Reducing Detectable Warning Surface Maintenance

Measure twice cut once, is an old expression that exemplifies working with purpose and efficiency. In today’s world we are pulled in multiple directions due to our personal and professional responsibilities. Time is money. That is why lifecycle costs have become such a key factor in the purchasing equation. With limited budgets we all need to minimize our costs and maximize our return. Maintenance and repair costs can be more than the product itself, which is often not accounted for during the initial cost analysis.

Tactile systems are relatively new to the construction bid process, which has created a need for continued education in this field. Detectable warning surface maintenance varies widely from one product to another. Maintenance requests can be for painting, dome repair, pressure washing and/or complete replacement which all cost additional money. Though for compliance purposes it is a necessity.

What can you do to minimize these requests for rework? Specify products manufactured with a Vitrified Polymer Composite (VPC) for your detectable warning surfaces. VPC offers numerous benefits helping reduce maintenance work, let’s review.

• Discoloration is minimal and will eliminate the need to repaint the surface.

• Detectable warning surface durability is superior with VPC products in comparison to other competitor’s manufacturing materials.

• Dome repair is reduced due to VPC products offering superior strength versus other competitive products material. Repair is simple and done in minutes if a rare instance of dome replacement is required.

• Detectable warning surface maintenance and cleaning is all but eliminated as it is repels almost all liquids and other miscellaneous residue. VPC is practically a non porous surface.

Detectable warnings surface maintenance needs to be minimal for several critical reasons. The first is a need to offer safe and continuous accessibility for the disabled, impaired and enabled public. Secondly, due to budgetary constraints in maintenance departments, doing the job twice is not an option. Third, is to ensure compliance with ADA regulations.

By
Shawn Osborne

 

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