ADA Ramps: Why Buy the Best

In order to install ADA compliant curb ramps, one must meet a number of minimum standards of construction. One of the most important of those is the mandatory truncated dome detectable warning. When choosing a detectable warning product, the two major concerns are durability and detectability. For high quality, compliant ADA ramps, buy the finest products; those constructed of superior materials; those with the most ingenious designs to amplify sound on cane contact; those judged easiest to install – Buy Armor-Tile detectable warning tiles.

It is critical that an installed product continue to perform as it was intended, year after year. If the detectable warning delaminates from the substrate or breaks, wears, cracks, chips or peels, then not only is it non-conforming by its absence, but the increased risk of tripping and falling is an unanticipated liability to the city or property owner.

If a yellow product fades to a chalky white color, then it is no longer performing in terms of detectability, as intended. Therefore, resistance to the devastating effects of UV light is important to consider. Resistance to wear is important. Resistance to impact is important. Resistance to sea salt spray and road salt is important.

The ability to withstand the effects of scorching sun and repeated freeze-thaw cycles is important. Resistance to oils, chemicals, soils, foods, drinks, etc is important.

The list of detectable warning product properties to consider for longevity, durability and detectability, is quite extensive. For maintenance free, durable and detectable ADA ramps, buy a high quality product.

The finest product available, and the one which offers the lowest life-cycle cost of any available option is Armor-Tile, available from Engineered Plastics, Williamsville, NY. Call (800) 682-2525 toll free, for information, samples, literature and installation assistance. An incredible amount of useful information on tactile warnings, legislation, and answers to many commonly asked questions, is available at www.armor-tile.com.

By
Mark Heimlich

 

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