Preformed Thermoplastic Pavement Markings
Add Safety and Beauty to Your Streets and Roadways with Preformed Thermoplastic Pavement Markings
One of the most versatile tools we have in the pavement marking and road safety industry are Preformed Thermoplastic Pavement Markings. These powerful communication tools for drivers and pedestrians alike are durable, safe and cost-effective.
Need a vibrant and clear demarcation for bike lanes? Want to add a welcoming touch to area crosswalks? Looking to create a special vibe in an active pedestrian area? Performed Thermoplastic offers the solution in all of these scenarios.
What is Preformed Thermoplastic?
As a plastic polymer, thermoplastic is a solid material when cooled to normal temperature ranges. With preformed thermo, the compound has been pre-shaped to make installation easier and more precise. It’s slightly different than the thermoplastic used for line striping, which is heated to the point of being a liquid and must be applied using a special truck adapted with thermoplastic application equipment. Like its line striping cousin, preformed thermoplastic can include reflective glass beads or pigments.
Preformed thermoplastic is also installed using special heating equipment. Each preformed section includes binder and filler, which become liquid when heated to form the secure attachment to the pavement below. These products can also increase retroreflectivity when installed.
Where Can Preformed Thermoplastic Be Used?
While most people associate preformed thermoplastic with lane markings on highways or crosswalk bars at intersections, we are seeing more and more road safety and beautification projects tapping into new innovative uses, such as decorative brick crosswalks or brightly colored intersection markings.
Roadway and Highway Markings
Make sure lane assignments are super clear and drivers know where to go. Arrows, highway symbols and speed limits are common pavement markings that are often installed using preformed thermoplastic.Airport Runways
The need for large symbols, letters and areas of demarcation applied with durable materials at airports makes preformed thermoplastic a long-lasting and cost-effective option. Preformed options can speed installation and cleanup of runway pavement markings.
ICYMI: A&A Safety offers superior expertise at airport runway pavement marking as well as pavement marking removal and rejuvenation. Find out more in our case study: “Runway Pavement Marking Removal Techniques at the Airfield Marking Symposium”
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
From bike lane symbols to pedestrian way-finding markings, preformed thermoplastic options make it easy to protect pedestrians and cyclists with clearly marked lanes, pathways and crosswalks.
Trending: Decorative Brick and High-Visibility Crosswalks
One of the latest trends in city street designs features adding a touch of charm, beauty or excitement to city crosswalks and intersections with stamped decorative crosswalks that looks like brick, or brightly colored high-visibility crosswalks.
Fan Favorite: Stadiums and Campuses
Want to add a gigantic logo or other elaborate design to your parking lot? Thermoplastic forms can make installation quick and easy. This type of decorative pavement marking is typically referred to as preformed thermoplastic, since each custom design requires a specialized plan where pre-colored squares must be placed specifically according to the design using a large grid. The results can be stunning and far more durable, safer and less expensive than paint.
Innovation Alert: Decorative Streetscapes
Trying to create an uplifting vibe in a CRA zone? Hoping to inspire shoppers and eaters in a pedestrian entertainment area? Preformed thermoplastic can save the day – and the budget – here too. Achieve the impactful surroundings the designers envisioned with long-lasting decorative thermoplastic pavement markings.
Benefits of Preformed Thermoplastic
Preformed thermoplastic offers excellent benefits over other pavement-enhancing alternatives, such as paint, epoxy or brick pavers.
Safety – Non-skid options and texturized surfaces to protect drivers and pedestrians.
Durability – Long-lasting performance in high-traffic and harsh weather conditions.
Visibility – Enhanced visibility day and night, including reflective options.
Cost-Effectiveness – Reduced maintenance and replacement costs over time.
Customizability – Logos, symbols, and vibrant colors for branding or unique needs.
Installing Preformed Thermoplastic
Before
During Installation
Final Result
Installing preformed thermoplastic first requires an evaluation of the current pavement surface to ensure the quality is sufficient to bind with the thermoplastic. The surface must be cleaned so no debris is in the way. A sealer is used to protect the underlying asphalt. Then the thermoplastic forms are fitted in place, making sure all materials are set in place according to the site plan. Using special infrared heaters and propane torches, the pavement and the forms are heated to form a bond. Installing preformed thermoplastic is generally quick with minimal disruption to traffic.
Let A&A Safety Help You with Your Preformed Thermoplastic Installation Needs
As experts in pavement marking installation of all types, A&A Safety has the experience and specialized equipment needed for any preformed thermoplastic project you need completed. Plus, we offer turnkey traffic management services to ensure drivers are safe and roads are quickly reopened, as well as expert pavement marking removal and cleaning services to prep the original surfaces. Let our team of dedicated pavement marking specialists help you increase safety and durability and maybe even add a little bit of charm to your next road improvement project.