Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How heavy are the detectable warning tiles?
The Cast In Place Tiles are approximately 3 lbs per square foot and the Surface Applied Tile are approximately 2 lbs per square foot.
2. What are the detectable warning tiles made of?
Armor-Tile truncated dome tile is made of a polymer composite that incorporates aluminum oxide for extreme wear resistance, and the best UV protection available to resist fading and material breakdown when exposed to sunlight / UV rays.
3. Do the Cast In Place tiles need steel bars through the embedment flanges?
No they do not. The holes in the embedment flanges allow the concrete to flow through each embedment flange ultimately anchoring the tile in place. No other anchoring or rebar is required with the Cast In Place System.
4. What other adhesive, fasteners (anchors) or sealant is required to install the Surface Applied Tiles?
The fasteners and adhesive (Armor-Bond) are included when the surface applied system is purchased. Armor-Seal, which is the perimeter sealant specified is sold separately through the manufacturer. When you purchase Surface Applied Tiles be sure you have the proper number of fasteners, Armor-Bond and Armor-Seal.
5. Do you have installation instructions?
Yes. We have installation instructions written in English and Spanish with pictures to help each step of the way.
6. Where can I find Installation instructions?
Instructions are included in each shipment of Armor-Tile, our website and CD has an installation slide show for the Cast In Place and Surface Applied truncated dome systems. Written instructions can also be downloaded from our website.
7. Does Armor-Tile meet ADA requirements?
Yes. Armor-Tile has been manufactured to function as the best truncated dome detectable warning surface available while meeting ADA / ADAAG requirements.
8. What are the dome spacing dimensions of Armor-Tile?
The center to center spacing of the truncated domes is 1.67” or 2.35” in the diagonal direction.
9. What is the height of the Armor-Tile truncated domes?
Armor-Tile curb ramp tiles are manufactured with 0.20” high truncated domes.
10. Is Armor-Tile manufactured in different colors?
Yes. Armor-Tile truncated dome detectable warning surface tiles are manufactured in six (6) basic stock colors. However we do color match, please contact us for your requirements.
11. Does the winter climate affect the Armor-Tile product?
No. Armor-Tile Detectable Warning System Tiles are stronger in lower temperatures and are nonporous therefore will not absorb water through freeze thaw cycles.
12. Do elements such as salt affect the Armor-Tile Detectable Warning System Tiles (DWST)?
No. Testing has shown that salt, chewing gum, aerosol paint can be removed without staining Armor-Tile. 1% hydrochloric acid and other elements found in subway stations have has been tested and proven not to affect Armor-Tile.
13. Do you have installation demonstrations and training?
Yes. We have installation training for concrete contractors, inspectors, or anyone who needs installation training.We also provide installation demonstrations upon request.
14. Can Surface Applied Armor-Tile be placed on asphalt and if not what would be an alternative solution?
We do not recommend the application of Surface Applied Armor-Tile on asphalt. An alternate solution is to saw cut and remove the asphalt, then pour concrete in its place and embed the Cast-In-Place Armor-Tile Detectable Warning Tactile Tiles.
15. Can Cast-In-Place Armor-Tile be embedded in asphalt?
We do not recommend the application of Cast-In-Place Armor-Tile in asphalt. An alternate solution is to saw cut and remove the asphalt, then pour concrete in its place and embed the Cast-In-Place Armor-Tile Detectable Warning Tactile Tiles.
16. What is the minimum size tile requirement that meets with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guide Lines (ADAAG)?
The new draft guide lines specify the tactile detectable warning surface begin 6” to 8” from the curb line (generally at the back of curb) and extend 2’ in the direction of travel on the curb ramp. The width of the tactile detectable warning surface is also specified to extend the width of the flat portion of the ramp.
Please refer to the guide lines for specific proper applications through the following link: https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards
17. After installing Surface-Applied Armor-Tile there is a need to open the area to pedestrian traffic and visual community as soon as possible. Do you supply a fast-setting perimeter caulking?
