Pathways to ADA Curb Ramps

The curb cut ramps gained widespread acceptance even before being mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 (hence the name ADA curb ramps.) The ADA curb ramps, however, posed a problem for the blind and visually impaired individuals, as the sharp drop of the sidewalk curb ramp was an indication they were approaching a dangerous traffic situation. To solve this potentially hazardous problem, the ADA curb ramp requirements were revised to include a tactile warning surface.

ADA regulations require municipalities to include tactile walking surface indicators (TWSI) at the edge of sidewalk ADA curb ramps as a warning for the visually impaired and the disability community to detect underfoot tactile paving.

The tactile warning products approved for use on ADA compliant sidewalk curb ramps are called truncated domes. They are most commonly used on transit platforms, curbs and pedestrian crossings, parking areas, and escalator and stair approaches/landings.

Access^® Tile compliant ADA tactile warning tiles include Replaceable Cast in Place, Surface Applied & Radius Curved truncated domes as well as Wayfinding tiles that are engineered and designed to exceed strict specifications. Our detectable warning pavers are the perfect solution to ensure a sidewalk curb ramp is safe for everyone. Access^® Tile products have excelled in wheel load tests, strength, moisture absorption levels, and other technical aspects found in the ADA curb ramp guidelines.

Access^® Tile has developed technology that is higher performing at a much lower cost. Our Radius Curve and Replaceable Cast in Place ADA truncated domes, as well as wayfinding tiles, may be permanently installed in any new wet set concrete construction. These detectable warning tiles are the most cost-effective ADA tile solution, providing a smooth transition to any sidewalk curb ramp design.

Access^® Tile manufactures an easy and fast alternative to wet set installation. Our Surface Applied or retrofit compliant ADA truncated domes and wayfinding tiles are lightweight, easy to handle with an aesthetically appealing with a beveled transition edge surrounding the detectable warning area. To install Surface Applied truncated domes and wayfinding tiles, a combination of tactile bond & surface applied adhesive and Axius^®fasteners are used to ensure our ADA tile is mounted securely on the concrete surface – ensuring your ADA curb ramp will stay safe and secure for the years to come.

Access^® Tile prides itself for manufacturing high quality, long-lasting, durable, weather and wear-resistant truncated domes and Wayfinding tiles. Our detectable warning products are available in many federal colors to provide a contrast color to the curb ramps: Orchre Yellow, Federal Yellow, Safety Red, Colonial Red, Brick Red, Ocean Blue, Bright White, Light Gray, Dark Grey, and Onyx Black.

Access^® Tile truncated domes and wayfinding tiles are in full compliance with all ADA requirements for curb ramps and meet all state and municipal building code guidelines. For more information, our tactile ADA Regulations page may provide additional ADA tile, ADA curb ramp, and detectable warning surface guidelines.