning is crucial for zero disruption of operations at active healthcare facilities.
Developing an Optimal Paving Maintenance Plan
Correctly Identifying Pavement Deficiencies
The first step in devising an appropriate paving maintenance scheme is performing detailed assessments of all roads, parking zones, sidewalks, courtyards, ramps, and pathways. Some key inspection areas include:
Visual examination
Subgrade testing
Wear testing
Drainage evaluation
Repair history
Prioritizing Maintenance Needs
Higher Priority |
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Lower Priority |
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They must also set realistic budgets that won’t defer critical frontline repairs but still dedicates funds to lower-risk preventative maintenance. Consulting an experienced contractor helps establish appropriate budgets and timelines.
Implementing the Right Solutions
Crack sealing
Patching
Sealcoating
Resurfacing
Milling down badly damaged upper layers and applying new overlay bonds old and new for restored function.
Full reconstruction
An experienced contractor like Buck Bros Paving and Concrete will have in-house project managers guiding appropriate application of the optimal methods for each deficiency.
Enhancing Safety Through Paving Best Practices
Beyond addressing deficiencies, certain best practice standards in layouts, markings, signage, lighting and material section also enhance safety for healthcare facilities.
Maximum Visibility for Vehicles and Pedestrians
Reflective paints
Durable crosswalk striping
Adequate lighting
Signage/directional arrows
Optimizing Parking Lot Layouts
Angled parking
Ample aisle widths
Loading zone setbacks
Dedicated ambulance parking
Utilizing Durable Paving Materials
Asphalt
Reinforced concrete
Asphalt overlays
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should healthcare facilities resurface their parking lots?
What paving solutions allow for construction without full closures of healthcare facilities?
How can you determine if pavement deficiencies meet ADA compliance thresholds?
Should ambulances have dedicated lanes through hospital parking lots?
Call to Action
Keeping outdoor concrete and asphalt surfaces smooth, safe, and accessible year-round is crucial for healthcare facilities and staff focused on patient care. By partnering with professional paving experts respected across your region, you can ensure proper ADA compliance, safety, visibility, durability and maintenance for decades of reliable operation.
For a free consultation on optimizing the safety and accessibility of your healthcare facility’s vital pavement infrastructure, contact the experts at Buck Bros Paving and Concrete today at (419) 536-7325. Our bonds and insurance protect your interests while our specialized skills, equipment, and diligent crews implement proven concrete and asphalt solutions exceeding healthcare needs.