The 3 Features Every Great Detectable Warning Paver Should Have 28 Jul 2022, 4:26 pm

All areas open to the public must be truly accessible, meaning persons of all abilities can easily access the space, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is dedicated, in part, to ensuring this! These spaces demand safe, practical, and durable accessibility solutions such as detectable warning pavers. Looking for these three key features in your next detectable warning paver is critical to finding the right solution. 

Non-Slip Texture

As an important accessibility product, it is crucial every aspect of detectable warning pavers enhance safety. The addition of a non-slip texture on the surface of the ADA tile protects pedestrians from slips and trips in all weather conditions. This micro-texture is not only helpful in wet and slippery conditions, but in sloped areas, such as curb ramps and wheelchair ramps, allowing pedestrians to gain traction and call attention to their surroundings before proceeding.

To further enhance pedestrian safety, detectable warning surfaces should be installed flush with the surrounding substrate to eliminate any tripping hazards. 

Contrasting Color

While the ADA does not require ADA tiles to be any one specific color, the legislation does require detectable warning surfaces to provide a stark visual contrast against the surrounding surface. This means light colored ADA tiles, such as yellow, should be applied on dark substrates, and dark colored ADA tiles, such as black, should be applied on light substrates. Some local building codes, however, may enforce their own standards outlining the accepted colors for detectable warning surfaces. Custom colors may also be used in some areas, but the chosen color must provide significant contrast. 

Yellow is a popular choice for detectable warning pavers as it is an eye-catching color that provides significant contrast against most substrates and communicates the need for caution.

Durability

Durability is an all-around important feature regarding detectable warning pavers. ADA tiles that are not made to last can fail and begin to lift away from the surrounding substrate, causing a serious tripping hazard. Additionally, detectable warning pavers that cannot withstand heavy foot traffic are likely to wear down, meaning the truncated domes will become worn out, and no longer easily detectable, negating the purpose of the tile, no longer providing a tactile warning. 

ADA tiles manufactured from durable FRP composite materials, however, have been shown to remain unaffected by heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions, continuing to provide critical wayfinding and accessibility while enhancing pedestrian safety for years to come, when installed correctly.   

When it comes to accessibility, and safety, make sure you aren’t settling for anything less than the industry’s best! As an important accessibility feature detectable warning pavers play a big role in public accessibility and finding the right solution for every space helps to create a more accessible, and welcoming community. 

Access^® Tile prides ourselves and providing the ultimate solution in detectable warning systems. Our ADA tiles have been carefully designed and rigours tested to ensure industry-leading detectability and durability. Manufactured from the best composite polymers available, each of our detectable warning pavers are slip, corrosion and abrasion resistance. Available in replaceable cast in place, surface applied, radius curve, and wayfinding bar configurations, there is sure to be an Access^® Tile for every project! 

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3 Detectable Warning Surfaces to Make an Accessible Path in Any Space 15 Jul 2022, 6:26 pm

As a major aspect of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) detectable warning surfaces are used to ensure public spaces can easily be accessed by persons of all abilities, by providing non-visual wayfinding ques. 

The intended purpose of ADA tiles is to protect visually impaired pedestrians from potential hazards, such as sudden drops, unexpected objects, or oncoming traffic, as well as creating safe and easy to follow pathways. 

Truncated Dome Tiles

As the most popular detectable warning surface, truncated dome tiles can be seen installed in a number of public spaces including transit stations, parking lots, pedestrian pathways, and more. The unique truncated dome texture, which is easily differentiated from the surrounding substrate, acts like a caution or stop sign, providing pedestrians with a non-visual alert of upcoming hazards or change in the pathway.

Simply, a detectable warning surface with truncated domes is used to mark a decision-marking point along a pathway or communicate the end of the path. Truncated dome tiles are a vital aspect of creating an accessible path in any public space. 

Wayfinding Bar Tiles

Rather than a repeating dome texture, wayfinding ADA tiles are comprised of a series of raised bars, with a micro-texture on and in-between each bar for enhanced detectability and slip-resistance. Where truncated dome ADA tiles are used to call attention a pedestrian’s surroundings and act as a sign of caution, wayfinding tiles are used to provide orientation and navigation to persons with visual impairments. 

