FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Detectable warning tiles and requirements

Yes. Since the mid 1980’s ADA Solutions has been manufacturing the highest-quality detectable warning products in the world. All of ADA Solution’s products adhere to ADAAG and PROWAG requirements.

The current guideline requires the detectable warning surface to begin 6” to 8” from the back of the curb extending 24” or 2 feet in the direction of travel. To learn more about the various regulations related to detectable warning surfaces please visit our Government Regulations Page, or call us anytime at (800) 372-0519.

Yes. We offer two solutions. First, you can take our FREE online course. Or, for larger firms, we offer on-site learning sessions. Please call (800) 372-0519 to arrange a site visit by one of our AIA Approved Facilitators.

ADA Solution’s uses the most advanced homogenous glass and carbon reinforced composite to create a colorfast and U.V. stable product. Each truncated dome is fiberglass reinforced for enhanced durability. The color is uniform throughout, and does not rely on a surface coating (paint) to achieve color stability.

A detectable warning surface features a pattern of domes that alerts a person with visual impairments or other disabilities to oncoming traffic or other hazards. It can be felt by foot or when using a cane, wheelchair, or scooter, and it indicates flush boundaries at curb ramps, between pedestrian and vehicular routes, and unprotected drop-off areas at public transportation stations and stops. Detectable warnings are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

A truncated dome is a type of detectable warning designed to help an individual with a visual impairment tell where there’s a boundary between a sidewalk and street. Truncated domes can be used near curbs and where curbs have been eliminated. They create a distinct pattern of raised elements that can be detected by foot or with a cane. ADA Solutions has been manufacturing detectable warning products with truncated domes since the mid-1980s.

No. The larger holes in the sides of the embedment flanges of the cast-in-place product are designed to let concrete flow through to securely anchor the product in the fresh concrete.

Fasteners and adhesive are included with each tile. Purchase a quality sealant (Sonneborn NP1 or equivalent) to seal the entire perimeter of installed tactile to finish the installation.

ADA Solution’s brochure contains detailed installation instructions for all of our detectable warning systems. Ask your local distributor or call (800) 372-0519 to request a brochure.

The following detailed instructions are also available for download:

ADA Solutions is the only detectable warning manufacturer to offer both 1.67” and 2.35” center to center spacing. Please call (800) 372-0519 to discuss available sizes, colors and dome spacing.

ADA Solution’s manufactures all of our truncated domes to measure .20”

ADA Solutions prides itself on maintaining the highest levels of inventory in the (6) most popular colors used nationwide: Yellow, Clay-Red, Brick-Red, Black, Gray and Blue should be available for immediate shipping.

Please call (800)372-0519 with any questions.

Yes. ADA Solutions manufactures custom colors. Please call us at (800)372-0519 to discuss your custom color needs.

No. ADA Solution’s uses the most advanced composite materials that are not affected by extreme low or high temperatures.

For additional information refer to our Product Test Data

No. Lab testing shows that salt will not affect the composite material used to manufacture ADA Solution’s detectable warning tiles. In fact, chewing gum and even spray paint can be removed without staining ADA Solution’s detectable warning tiles.

No. Due to the instability of the asphalt surface we do not recommend it for the application of surface mounted detectable warning tiles. For a long term solution, we recommend pouring a concrete footer and installing ADA Solution’s cast-in-place or replaceable cast-in-place system.

“Sound on cane” is an important element of ADA Solution’s detectable warning tile design. The visually impaired, and blind, rely on audible cues from their cane as they sweep it in front of them. ADA Solution’s composite material and proven design features enhance sound attenuation making them the best choice for true detectability.

ADA Solution’s cast-in-place, retrofit, and radius systems can be cut in the field. Use a continuous rim diamond blade or a 32 tooth carbide tip blade to cut the tiles. We do not recommend cutting the straight replaceable tiles. Please call (800)372-0519 for more information.

ADA Solution’s detectable warnings are sold through local distribution. Please call (800)372-0519 with any questions.

Find a distributor near you by searching on our Dealer Locator page

Please contact us at (800)372-0519 and we will submit our products to the necessary department for approval.

Use a half-inch countersink bit to create a recess in any of the existing truncated domes. Install the fastener as provided. Please call (800)372-0519 with any questions.

We recommend cutting the bevel off and measure to keep the domes properly spaced. Then simply caulk the joint between the tiles.

Please call (800)372-0519 to speak with speak with an experienced professional.

Installation of successive replaceable tactile units requires specific installation procedures. Please read through our Replaceable Installation Instructions or call (800)372-0519 with any questions.

Yes. The adhesive requires temperatures of 30 degrees F and rising to allow for proper curing.

For new construction we recommend the cast-in-place, or cast-in-place replaceable systems. The cast-in-place and cast-in-place replaceable systems allow for an earlier completion date – saving you time and money. The surface mounted system is used to retrofit existing concrete ramps.

Please call (800)372-0519 to discuss the best detectable warning solution for your current and future jobs.

You will require a rubber mallet, as well as edging and finishing tools. Also, a razor knife for removing the plastic protective covering after installation. Please read through our Cast-In-Place Installation Instructions or call (800)372-0519 with any questions.

ADA Solution’s radius replaceable and radius retrofit systems are designed to save you time and money. No more wasted material or manpower. To learn more about our line of Radius Products please visit our Radius Products Page, or call (800)372-0519 for more radius system information.

There are currently no requirements to demarcate access aisles for accessible parking stalls, although detectable warnings are required for curb ramps and blended transitions between pedestrian passageways and street crossings. The ADA also requires them for pedestrian islands, at-grade rail crossings, and edges of unprotected boarding platforms and boarding/alighting areas of sidewalk/street-level rail vehicle stops.

A series of Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines pertains to public rights-of-way, not private property. Proposed in 2015 to update the 2010 ADA Standards, these guidelines concern pedestrian access to sidewalks and streets and cover crosswalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, parking, and street furnishings. Under the new guidelines, detectable warning surfaces would be required to be a minimum of two feet deep in the direction of pedestrian travel.

Seiichi Miyake, a Japanese inventor, was inspired to create tactile paving when a friend was losing his vision. The first tactile paving surface appeared in 1965. It consisted of special mats with raised shapes, including round bumps to signal danger and straight bars to guide pedestrians toward safe areas. These “Tenji blocks” were first used in 1967, near the Okayama School for the Blind in Japan.

Over the next decade, tactile pavement spread to Tokyo and Osaka; detectable warnings were included as part of the 1991 ADA requirements and their scope has since been expanded.