If you are a facility manager of a public space that experiences a high volume of pedestrian traffic, such as a transit center, condo, apartment building, any high-rise building, an educational institution, a healthcare facility, a government building, or a recreational center, you know how important it is to ensure accessibility and safety for everyone who uses your space. You also know how challenging it can be to maintain your facilities in good condition, especially in Canada, where the weather can be harsh and unpredictable.
One of the key elements of accessibility and safety in public spaces is the use of tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs), also known as tactile warning surfaces or tactile paving. These are raised or textured surfaces that guide and warn people with vision impairments and other pedestrians about potential hazards or changes in direction or level. TWSIs are required by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to be installed in certain locations, such as ramps, stairs, platforms, crossings, and entrances.
However, not all TWSIs are created equal. Some products may not withstand constant use and exposure to snow, salt, sunlight, and other environmental factors that can degrade their performance and appearance over time. Regular products may need frequent replacement or repair, increasing costs and liabilities. That’s why you need ultra-durable tactile solutions built to last 10-15 years minimum, even in the most demanding conditions.
This blog post will introduce you to some of the best ultra-durable tactile solutions in Canada and help you make informed decisions about product selection and installation for your high-traffic public spaces. We will also share some examples of facilities that have benefited from installing these products and tips on evaluating your needs and options.
What are ultra-durable tactile solutions?
Ultra-durable tactile solutions are TWSIs designed and manufactured with high-performance materials and processes that ensure their long-term durability, slip resistance, ease of maintenance, code compliance, environmental friendliness, and aesthetic appeal. Some of the features that make these products stand out from the rest are:
Stainless steel tactile
Stainless steel is one of the most durable and corrosion-resistant materials available for TWSIs. It can withstand high temperatures, moisture, chemicals, abrasion, impact, and UV radiation without losing its strength or appearance. Stainless steel also has a high luminance contrast with most surfaces, which makes it highly visible for people with low vision.
Cast-in-place installation
Cast-in-place TWSIs are embedded into wet concrete during construction or renovation, which creates a strong bond between the product and the substrate. This prevents the product from becoming loose or detached over time due to thermal expansion, contraction, or vibration. Cast-in-place installation also eliminates the need for drilling holes, adhesives, or fasteners that can damage the substrate or create tripping hazards.
Surface-applied installation
Tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) are compulsory to install as per accessibility legislation. These surface-applied TWSIs come in various sizes and shapes to guide visually impaired people safely. Surface-applied tactile solutions can be applied to any existing surface and don’t cause any demolition, which makes it a cost-effective way. Tactile Solutions Canada provides CSA code compliant, wear and weather-resistant tactile solutions.
Wayfinding solutions
Tactile solutions for wayfinding provide individuals with a physical path to follow, enabling them to navigate public spaces independently. It refers to the utilization of wayfinding bars in public spaces to help people with navigation.
There are various types of tactile solutions available for wayfinding, each with its own features. Some of the best types of tactile solutions for wayfinding include:
- Cast-In-Place Tactile Wayfinding Plate: ?Advantage? Replaceable Cast Iron Tactile Walking Surface Indicator (TWSI) plates are created in strict compliance with ASTM A-48, Class 35B Grey Cast Iron.
- Eon Tile Rubber Wayfinding Bars Tile: Eon Tile Rubber Wayfinding Bars are long-lasting and flexible tactile indicators, ideal for designers and constructors who create top-quality?commercial, institutional, and public environments.?
- Advantage Tactile System Single Bars: The Advantage One Stainless Steel Wayfinding Individual Bars Tactile System has an integral texture built into the stainless steel that makes it slip-resistant and permanent.
- Access Tile Cast-In-Place Wayfinding Bars: ?Access Tiles Surface Applied Directional Wayfinding Tiles, also known as Directional Bar Tiles, are primarily designed to help individuals, especially those who are visually impaired, navigate freely and safely through public spaces
- Elan Tile Porcelain Wayfiding Bar Tile: ?Elan Tile Porcelain Tactile Indicator Wayfinding Bars are not only aesthetically stylish but also engineered for high performance. These navigation bars are constructed from the best raw materials and adhere to Porcelain Stoneware standards, making them appropriate for use in both interior and exterior applications.
Ultra-durable products available on Tactile Solution Canada that meet these criteria are:
Depending on the requirements and objectives of your company, a wide range of durable, tactile solutions are available. Typical illustrations include:
- AccessTile Cast-In-Place Attention Domes: These high-quality cast-in-place tiles with attention domes effectively increase accessibility and security.
- AccessTile Surface Applied Attention Domes: Improved accessibility and safety can be achieved with the help of surface-applied tiles with attention domes, which are reliable and simple to install.
- AccessTile Fire Resistant Tile with Attention Domes: An effective way to increase accessibility and safety in high-risk areas is to use fire-resistant tiles with attention domes. This tactile is mandatory in all buildings with more than 7 floors.