Wayfinding bar tiles are used in conjunction with truncated dome tiles to create a complete, non-visual pathway, and indicate the primary routes of travel within public spaces, guiding pedestrians to major destinations such as transit stops, information desks, and elevator call buttons. Wayfinding ADA tiles allow person with visual impairments to orient themselves in an unfamiliar space and follow their desired path safely and without barriers. 

Radius Curve Tiles

One of the most common application locations of ADA tiles is on curb ramps, or at pedestrian crossings. The subtle slope of a curb ramp was introduced to allow persons using wheelchairs or other mobility aids to easily mount and dismount the sidewalk. This however, removed the tactile clue of the change in pathway, which was provided by the drop-off of the curb. To counteract this, ADA tiles have become required on all curb ramps. 

Radius curve ADA tiles can be used to easily accommodate the unique shape and size of these areas while still meeting accessibility standards, resulting in a fully accessible path in any location. 

By installing ADA tiles, you can create an easy to follow, code-compliant pathway, allowing your space to become truly accessible!  

Access^® Tile offers the ultimate solution in detectable warning surfaces, provides a full range of ADA tiles to ensure a code compliant solution for every project! Our expertly engineered detectable warning pavers are available as replaceable cast in place tiles, which are the ideal solution for new projects, as well as surface applied tiles which can be used to easily retrofit existing surfaces.  Additionally, Access^® Tile offers directional wayfinding tiles and a range of radius tile sizes, perfect for pedestrian crossings.

Rely on Access^® Tile to create accessible pathways in any space!

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What to Consider When Choosing Detectable Warning Pavers 27 Jun 2022, 6:53 pm

As an important aspect of public accessibility, detectable warning pavers are required in a number of areas of public life, to ensure access to persons of all abilities. 

With many code compliant ADA tile options available, however, how can you be sure you are choosing the right detectable warning surface for your project? From correctly serving a specific role to enhancing public accessibility and safety, and ensuring durability, considering the following factors will help you find the right ADA tile for every project. 

Installation Application

The installation type will have a great impact on which ADA tile you should chose for your project. For new construction, opting for a cast in place, or replaceable cast in place, ADA tile is ideal. This configuration of detectable warning paver installs directly into wet-set cement, ensuring the ADA tile sits flush with the surface. As the cement dries, the ADA tile becomes permanently adhered. 

For existing projects, consider opting for surface applied ADA tiles. The installation of surface applied detectable warning pavers does not require any demolition or disruption of the substrate, as the ADA tile installs directly on top of the surface. 

Considering your application type puts you on the right track on choosing the best ADA tile for your project. 

Truncated Domes

While there may be many ADA tile options available, ensuring the detectable warning paver you chose for your project is code compliant is critical to code compliance and public accessibility. 

When considering your options for ADA tiles, take into consideration the following code requirements for truncated domes from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): 

The base diameter of truncated domes must be between 23mm and 36mm with a top diameter of 50% of the base.

Truncated dome spacing must allow for easy detectability without making it difficult for walkers, wheelchairs, strollers and other mobility aids to navigate. Accordingly, the center-to-center spacing of truncated domes must be between 41mm and 61mm, with a base to base spacing of at least 17mm.

Durability

The durability of an ADA tile is not only important to the longevity of the tile but for pedestrian safety as well. If an ADA tile becomes worn down the truncated domes will no longer be easily detected, negating the purpose of the tile and no longer providing a tactile warning of upcoming hazards. Additionally, if the installation fails an ADA tile can end up creating a tripping hazard. 

ADA tiles manufactured from durable FRP composite materials have been shown to remain unaffected by heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions, continuing to provide critical wayfinding and accessibility features for years to come.  

Cleaning and Maintenance

After installation, constant maintenance is not always feasible, which is why choosing a low maintenance ADA tile is an important consideration!

