Imagine you are standing in front of a bustling commercial building in downtown Toronto or a quiet community center in Vancouver. You’ve just finished a site audit and realized that the entrance ramp is missing a crucial safety feature: Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSIs).
As a facility manager or contractor, your heart sinks a little. You look at the perfectly good, cured concrete that was poured years ago. The panic sets in - do you have to rip all of this up? Do you need to bring in jackhammers, pour fresh concrete, and shut down the entrance for days just to install those essential yellow attention domes?
It is a common nightmare scenario we hear about constantly at Tactile Solution Canada. The myth that tactile solutions can only be installed into fresh, wet concrete is persistent, but we are here to bust it wide open.
The short answer is: No, you do not need fresh concrete. Whether you are dealing with a brand-new construction project or a decades-old sidewalk, there is a compliant, durable, and aesthetically pleasing tactile solution ready for you.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the two titans of the tactile industry: Cast-in-Place (for fresh concrete) and Surface Applied (for existing surfaces). We’ll dive deep into the technical nitty-gritty, Canadian accessibility codes, and help you decide which method fits your project like a glove.
Let’s introduce you to Mark, a seasoned landscape contractor in Ottawa. Last year, Mark was juggling two very different projects.
Mark called us in a bit of a sweat regarding Project B. “Do I really have to pour new concrete to get these detectable warning surfaces in?” he asked.
When we told him about Surface Applied Tactile Solutions, the relief was audible. For Project A, he went with Cast-in-Place tiles dropped right into the wet mix. For Project B, he used surface-applied tiles that adhered directly to the existing ground. Both projects passed inspection with flying colors.
The moral of the story? One size does not fit all, but there is a solution for every surface.
Let’s start with the method most people are familiar with: Cast-in-Place (Wet Set). This is the gold standard for new construction projects.
Cast-in-Place tiles are designed to be embedded directly into wet, uncured concrete. These tiles usually feature anchors or ribs on the underside that lock into the curing concrete, creating a monolithic bond. Once the concrete hardens, that tile isn't going anywhere - it effectively becomes part of the substrate itself.
When Should You Use It?
Why We Love It (and You Will Too)
Now, let’s talk about the solution that saved Mark’s heritage project: Surface Applied (Retrofit) tactiles.
Surface-applied tiles are designed to be installed on top of existing surfaces. They are typically bonded to the substrate using a combination of heavy-duty structural adhesives and mechanical fasteners (screws and anchors). They feature beveled edges to prevent them from becoming a tripping hazard themselves.
Almost! Surface-applied solutions are incredibly versatile. You can install them on:
To help you visualize the decision-making process, let’s break down the key differences using industry metrics.
Whether you choose Cast-in-Place or Surface Applied, the most critical factor is compliance. In Canada, we don't just install these for looks; we install them to ensure safety and independence for the visually impaired.
Both methods are fully compliant with:
Key compliance checks to keep in mind:
Rest assured, all products supplied by Tactile Solution Canada meet these rigorous Canadian standards.
We know that reading about "truncated domes" and "polymer composites" can be a bit overwhelming. Sometimes you just want someone to tell you exactly what you need for your specific door, ramp, or stairwell.
That is why we developed our Solution Finder Tool.
Think of it as your digital project consultant. You simply input a few details:
And voila! The tool recommends the exact product that fits your needs. It takes the guesswork out of compliance. We highly recommend giving it a spin before you finalize your material list.
A: No. Compliant surface applied tiles feature a strict beveled edge ratio (usually 1:2) to ensure a smooth transition from the floor to the tile. Wheelchairs and pedestrians can roll over them easily.
A: Absolutely. Our products are engineered for the "Great White North." They are tested for freeze-thaw resistance and are salt-resistant. However, we always recommend using plastic shovel blades or snow blowers with rubber edges to prolong the life of surface-applied tiles.
Whether you are pouring a fresh sidewalk for a new city park or retrofitting the steps of a historic library, the goal remains the same: creating a space where everyone, regardless of ability, can navigate with confidence and dignity.
You don't need to wait for a massive construction project to make your facility accessible. With Surface Applied Tactile Solutions, you can make a difference today. And if you are breaking ground on something new? Cast-in-Place ensures that safety is built right into the foundation.
At Tactile Solution Canada, we are more than just suppliers; we are your partners in creating a barrier-free Canada. From the initial design to the final screw, we are here to help you navigate the codes and choose the right product.
Ready to find the perfect fit for your surface? Visit our Solution Finder or browse our catalog of high-quality Attention Domes, Wayfinding Bars, Stair Nosing and Photoluminescent Exit Signs.
Let's build a safer, more accessible world together, one step at a time.