- Advantage Tactile Systems Cast Iron: For increasing accessibility and safety, cast iron tactile solutions provide a time-tested and reliable option.
- Advantage Tactile Systems Single Domes: A special and useful tactile solution for increasing safety and accessibility is offered by these single domes. These are aesthetical options on existing high-end floors.
- Advantage Tactile Systems One Plate with Domes: One plate with domes is an easy-to-install and effective tactile solution.
- Armor Tile Tactile System Cast-In-Place: Tough cast-in-place tiles offer a long-lasting and secure tactile solution for any indoor or outdoor location.
- Armor Tile Tactile System Surface Applied: This surface applied tactile solution is simple to install and offers a reliable solution for any situation.
- Armor Tile Tactile System Cast-In-Place: Tough cast-in-place tiles offer a long-lasting and secure tactile solution for any indoor or outdoor location.
- Eon Tile Rubber Attention Domes Tile: A long-lasting and slip-resistant solution for increasing accessibility and safety is rubber tiles with attention domes.
- Elan Tile Porcelain Attention Domes Tile: These porcelain tiles with attention-getting domes provide an attractive and robust way to increase accessibility.
- Replaceable Cast-Iron Cast-in-Place: Replaceable cast-iron tiles offer an affordable and reliable method to increase safety and accessibility in any setting. Replaceable cast iron is cost-effective because it is "replaceable although originally cast in place.
When selecting an attention tactile solution for your facility, keeping your objectives and target market in mind is critical. You should consider the materials and textures that will appeal to your customers the most, in addition to any pertinent practical considerations like cost and durability.
How to choose and install ultra-durable tactile solutions for your public spaces?
When choosing and installing ultra-durable tactile solutions for your high-traffic public spaces, there are some key considerations that you should keep in mind, such as:
- Location: You should follow the CSA guidelines on where to install TWSIs in your public spaces, such as ramps, stairs, platforms, crossings, and entrances. You should also consider the environmental conditions of your location, such as the amount of sunlight, moisture, salt, or chemicals that your products will be exposed to. You should choose products that are suitable for your climate and terrain.
- Luminance contrast: You should ensure that your TWSIs have a sufficient luminance contrast with your substrate, which means they are clearly visible to people with low vision. You can achieve this by choosing products with code-compliant colors or materials than your substrate or by applying a contrasting border around your TWSIs.
- Layout: You should follow the CSA and building-code guidelines on how to lay out your TWSIs in your public spaces, such as the spacing, alignment, orientation, and size of your products. You should also consider your pedestrians' traffic flow and patterns and avoid placing your TWSIs in areas where they may interfere with their movement or safety. You should use directional TWSIs to indicate changes in direction or level and warning TWSIs to indicate hazards or boundaries.
- Installation: You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to install your TWSIs properly and securely. You should also hire experienced contractors with the necessary tools and skills to perform the installation. You should ensure that the installation is done in accordance with the CSA and international standards and regulations.
What are the benefits of installing ultra-durable tactile solutions in your public spaces?
By installing ultra-durable tactile solutions in your high-traffic public spaces, you can enjoy many benefits, such as:
- Improving accessibility and safety for people with vision impairments and other pedestrians who use your facilities: You can help them navigate your spaces confidently and easily and prevent accidents or injuries that may occur due to a lack of guidance or warning.
- Reducing costs from frequent replacements or repairs of your TWSIs: You can save money and time by choosing products built to last long without losing functionality or appearance. You can also avoid potential liabilities or lawsuits arising from faulty or non-compliant products.
- Enhancing your facilities' aesthetic appeal and value: You can choose products that match your design preferences or requirements and create a professional and attractive look for your spaces. You can also demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility and inclusion by providing accessible and safe facilities for everyone.
How to determine if your public spaces need ultra-durable tactile solutions?
If you are not sure if your high-traffic public spaces need ultra-durable tactile solutions, here are some tips to help you decide:
- Check the condition of your existing TWSIs: If worn out, damaged, loose, missing, or non-compliant with the CSA standards, you should consider replacing them with ultra-durable tactile solutions.
- Check the feedback from your users: If they are complaining about the lack of guidance or warning in your facilities, or if they have experienced accidents or injuries due to poor visibility or slipperiness of your TWSIs, you should consider installing ultra-durable tactile solutions.
- Check the options available in the market: If you are planning to build or renovate your facilities or looking for new products that can improve your accessibility and safety standards, you should consider choosing ultra-durable tactile solutions.
The Wrap
Ultra-durable TWSIs are a necessary and valuable addition to high-traffic public spaces in Canada. By improving safety, accessibility, aesthetics, wayfinding, and sustainability, they can enhance the quality of life for individuals and people with visual impairments and promote inclusivity and diversity in society. Contact us today to learn how we can help you apply TWSIs in your public space.