Installing a durable ADA tile that will withstand the wears and tears of intensive everyday use will eliminate all maintenance and replacement costs and opting for a replaceable cast in place tile will save time and money should replacement ever be required.  

With so many options available, considering these factors will help you pick the right ADA tile for your project! 

Access^® Tile proudly offers the ultimate solution in detectable warning systems! Our ADA compliant detectable warning tiles offer industry-leading detectability and durability features at the most cost-effective price point available on the market. Rely on Access^®Tile to bring your project up to code, and enhance accessibility in your community!

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How to Enhance Public Accessibility in your Community 8 Jun 2022, 8:07 pm

Creating public spaces that are easily accessed by persons of all abilities can present many benefits to your community. From an increased sense of welcoming and belonging to a potential increase in sales at local businesses, enhancing public accessibility is in the best interest of everyone!

Public accessibility goes beyond the benefits for persons with disabilities and finding ways to enhance accessibility in your community may be easier than you think.

Understand Accessibility Compliance

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. This important, and extensive, document outlines all areas of public life to ensure individuals with disabilities are given equal opportunities. This includes public accommodations, transportation, employment, and more.

Understanding what the ADA requires in your place of business or community is the first step to ensuring public accessibility. Understanding the code compliance regulations allows you to take the appropriate steps in providing the best accessibility solutions available. 

Install ADA Tiles

As part of the ADA requirements, detectable warning surfaces are required in a myriad of public spaces, including train platforms, crosswalks, parking lots and even escalator approaches. These detectable warning pavers, or ADA tiles, provide a non-visual warning of upcoming changes in the pathway, or potential dangers, such as a sudden drop off or the entrance way into a vehicular roadway, that persons with visual impairments may not be aware of. 

The installation of ADA tiles can enhance public accessibility in a number of ways such as allowing persons with visual impairments to safely navigate public spaces unaided, and even calling a pedestrian’s attention to their surroundings. By installing ADA tiles, in accordance with ADA regulations, persons with visual impairments are able to more easily access the businesses and services offered within your community.

Increase Wayfinding Cues

Navigating unfamiliar spaces can be difficult for anyone, regardless of ability, and taking the right steps towards enhancing public accessibility can help! The installation of detectable warning pavers creates a pathway that can easily be followed by all pedestrians.

ADA tiles provide a tactile pathway that is easily differentiated from the surrounding substrate, either felt comfortably under foot or detected using a guidance cane. Wayfinding tiles can be used with truncated dome tiles to create a complete and easy to follow and understand, pathway. This wayfinding cue is also helpful for persons without visual impairments as it provides an easily seen and followed pathway that leads to key points in the space, such as an information desk or bank of elevators. 

Ease Mobility

Trying to enhance accessibility in one regard should not negatively affect accessibility in another!

For example, truncated domes on an ADA tile are carefully spaced to ensure strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids can easily roll over the truncated dome texture without getting stuck. Similarly, ADA tiles are installed flush with the concrete surface in order to eliminate the potential for tripping hazards. 

Enhancing public accessibility can provide greater benefits than you may think and could be even easier! The installation of ADA tiles is just one way to reap the benefits of public accessibility and make your community a more welcoming place.

Rely on Access^® Tile’s industry leading detectable warning pavers to enhance accessibility. 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!

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The Benefits of Surface Applied ADA Tiles 25 May 2022, 5:18 pm

Detectable warning tiles are a vital requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which help to ensure all areas open to the public are easily and safely accessible by all members of the public, regardless of ability. These truncated dome tiles can be seen installed in any number of public places, including outdoor spaces like curb ramps and parking lots, and are used to warn pedestrians of upcoming potential hazards or changes in the path ahead.  

While the ADA outlines stringent requirements for ADA tiles, the installation type may vary from project to project. Finding the right application of ADA tiles for your property not only enhances accessibility, but can bring many other benefits to your project. 

The installation of surface applied ADA tiles can provide many benefits to any project.

