What are those dots for?

"Oh hey, what are those for?"  the average construction tradeshow attendee will say; "Wait ...don't tell me, they are supposed to be like speed bumps, for cars... or maybe pedestrians, right? Ok, ok, tell me what it is?" 

Close-up of
Vanguard Non-Skid
Truncated Domes

Still have no idea what detectable warnings are? In a country where we make equal opportunity employment and disability access a priority, how is it that so many construction professionals still are left scratching their heads when they see a photo of truncated domes?

Truncated domes, or more the commonly known detectable warnings, are used by the blind and visually impaired to navigate crosswalks and other pedestrian areas. These tactile cues are literally "Braille for the Feet", alerting the visually impaired via texture and high visual contrast that they are about to go into a high traffic area. At times truncated domes will be accompanied by audible signals also called detectable warnings at intersection crosswalks but these are not always available.

Standard Detectable Warning at Curb Ramp

If you work in the construction industry, no doubt, you’re seeing more and more mention of detectable warnings on your bid requests, designs, and projects. No doubt you've  already tried multiple other products, finding out all too well, they need repair far too soon.

Of course, it is seemingly efficient and cost effective to buy a box of “you-name-the-brand” detectable warnings and just plop them in, keeping your own laborers busy. That’s the way some people do it.

Vanguard truncated domes are different. Very. Vanguard Detectable Warning systems are liquid applied, bonding both mechanically and chemically to the underlying surface. Vanguard has approved installers nationwide to properly install and guarantee their work. Using Vanguard improves the overall quality and appeal of your finished project!

Liquid applied Vanguard Detectable Warnings bond with the entire surface, making them 100% seamless. Water penetration that can cause freeze/thaw heave is simply impossible.

Vanguard is non-skid (not “slip resistant”) so your projects are safer than with any other system available for pedestrian traffic.

Vanguard installers will assess the surface preparation, manufacture on-site the perfectly calibrated mixture for the underlying surface and known climate conditions in the area, and apply to the surface leaving zero clearance and no trip hazards. All this without the need of concrete recesses, demolition, heavy equipment, road closures, traffic redirection, etc.

Can you see how this low maintenance installation method would save your city money and time? Not to mention the accessibility liability issues that most public works and municipalities deal with on a daily basis from not having their intersections covered with detectable warnings yet!

Vanguard ADA Systems provides training and products to cover national detectable warning needs. Approved Installers of the Vanguard Detectable Warning System offer a 5 Year Replacement Warranty! For information on how to access these products, when to install them, specs, installation demonstrations and videos, go to www.VanguardOnline.com.