How to install tactile studs and strips
What should be checked before installing tactile studs and strips?
Tactile studs and strips can be installed onto a wide variety of existing surfaces, but the process should start well before the first hole is drilled. The layout, fixing, substrate and conditions on site all need to be right if the finished installation is going to remain secure and communicate the intended tactile message.
The following guide covers the main stages of a drill-and-resin installation. Product instructions and site-specific safety requirements should always be followed, particularly when working with resin, power tools or finished floor surfaces.
Before installation: confirm the layout
First establish which tactile pattern is being applied and where it begins and ends. A product can be manufactured to the right dimensions and still be installed incorrectly if its spacing or orientation is wrong. Mark the main path lines, check the distance from with kerbs, steps, doors or platform edges and lay out the full arrangement before fixing anything permanently.
For blister arrangements, our article on how far apart tactile studs should be installed gives a more detailed explanation of setting out.
Check the surface
Concrete, natural stone, tarmac, timber, ceramic and porcelain surfaces all behave differently when drilled or bonded. Check the surface material, thickness and condition, and look for cracks, loose areas, contamination or coatings that could affect the fixing. Concealed service grids, membranes and underfloor heating should also be identified before drilling.
As a rule, we do not recommend using a conventional fixing pin on thin porcelain or ceramic tiles. Pressure from drilling, the pin or the resin can damage the tile. Our article on installing tactile studs on porcelain and ceramic tiles explains the alternatives.
Choose the right fixing
Across tactile stud and strip ranges you will normally find machined, welded and threaded pins, alongside screw-fixed and self-adhesive products. A machined pin is formed from the same piece of material as the head. A welded or threaded pin is manufactured separately and then joined to it. Each has its place, with the choice usually coming down to product design, cost and the circumstances of the installation.
Our guide to different tactile stud and strip fixing pins compares the main types in greater detail.
What equipment is needed?
For a typical drill-and-resin installation you will need:
- A setting-out drawing or installation template.
- A suitable drill and drill bit for the surface.
- A depth stop or another reliable way of controlling hole depth.
- A push pump, vacuum or suitable method of clearing dust from the holes.
- Compatible resin, a resin gun and mixing nozzle.
- Cleaning materials and the appropriate personal protective equipment.
Step-by-step: installing pin-fixed tactile studs and strips
The basic process is:
- Mark the complete layout and check it against the relevant drawing or guidance.
- Drill each hole to the diameter and depth required by the fixing pin.
- Remove dust and debris from both the hole and the surrounding finished surface.
- Prepare the resin in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Insert enough resin to coat and secure the fixing without creating excessive overspill.
- Press the stud or strip into position and check its level, direction and alignment.
- Remove excess resin before it cures and protect the area from traffic.
- Allow the resin to reach the required cure before opening the route.
For a fuller explanation, including equipment and resin quantities, see how to use epoxy resin to install architectural studs.
When should self-adhesive or temporary indicators be used?
Self-adhesive indicators are useful where drilling is not possible or where the installation only needs to remain in place for a limited period. They are commonly used indoors, during phased works or to maintain an accessible route while a permanent surface is being completed.
The surface still needs to be clean, dry and suitable for the adhesive. Temporary does not mean maintenance-free – the installation should be inspected regularly and replaced if an indicator begins to lift. See when to use temporary tactile ground surface indicators for more information.
Final checks
Once the fixing has cured, check the complete surface for alignment, secure seating, resin residue and damage to the surrounding finish. Keep a record of the product, material, fixing and layout used. This makes future inspection and replacement much easier, particularly on large public-realm and transport projects.
If the project requires setting-out or installation support, Studmarc provides additional project services alongside its product ranges.