Avoids Demolition

While it is common for ADA tiles to be installed into wet-set cement, this can cause a myriad of challenges for existing surfaces. With surface applied ADA tiles, however, all concrete demolition, and any of the associated challenges, can be avoided, allowing for an easy, code-compliant upgrade to any space. 

Unlike cast in place ADA tiles, which are installed in wet cement, surface applied detectable warning pavers are installed on top of the existing concrete surface, with the use of premium adhesive and fasteners. 

Easy to Install

Partly due to their light weight, surface applied ADA tiles are easy to handle, and easy to install. Installing right on the existing substrate, the installation of these detectable warning pavers only takes a few minutes. Opting for an FRP composite tile allows for easy on-site cutting to create custom installations and accommodate any radius application. 

Additionally, surface applied ADA tiles are installed flush to the substrate, eliminating the potential for slip and trip related injuries. 

Ideal for Interiors

Because the installation of surface applied ADA tiles does not require any demolition of existing substrates, these detectable warning pavers are ideal for interior applications. Easily applied on any existing substrate, surface applied ADA tiles can be installed in any building to meet ADA requirements, without costly renovations. 

Available in a variety of colors, the installation of ADA tiles can work to compliment your building’s design rather than distract from the overall look and feel of the space.

Highly Durable

The permanent installation created between ADA tile and substrate, from the use of a premium adhesive and fasteners, provides a highly durable ADA tile installation. Due to their strength  and permanent installation, surface applied ADA tiles will not buckle under harsh weather conditions, become worn down under heavy foot traffic or lift from the concrete in any way.

In addition to meeting code compliance and enacting public accessibility, the installation of surface applied ADA tiles can provide your project with many benefits! From negating the need for costly and timely demolition to increased durability, surface applied ADA tiles are the ideal choice for many projects.

As the industry’s leader in detectable warning surfaces, Access^®Tile offers a full line of carefully designed and expertly manufactured surface applied ADA tiles, available in a wide range of colors, sizes and radius sizes to accommodate any area requiring the installation of ADA tiles. 

Our industry-leading detectable warning pavers are also available as a replaceable cast in place configuration, ideal for new construction. 

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How ADA Tiles Give Property Managers a Peace of Mind 16 May 2022, 2:40 pm

Required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), detectable warning tiles are required in several areas of public life, to ensure all persons have the same access to public areas, regardless of ability. Not only does the installation of ADA tiles ensure code compliance, but as a property manager, ADA tiles can provide you with an added level of peace of mind, knowing your property is safe and accessible for all members of the community.

Enhanced Accessibility

The installation of ADA tiles gives you one less thing to worry about, knowing your property can easily be accessed by persons with visual impairments. Say you’re a business owner, the installation of ADA tiles can help increase foot traffic to your business, potentially leading to an increase in sales as well, by ensuring persons of all abilities can safely and easily access your business. 

ADA tiles provide an ease of accessibility without making major changes to the appearance of your building.

Ease of Wayfinding

While ADA tiles are installed to provide a non-visual warning of upcoming potential hazards, such as oncoming traffic or the edge of a transit platform, they also create a pathway that is helpful for all pedestrians. 

In a large, unfamiliar space it can be difficult to navigate to the main point of interaction, such as a hotel lobby front desk or a bank of elevators. ADA tiles, however, create an easy to follow pathway that is easily seen. In this instance, the installation of detectable warning tiles ensures occupants of all abilities can easily navigate their way around your property, reducing the need for other wayfinding hints. 

Increased Pedestrian Safety

The installation of ADA tiles is not just for the visually impaired and can increase safety for all pedestrians in a number of ways! 

Comfortably felt underfoot, detectable warning surfaces can call a pedestrian’s attention to their surroundings and acts as a signal to stop, assess their surroundings and proceed with caution. The stark visual contrast provided between brightly coloured ADA tiles and surrounding concrete acts as a visual warning to potential upcoming hazards. Additionally, ADA tiles provide a non-slip surface, helping to minimize slips and trips in all weather conditions.

The installation of detectable warning tiles will help increase safety on any property they are installed. 

