ADA Strips

Are you thinking about those bumpy tiles that are located at the base of curb cuts or transit boarding platform edges?

Those ADA Strips are known also known as; Detectable Warnings, Tactile / Tactile Tiles, or in Europe as Tactile Paving. Their existence stems from the Civil Rights Movement based on equal rights for all Americans. The purpose of those “ADA Strips” is to warn people that a danger may exist in their path of travel. This function is provided to those with little or no vision, those with cognitive disabilities and even young children.

The use of this system is a Federal Mandate that enforced when new construction or an alteration of curb cuts and hazardous vehicular ways takes place. Entities are committing considerable resources to produce approved product lists for ADA Strips but still have reservations about utilizing many available systems. There is a fear of possible liabilities issues over trips and falls because of the existence of the bumps; fear of products wearing out and succumbing to elements and or climates.

Trips over the bumps should not be a concern as their regulatory design is 0.2” high. Regulations allow for a 0.25” vertical rise on a walking surface and a rise of 0.5” as long as a 45 degree bevel is utilized from the height of 0.25” to 0.5”. Fear of products wearing out, peeling up and succumbing to elements or climates is a very legitimate concern. Long lasting products; those with a good track record would tend to be less troublesome, produce less community concern and demand maintenance budget resources.

Those ADA Strips have an important role in society; therefore they should have a long service life, so being diligent in choices of material and manufacturer is warranted.

Do you have questions? Perhaps we can help; call us at 1-800-682-2525 or visit our web site at www.armor-tile.com

ADA STRIPS

By Ron O’Neill
Engineered Plastics Inc.

Back to Articles