Detectable warning surfaces consist of a pattern of truncated domes which are used as a non-visual marker of several key points of public spaces such as curb ramps, transit platforms, escalator approaches, and stair landings.
Required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), detectable warning surfaces greatly benefit the visually impaired by alerting pedestrians of potential upcoming hazards, such as vehicular roadways. There are, however, many benefits to installing ADA tiles.
Enhances Public Accessibility
Fundamentally, ADA tiles are used to create a more accessible space, allowing the visually impaired to navigate public spaces unaided, confidently and safely.
Wayfinding
Navigating large, open spaces can be difficult for all members of the public. Truncated dome tiles are used with wayfinding bars to create an easy to follow tactile path, guiding pedestrians to key areas like service desks or elevator banks. For the non-visually impaired, this path can also be helpful, as it provides a visual pathway throughout the space.
Eases Mobility
The carefully planned spacing between truncated domes allows for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and other mobility aids to easily navigate over the ADA tile. The truncated domes themselves protrude from the ground just enough to be felt comfortably underfoot, without becoming a tripping hazard.
Improves Pedestrian Safety
Not only do ADA tiles enhance safety for the visually impaired, but detectable warning surfaces help to improve safety for all pedestrians.
Calls Attention
The noticeable difference in surface between concrete and ADA tile signals to all pedestrians to stop, asses their surroundings and proceed with accordingly. Not only is this warning important to the visually impaired, but it helps to keep distracted pedestrians alert and aware of their surroundings, pulling attention away from phone screens.
Upcoming Hazards
While the introduction of curb cut ramps made sidewalks more accessible for those using a wheelchair or other mobility aids, the slight slope in grade made the detection of the entrance into a vehicular roadway difficult to detect for the visually impaired. The installation of ADA tiles, however provides an important safety warning, alerting pedestrians the upcoming potential hazard.
Non-Slip Surface
Top of the line ADA tiles, such as Access® Tile, come equipped with a high-density micro texture which creates exceptional slip resistance in all conditions. This non-slip grips helps to reduce slips and trips in all weather conditions, making sidewalks safer for all pedestrians.
Ensures Code Compliance
Perhaps most obviously, the installation of ADA tiles benefits any public space by ensuring code compliance. Detectable warning surfaces are regulated by local and federal guidelines to ensure safety and conformity between all installations.
ADA detectable warning tiles are required to meet the stringent guidelines in dome width, height, and spacing as well as surface area covered, color contrast, and installation location.
The benefits of detectable warning tiles reach far beyond the visually impaired and provide all pedestrians and public spaces with important safety measures.
To get the most from your ADA tile installation, choose Access® Tile’s industry leading detectable warning pavers. We offer a full range of detectable warning surfaces in a variety of sizes and colors to ensure the perfect solution for every project. Our innovative replicability feature is unmatched by any other tile in the industry and makes installation and replacement a breeze. For existing surfaces, Access® Tile’s surface applied tiles are light-weight and easy to install, without the need to disturb the surrounding substrate.
Reap the rewards of the ultimate solution® in detectable warning systems, and choose Access® Tile for your next project!