Maintenance Free Solution

As a property manager, you have a lot on your plate, and the installation of ADA tiles takes one more thing off your plate. Installed into wet-set cement or retrofitted to existing substrates, detectable warning tiles are securely installed to provide a long-lasting, durable accessibility solution, that does not require constant care and maintenance.  

The benefits of installing ADA tiles goes beyond meeting code compliance, and can provide property managers with an added level of peace of mind!

Access^®Tile offers the ultimate solution in detectable warning systems! Our full range of detectable warning tiles, including replaceable cast in place, surface applied, and radius curve, have been carefully designed and expertly manufactured to ensure total code compliance, durability, detectability, all at the lowest cost available.

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5 Things You May Not Know About ADA Tiles 25 Apr 2022, 2:21 pm

It’s likely you walk over, or even see, ADA tiles every day! Although they may be very common in all public areas, there may still be some things you don’t know about detectable warning tiles. While serving a critical role in public accessibility and safety, ADA tiles provide a myriad of additional benefits, and have an interesting history.

First Used in Japan

In the 1960s as his best friend started losing their vision, Seiichi Myake designed and developed early variations of today’s detectable warning pavers. Credited as the inventor of ADA tiles, Myake took inspiration from braille and used truncated domes, protruding from the walking surface, to signalize upcoming hazards.

Within a decade, ADA tiles were required in all rail stations in Japan, before becoming a requirement in the United States in the 1990s.

Provides Audible Feedback

In addition to being felt comfortably underfoot, truncated domes also provide an audible difference between ADA tile and surrounding walkway, when tapped with a guidance cane.

Truncated domes will make a unique sound, when tapped with a guidance cane, making the tile surface easily distinguishable from the surrounding walkway or path, providing another non-visual warning and path marking cue. 

Not Just for Visual Impairments

Although intended to make public spaces truly accessible to all, no matter of ability, ADA tiles do not serve just those with visual impairments. For distracted pedestrians, ADA tiles can help call attention back to the immediate surroundings.

The noticeable change in walking surface catches pedestrians’ attention, giving the cue to look up and take in their surroundings before proceeding. Additionally, the bright color and stark visual contrast provided by ADA tiles calls attention from a distance, warning pedestrians to stay alert for any potential hazards or changes in the pathway.

Protects Against Slips

In addition to their critical role as a non-visual path marking cue, ADA tiles provide a non-slip grip, protecting pedestrians from slips and falls in all weather conditions. The micro-texture present on detectable warning tiles provides a non-slip grip which is not only helpful in wet and slippery conditions, but in sloped areas, such as curb ramps and wheelchair ramps, allowing pedestrians to gain traction before proceeding.

No Demolition Required for Installation

The installation of ADA tiles does not have to be timely or expensive! The easiest, and most cost-effective solution for brining existing areas up to ADA compliance is to install surface applied tactile warning tiles.

Installation of these ADA tiles does not require the disruption of the surrounding substrate and requires only a premier adhesive and fasteners to create a long-lasting and durable solution.

In addition to their role in creating truly accessible public spaces, ADA tiles provide important safety benefits to all pedestrians, and have a long history of doing so! Access^® Tile provides the ultimate solution in detectable warning systems and allows for an easy and cost-effective way to enhance public safety. For new construction, replaceable cast in place detectable warning pavers are the ideal solution, while surface applied truncated domes can easily retrofit existing surfaces without having to disturb the surrounding area. For every project, Access^® Tile offers the right solution in detectable warning surfaces!

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Detectable Warning Tiles: A Roadmap to Success 14 Apr 2022, 4:54 pm

Becoming law in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures all Americans have the same level of access to public life, regardless of ability. Because of the importance the ADA carries, implementing each aspect of this act should be planned carefully to ensure true accessibility.

Detectable warning tiles, a critical aspect of public accessibility, are no different. Following this roadmap to success puts you on the right path to creating a truly accessible space!

Understand Code Compliance

While meeting code compliance is a major concern for any project, understanding the reasoning behind the regulations is just as important.

