3 min read
The three photos
- 1The wide shotStand back far enough to see all the concrete in question and the house or garage it meets. Landscape orientation.
- 2The measurementStand a tape measure upright at the lowest edge of the sunken slab and photograph it next to the slab that didn't move, so we can read the drop.
- 3Down the lineCrouch at one end and shoot along the length of the slab. This shows tilt and whether it drains toward the house.
How to measure the drop
- At a joint, measure from the top of the higher slab straight down to the top of the lower one.
- For a slab that tipped, lay a straight board or level on the good slab, extend it over the low one, and measure the gap at the far end.
- Measure at the lowest point. That's the number that sets the price.
What your measurement tells us
| Drop at the joint | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Under ¼ inch | Usually fine to seal and watch |
| ¼–½ inch | A trip hazard; on a business's accessible route the ADA calls for a bevel |
| Over ½ inch | Lift it; the ADA treats this as a ramp on accessible routes |
| 1–4 inches | The range most residential lifts fall in |
Bonus photos that help
- Close-ups of any cracks.
- Where the downspouts discharge.
- The side of a stoop, so we can tell whether it's solid or hollow.
- Anything heavy sitting on the slab.
Ready? Send them now
Upload your photos on the next page. Firm price by text within 24 hours.