Truncated dome mats are a type of standardized surface mats that are either fixed to the pedestrian surfaces or built into the surfaces as a warning sign to indicate the hazards on a circular path. These are three dimensional bumps designed specially for the visually impaired individuals to alert them of their entry into a parking lot to be safe from speedy vehicles.
Types of truncated dome mats
Depending on your choice and preferences you can choose the mats out of two options one of which is hard plastic truncated domes which are built in place, and the other option is glue down truncated domes which is a type of mat that are fixed to the surface using soft glue.
Other than these two options a third option exists which involves masonry paving stone and certainly is more expensive than the above mentioned ways and so less taken in practice. Let’s now learn about the advantages and disadvantages of both types of mats.
Benefits of truncated domes mats
Cast in place mats:-
- With ease in application and quick installation time, the cast in place mats are the most common type of truncated dome mats to be used till the date. Such mats can easily be installed in dry or wet concrete and be fixed sturdily.
- The regions that experience heavy snowfall are also ideal for using cast in place mats as the snow plowing can be done efficiently without causing damage to the plow.
- There are even quick removal and replacement versions of the mats available in the market to make it more worth buying. Due to being made of hard and rigid material these types of truncated dome mats are durable and damage resistant.
Glue down mats:-
- Major advantage of the glue down mats is their longer lifetime which makes them highly sustainable and reliable to use. These types of mats are made of woven rubber material which is not only easily repairable but paintable as well and hence, it is a cost effective solution.
- Glue down mats when worn out gets damaged leaving patches of the beneath surface to come out. However, these missing damaged patches can be easily replaced by a professional contractor.
- Replacing the damaged parts of the glue down mats costs less than replacing the entire mat.
- Glue down mats eliminates the worry of discoloration as they can be easily repainted anytime as often as needed.
Some major drawbacks
Cast in place mats:-
- Due to being made of extremely rigid and solid material these types of mats do not tend to deteriorate, but sun and water damage can make these mats bend or warp. These curved or bent edges if not repaired immediately can lead to serious tripping injuries for the pedestrians.
- Cast in place mats are also prone to fading away with time due to the sun exposure. This may not affect public places much, but can certainly cause a negative impact on the high-end business or establishments. These mats generally cannot be painted over causing you to replace them if they get discolored.
Glue down mats:-
- The main drawback of the glue down mats is the cost as they are slightly on the higher end of the price bar compared to the latter type of mats. However, considering other factors such as long-term benefits and durability, the cost factor can be satisfied.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of truncated dome mats can also depend on other factors on which is the location. Let’s say the project you are working on involves freshly poured concrete, for which the cast in place mats will suit the best. If you want to upgrade an establishment to meet the regulatory standards then, glue down mats fit the best. Professional services can further help you select the best truncated dome mats by considering other essential factors of a project and resulting in value for budget advisory.