Detectable warning tiles are an important aspect of the ADA and allow public spaces to remain truly accessible to all members of the public, regardless of ability. ADA tiles are required to provide a non-visual pathway as well as a non-visual warning of upcoming changes or potential hazards.

Additionally, the success of ADA tiles is determined whether they meet the stringent guidelines outlined in the ADA, such as installation location, truncated dome height and width, surface area of installation and more.

Define Installation Locations

ADA tiles are required in several key areas of public spaces to provide non-visual wayfinding cues and path marking. Refer to the ADA to clearly define the required locations of ADA tiles, to ensure your space remains easily accessed by persons with visual impairments.

As a starting point, consider the most common installation locations for ADA tiles, such as:

• Curb Ramps
• Transit Platforms
• Stair Landings
• Parking Lots
• Concourse Halls

Determine Application Type

The application of ADA tiles may vary, based on installation location or building code regulations. For example, replaceable cast-in place ADA tiles are often recommended in new construction as they are placed directly into wet-set concrete, creating a permanent installation.

Alternatively, surface applied truncated dome tiles are commonly used to retrofit existing areas as installation does not require disturbing the substrate, and are well-suited for interior applications.

To accommodate the radius curve found at many pedestrian crossings, ADA tiles are also offered in standard radius sizes to easily ensure code compliance.

Follow Through with Installation

After clearly defining the ADA tile installation locations in your space and determining the right application, it’s time to bring all your careful planning to fruition!

Referring to the ADA and any other applicable building code guidelines, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a code compliant installation of your ADA tile. Following through on the installation is the most important stop on the roadmap to successful detectable warning tiles.

The Final Product

By now you should have a successful installation of ADA tiles! After the installation has set you can rest easy knowing your space is easily accessible and allows persons with visual impairments to safely navigate the space, unaided.

Understanding the importance of detectable warning tiles is just the first step on a roadmap to successful ADA tile installations. As a critical aspect of the ADA, detectable warning tiles provide critical accessibility to public spaces.

For the most successful 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. 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!

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The Benefits of Replaceable Cast in Place ADA Tiles 31 Mar 2022, 8:50 pm

As required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) detectable warning surfaces play a vital role in public accessibility and pedestrian safety. The installation of ADA tiles ensures all spaces of the public remain truly accessible by all members of the public, regardless of ability. The truncated dome pattern acts as a warning to those with visual impairments of upcoming changes in the pathway or potential dangers.

While the requirement remains the same, the application of truncated domes can vary from project to project and using the ADA tile that provides your project with the most benefits is key. For new, and even existing, projects replaceable cast in place ADA tiles provide a myriad of benefits.

Easy to Install

For new projects, replaceable cast in place ADA tiles install directly into wet-set concrete in a matter of minutes. Opting for lightweight FRP composite tiles allows for easy on-site cutting to provide a custom fit or any angled, radius, or specialty installation.

The dried concrete will create a permanent installation between the ADA tile and sidewalk.

Permanent Installation

Placed into wet-set concrete, the anchors on the backside of replaceable cast in place ADA tiles create a permanent interface between the tile and the anchoring system. As the concrete dries, the anchoring system becomes locked into place, creating an incredibly durable, permanent installation.

While the anchors remain permanently installed in the cement, the replaceable cast in place detectable warning surface provides flexibility and easy replacement.

Avoid Concrete Demolition

In high-traffic areas, or in the case of damage, replacing ADA tiles may be necessary. One of the most notable benefits of replaceable cast in place tiles is the ease of replacement. Unlike other cast in place tiles, the replacement of replaceable cast in place tiles does not require any concrete demolition, saving you time and money.

Simply unscrew the tile top from the permanent anchors and switch it out for a new tile. This process can be done in a matter of minutes, without the use of machinery or increased manpower.

Increased Durability

The permanent adhesion created by the dried concrete and anchors provide an increasingly durable ADA tile installation. Due to their secure installation, replaceable cast in place tiles will not buckle under harsh weather conditions or lift away from the concrete in any way.

Replaceable cast in place tiles are set directly into wet-set concrete, rather than sitting on top of the surface, creating a more durable installation.

