COMPARISON OF
DETECTABLE WARNING PRODUCTS
Multi-Use Surface Applied, Cast-in-Place and Retrofit Panels
Answer Industries
Unique product design is compatible with any installation requirement. Surface mount fasteners, or attachable embedding anchors, provide installation flexibility, and reduce inventory needs. Integral color formulation stands up to harsh weather and traffic conditions with long-term UV color stability. Reinforced composite construction. Unique between-dome texture simplifies cleaning. Surface applied and retrofit installations are ready for use immediately after installation. Very durable and long-lasting.
Cast-In-Place Systems
Traditional size brick/concrete pavers
Can be placed in running bond, stack bond, or herringbone pattern. Best when set in concrete base. Often set in sand over concrete base. Some problems with cutting pavers to fit curves and maintain dome spacing. Very labor intensive.
Large concrete/stone pavers
Though some products can be embedded directly into wet concrete, normal installation requires an accurately formed recess in the concrete. Usually requires 28 days of curing time prior to installation of the detectable warning panel with thin-set mortar. The area is unavailable for use during that period. Very labor intensive. Weight of product is a safety concern during installation.
Metal panels
Installed in fresh concrete. Cutting for curves and odd shapes is a problem. Usually made of stainless steel, but also available in cast iron. Can be very heavy. Easily discolor. May require a slip resistant coating that tends not to wear well.
Polymer composite/fiberglass rigid panels
Can be embedded in fresh, finished concrete. Some dome designs are hard to clean.
Stamped concrete
Difficult to get acceptable results. Sensitive to concrete consistency. Forms prone to clogging and sticking, and require frequent cleaning. Variable dome heights. Requires extensive training of installers. Poor durability of painted surface. Troweled-in color hardener is labor intensive. Hard to produce a fully ADA compliant result.
Surface Applied / Retrofit Systems
Flexible mats
Applied to existing curb ramps with adhesive and fasteners. A sealant is usually applied around the perimeter of the mat. Can be cut to size. Durability during winter snow and ice removal can be a serious problem. Some products stain easily due to the porous nature of the material. Requires special care during installation to assure uniform adhesion to the substrate.
Surface applied domes
Labor intensive. May require more than one day for installation. Can conform to surface irregularities. Entire area of domes, and upper portions of many domes tend to chip off during snowplowing. Difficult to process large areas evenly. Hard to keep shapes in full ADA compliance. Domes can come off during power washing.
Thermoplastics
This is the same type of product that is used for pavement markings and is applied in the same manner. Concrete is heated to high temperatures which can weaken or damage the finish. Application of product can be hazardous to installer.
Non-Compliant Detectable Warning Systems
Grooved concrete, exposed aggregate concrete and other textures are examples of non-compliant systems.
Only truncated domes are acceptable detectable warnings.
|
