Why Use Different Colors To Distinguish Detectable Warning Panels?

Being a contractor who is interested in tactiles for sale, you might have several questions about ADA regulations and guidelines. In this blog, we are going to answer a question that we have been asked several times — why are different colors used to distinguish truncated tiles from regular pavement tiles? Read on if you want to know the answer.

The installation of truncated dome tiles are mandatory in order to comply with ADA regulations is in public places, as well as private industry. These locations are required to be compliant with the ADA Mandate, regarding detectable warnings. They need to have ADA-compliant tiles at key points such as zebra crossings and any locations that transition from a Pedestrian area to a vehicular area, void of another type of tactile warning, such as a curb stone.  Tactile warnings make these spaces accessible to visually impaired people.

Detectable warning panels alert pedestrians of a change in environment as well as busy roads. These tiles produce a different sound than the surface around them, and also have raised bumps on the surface that can be detected while stepping on it or when it comes in contact with a visually impaired person’s “white cane”.

Significance of Colored Truncated Dome Tiles 

Detectable warnings are not only for people who are blind or visually impaired.  The PRIMARY reason for the contrast is so that visually able people will clearly notice the panels, so that the protruding domes do not cause a trip hazard for them. As a bi-product benefit, these warning panels call the attention of non- visually impaired people, to potential dangerous situations. In today’s society most pedestrians are glued to their mobile devices. These changes in the ground surface & contrasting colors will help alert them that they are at the end of a safe pedestrian area, that will now transition to a vehicular or mass transit crossing point.

In addition to this, although the ADA has not specified colors of the truncated dome tiles, it has stressed on having contrasting tiles that look and feel different from the adjoining surfaces. This means that businesses can use a range of colors, if aesthetics are an important factor for their site.

However, adhering to a specific color can be beneficial for businesses as people are conditioned to pay attention to certain colors. For instance, the color yellow is one of the most common tactiles for sale and is used widely for on-road signages as it easily catches the attention of the average human eye. Having this color on warning surfaces alerts people without disabilities to be vigilant in their movements, and to orient themselves to be mindful of the surrounding environment. Many also paint such warning surfaces with a bright red color or other strongly contrasting colors that alert wheelchair users of the impending change in surface.

Property owners also wonder whether they would be able to use custom colors while buying tactiles for sale. As long as they adhere to ADA requirements maintaining a minimum 70% contrast from the adjoining areas, they are good to go.

If you have any questions regarding detectable warning surfaces, then feel free to get in touch with us. We offer a wide variety of ADA-compliant detectable warning panels made of Composite (plastic), Cast Iron, Concrete, Galvanized Steel, Stainless steel, Granite and more. If you are looking for custom-colored panels, then we are the one for you! We can meet all your unique project requirements that adhere to the American Disability Act (ADA) regulations.