The installation of replaceable cast in place ADA tiles provides your project with many benefits! From the ease of replacement to the durability of a permanent installation, replaceable cast in place detectable warning tiles are the premier choice for tactile walking surface solutions.

Boasting industry leading replaceability features, Access^® Tile provides the ultimate solution in detectable warning systems. Our innovative replaceability feature is unmatched by any other tile in the industry and makes installation and replacement a breeze.

Our expertly engineered detectable warning pavers are also available as surface applied tiles which can be used to easily retrofit existing surfaces. Additionally, Access^® Tile offers directional wayfinding tiles.

The post The Benefits of Replaceable Cast in Place ADA Tiles appeared first on Access Tile Tactile System.

The History of Detectable Warning Tiles 18 Mar 2022, 4:27 pm

Almost every public space we visit, or busy intersection we cross, we are sure to walk over those brightly colored, bumpy tiles. Although we come across these truncated dome tiles frequently, we may not consider their intended purpose, or even how they became so popular.

The Invention of ADA Tiles

In the 1960s in Japan, a good friend of Seiichi Myake was starting to lose their vision. Seeing the difficulty his friend had navigating public spaces, Myake designed and developed early prototypes of our modern-day tactile warning pavers, and is credited as the inventor of these detectable warnings.

Inspired by braille, Myake used round domes, protruding from the walking surface, to signalize upcoming hazards, and later used straight bars to create a non-visual pathway. Within a decade, Seiichi’s invention was required in all rail stations in Japan, later being named “Hazard Guide for the Vision Impaired.”

The Requirements for ADA Tiles

After their success in Japan, the requirement for detectable warning pavers quickly spread around the world, and were being installed in the Unites States, Canada, and the United Kingdom by the 1990s.

In 1990 the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into legislation, requiring public spaces to remove any barriers that would hinder access by persons with disabilities. ADA tiles became an important part of ADA requirements as these detectable warning pavers allow persons with visual impairments to easily and confidently, navigate public spaces unaided.

This ensures persons with visual impairments have the same level of access to community and public services, employment, shopping, and public transit as persons without disabilities.

Additionally, the ADA provides clear guidelines on the installation location of ADA tiles, ensuring all public spaces are truly accessible by persons of all abilities, and the depth of installation has also been carefully considered to ensure the visually impaired have enough warning to assess their surroundings and proceed accordingly.

The Evolution of ADA Tiles

The need for ADA tiles became apparent after the passage of the Rehabilitation Act in 1973.  This act required curb ramps at major intersections, making it easier for persons using mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and walkers, to easily get on and off the sidewalk.

While the gradual slope created by curb ramps enhances public accessibility for persons using mobility aids, the sloped ramp removed any non-visual, tactile warning of the entrance into busy roadways.  Without the curb drop off, persons with visual impairments could no longer detect the entrance into the roadway. The requirement for ADA tiles at pedestrian crossings became more popular, reintroducing the non-visual cue lost by the sloped ramp.

In a similar vein, ADA tiles are also required on transit platforms, to warn of the steep drop off onto the tracks.

Upon initial introduction, many expressed concerns about how or if ADA tiles would hinder accessibility for others. The design and configuration of ADA tiles has been reconsidered and carefully planned to ensure the truncated domes do not protrude so far from the surface they create a tripping hazard, while still remaining easily detectable under foot, and not so close together it makes it difficult for mobility aids to travel over the detectable warning tile.

Quickly becoming a part of public accessibility in Japan, and then around the world, ADA tiles provide critical, non-visual ques which allow persons with visual impairments to freely navigate public spaces safely and unaided. Just like Seiichi Myake’s friend, millions of people around the world have benefited from his thoughtful invention.

Decades after their invention, Access^® Tile brings you the ultimate in ADA tiles. Our perfectly code compliant detectable warning pavers feature industry-leading durability and detectability, all at the most cost-effective price point on the market.

Available as Replaceable Cast in Place, Surface Applied, Radius Curve, and Wayfinding Bars, Access^® Tile offers a code compliant solution for every project.

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