The Blueprint for Safety: A Guide to Installing Indicator Domes

Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSIs), particularly the individual indicator domes, are a critical component of modern infrastructure, providing essential guidance and warnings for people with visual impairments. Among the most trusted options on the market are Advantage One indicator domes. Their durable, precision-engineered design is only as effective as its installation. This guide walks you through the proper procedure, ensuring a secure, long-lasting, and compliant installation using the hole template and specialized glue.

Before You Begin: The Right Tools for the Job

A professional installation starts with a prepared workspace and the right equipment. For Advantage One domes, you’ll need a few key items:

• Advantage One Indicator Domes: Ensure you have enough domes for your project, plus a few extras. Typically, the indicator domes come in boxes of 1,000 pieces.

• Manufacturer’s Hole Template: This is the cornerstone of a precise installation. It guarantees correct dome spacing and pattern, meeting all accessibility standards.

• Rotary Hammer Drill: The power tool of choice for drilling into concrete or asphalt.

• Drill Bits: A 5/16-inch drill bit is typically recommended to match the dome's peg perfectly.

• Industrial-Grade Adhesive: Use a high-strength polyurethane or a specialized tactile adhesive, such as the one recommended by Advantage Tactile.

• Caulking Gun: For applying the adhesive cleanly.

• Shop-Vac or Air Blower: To clear debris from the drilled holes.

• Safety Gear: Gloves, safety glasses, and a hard hat are a must.

Step-by-Step Installation Procedure

1. Surface Preparation is Paramount The foundation of a strong bond is a clean surface. The installation area must be completely free of dirt, dust, grease, oil, and any other contaminants. Sweep the area thoroughly, then use a solvent to clean it. For new concrete, ensure it has been fully cured, typically for a minimum of 30 days.

2. Place and Secure the Hole Template Lay the manufacturer-provided template over the prepared surface. Position it precisely where the domes will be installed, ensuring it is perfectly aligned and level. To prevent any movement, secure the template firmly with heavy weights, tape, or by drilling a couple of initial holes and inserting a dome’s pegs as anchor points. It is recommended to have 1 template for every ~25 domes installed.

3. The Art of Drilling Using your rotary hammer drill and the appropriate drill bit, begin drilling through the holes in the template. The goal is to drill a straight hole to a consistent depth. The dome’s peg is usually about one inch long, so the hole should be drilled to a slightly greater depth to allow room for the adhesive. Once all holes in the template section are drilled, use a shop-vac or blower to remove all dust and debris from each hole.

4. The Adhesive With the holes prepared, it’s time to apply the adhesive. The peg on the bottom of the Advantage One dome is designed to be anchored firmly. Inject the adhesive into each drilled hole, filling it about a quarter of the way. This is a crucial step—do not overfill the holes, as excess adhesive will spill out and create a messy cleanup.

5. Install the Domes Immediately after applying the adhesive, firmly insert each Advantage One dome into its designated hole. The dome's peg should slide in smoothly. Push down with firm, even pressure until the dome’s base is flush with the surface. A rubber mallet can be used to tap the dome gently into place.

6. The Final Touches and Curing Once all the domes are installed, clean up any excess adhesive that may have squeezed out around the base of the domes. An acetone-soaked rag is effective for this. The final and most important step is allowing the adhesive to cure fully. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the adhesive and environmental conditions. Prevent all foot traffic from the area until the domes are fully set and the surface is safe for use.

Final Note from Access Installs

While this guide provides a detailed look at a proper installation, the reality is that every project is unique. Our team at Access Installs has extensive experience in the precise and compliant installation of all types of accessibility-related warning and wayfinding indicators. We understand the nuances of different surfaces, materials, and complex layouts. If you have a project and would like the peace of mind that comes with a professional installation, we invite you to contact us to discuss your specific needs. Let us help you ensure your space is not just compliant, but genuinely accessible.