Yes, our Surface Applied Armor-Tile Detectable Warning System specifications state that “Armor-Seal” must be used as the perimeter sealant. Armor-Seal is a fast set one part polyurethane that maintains elastomeric properties.
18. What is “sound on cane contact”?
“Sound on cane contact” is an audible feature which gives a loud ringing/echo type sound when Armor-Tile is swept or tapped by a visual person’s cane. This system was developed by our own engineers to enhance the detectability of the warning surface for the visual community.
This feature is optional in our Cast-In-Place system and pertinently manufactured in the Surface Applied system.
19. Can I cut the Armor-Tile product? If so, does it affect the warranty?
Tiles can be cut to custom sizes, or to make a radius, using a continuous rim diamond blade in a circular saw or mini-grinder. Use of a straightedge to guide the cut is advisable where appropriate. Cutting Armor-Tile does not void the warranty.
20. The white plates are installed as an optional “sound on cane contact” audible feature in the Cast-In-Place tile.
The white plates are installed as an optional “sound on cane contact” audible feature in the Cast-In-Place tile.
21. What are the manufactured sizes of Armor-Tile?
It as always time efficient and more conducive to proper installation when the largest available size is used to fit the application.
Nominal Armor-Tile Cast-In-Place Length and Width Sizes are: [12”x12”] [24″x24″] [24″x36″] [24″x48″] [24″x60″] [36″x48″] [36″x60″]
Nominal Armor-Tile Surface Applied Length and Width Sizes are: [24″x24″] [24″x36″] [24″x48″] [24″x60″] [36″x48″] [36″x60″]
** 12’ x 12” size is available in offset dome pattern only and does not have beveled edges. This tile is used to fit in tiled flooring where detectable warnings for water fountains and drinking fountains are required.
22. I need to install 200 feet of Surface-Applied Armor-Tiles in a continuous line. Are there any special procedures?
Our recommendation is to cut off the bevel at the adjoining ends to maintain proper dome spacing from one tile to the next. Armor-Tile has a small micro texture that forms an unbroken line at center line between the truncated domes, if the bevel was cut off at this line the truncated dome spacing remains consistent over the full length of the detectable warning area.
We also recommend that a 1/16” expansion gap be maintained between each adjoining tile.
23. Are there any restrictions for installing Surface-Applied Armor-Tiles?
We specify applications on concrete that is 30 days cured. The Armor-Tile Surface Applied system is designed for concrete applications.
24. My project specs call for 1’x 1’ / 2’x 2’ pavers, can I obtain Armor-Tile in these sizes?
Please call our office for technical help at 1-844-697-2920 (USA) or 1-844-697-2905 (Canada)
25. My project specs call for 1’x 1’ / 2’x 2’ pavers, can I obtain Armor-Tile in these sizes?
Please call our office for technical help at 1-844-697-2920 (USA) or 1-844-697-2905 (Canada)
25. Which type of tile should I use for my project?
If you are pouring concrete for a new ramp we recommend the use of our Cast-In-Place system. It is economical and allows for earlier completion date as the tiles can be installed during the time of concrete pour.
The Surface Applied system is used to retrofit existing concrete at least 30 days old. The Modular system is only used rarely in specific situations, please call our office for technical assistance at 1-844-697-2920 (USA) or 1-844-697-2905 (Canada)
26. What tools will I require to install the Cast In Place tiles?
You will need a rubber mallet to tap the surface of the tile to imbed it in the concrete and get rid of air pockets. You will also need a small edging tool to finish the concrete around the edge of the tile and a knife to remove the plastic sheet from the tile. One or two concrete blocks may be required to hold the tile in place while the concrete sets.
27. Under what conditions can the Surface Applied tiles be installed?
The Surface Applied tiles can be installed when the temperature is at a minimum of 40 degrees. New concrete must cure for 30 days prior to installation.
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