Installation Instructions for ADA Compliant Tiles

All of Tactile Services, LLC detectable warning tiles are manufactured utilizing a UV stabilized fiberglass reinforced polymer composite. This material is lightweight, non-porous, and easy to handle. Due to our industry leading design, Tactile Services detectable warning pads are easy to install or replace and can easily be cut to fit any space, without voiding the warranty.

The installation process between our Replaceable Cast in Place tile and Surface Applied tile differs only slightly. Replaceable Cast in Place tiles are installed directly into wet set concrete and are our greenest option. They require the least labor and materials and come with everything needed to install multiple detectable warning tiles together. Surface Applied tiles, however, can be retrofitted directly into an existing concrete surface. These tiles require a little more work, but still install within minutes, and are incredibly versatile.

These ADA compliant tiles install using a series of anchors, fasteners, and adhesive, all of which are shipped with each order.

For specific installation instructions, please see the appropriate detectable warning surface’s section below.

Replaceable Cast in Place Tile Installation Instructions

Installation Instructions:

Maintaining a 4–7 slump range, pour and float the concrete.
Without removing any concrete, place the tile on the curb ramp 6″–8″ from the curb line (face of curb).
Tamp the tile in grid pattern across the top face, embedding the tile into the concrete using a non-marring rubber mallet.
Create an 1/4″ concrete free edge around the perimeter of the tile using a 3/8″ radius edging tool then float the concrete around the tile’s perimeter using a steel trowel.
Apply a broom-finish to the curb ramp.
After the concrete has substantially cured, remove the protective plastic wrap by cutting the plastic with a sharp knife tight to the concrete/tile interface.

Replacement Instructions

1. Unscrew T27 tamper-proof fasteners.
2. Tap perimeter of tile with a rubber mallet to remove bond of tile to concrete.
3. Use a pry bar to pry up an edge. Remove all debris from vacant cavity mold. Vacuum/sweep all crevices.
4. Insert replacement tile, gently apply pressure to seat tile in recess. Reinsert tamper-proof fasteners in hex shape concrete anchors.

Replaceable Cast In Place Installation

Replaceable Cast In Submittal Package

Surface Applied Tile Installation Instructions

The following instructions apply to Tactile Services, LLC Surface Applied tiles.

Place the tile on the designated location and trace the perimeter with a thin permanent marker.
Set the tile aside and using a 4″ diamond cup grinder, scour the concrete within the marked location and in correspondence with the location requiring adhesive as indicated in the backside of the tile.
Clear away the dust with a leaf blower then clean the back of the tile and the concrete with a rag soaked in acetone.
Apply the surface applied adhesive to back of the tile (as indicated on the tile). The first bead should be applied thin, ½” from the perimeter edge and a second thicker bead applied 1″ inside of the first.
Set the tile true and square to the curb ramp and press down firmly.
While stepping down on either side of the preformed hole, drill down 3″ into concrete slab using a hammer drill and the recommended ¼” diameter carbide drill bit.
While still applying pressure, remove the dust and any adhesive surfaces and carefully set the supplied color-matched Axius^® Fasteners with a plastic-tipped hammer. Repeat steps 6 & 7 while working across the tile from one end until all pre-formed fastener locations are completed.
Clean the perimeter of the tile and the immediately surrounding concrete with acetone making sure to remove any adhesive that has escaped from beneath the tile. Apply and smooth sealant around the perimeter of the tile.

Surface Applied Installation

Surface Applied Submittal Package

Detectable Warning Tile Maintenance Manual

Due to the undulation and texture of Tactile Services, LLC ADA tile surface, grime can build up on the lowest parts of the tile. It is essential to take extra care when cleaning tiles so all dirt can be removed. A significant advantage of Tactile Services, LLC, however, is it is completely non-porous, which prevents dirt and liquid from seeping into the body of the tile. ADA compliant tiles should be cleaned regularly to restrict the collection of dirt and dust on the surface of the tile, maintain the bright color of the tile. Regular tile maintenance is an important part of ADA compliance.

The Effect of General-Purpose Cleaners

Machine bristle scrubbing will not harm any of our detectable warning tiles, nor will general purpose commercial floor cleaners. These cleaners may weaken or dissolve the finish of your floor; however, so be careful when you apply or pick your floor cleaner. We recommend checking with the manufacturer of your cleaner to ensure that it will not harm Tactile Services, LLC, it’s grout, or your floor finish in any way.

Many neutral general-purpose cleaners are effective in regular detectable warning paver maintenance. It is essential the cleaner you choose has a base that is non-animal fat, non-oil, and non-soap. These soaps can leave an oily residue which can trap dirt and grime. Tactile Services, LLC recommendation is to test all cleaning products on a small area of the tactile paving, and adjacent floor, before applying to the whole tactile walking surface.

Avoiding Surface Coatings

Tactile Services, LLC products do not require the use of any sealants or waxes. Adding a surface coating may increase maintenance while not upgrading the appearance, dirt resistance or performance of the detectable warning pad. Surface coatings may reduce the skid resistance or visibility of the tactile warning system, which are both essential features of ADA compliance.

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