What are the Benefits of Thermoplastic Road Markings?

Thermoplastic road markings are becoming more and more commonly used due to the inherent advantages gained by their materials and their method of production. Here at Road Marking Services we know how important it is to provide the best possible materials for all road marking needs, so we’ve put together this guide on just why thermoplastic road markings are leading the way. What are thermoplastic road markings? Thermoplastic road markings are mainly composed of synthetic resin and premix glass beads and are used for long term purposes. Thermoplastic paint is a solid powder before being heated and needs specialised machines during construction. The paint is melted before being transferred to the marking machine which applies the hot paint at the control of the operator. Thermoplastic paint is applied hot and cools into a line and can be coloured to specifications through the addition of pigments. Thermoplastic coating sets quickly and will adhere strongly to the surface. Extra additives can be added to retain its colour over time and to improve its reflective capabilities. Because if this, thermoplastic coating is perfect for touching up previous road markings which may have faded or need added reflective properties. Safety benefits One of the most important benefits to using thermoplastic road markings is the improvement to road safety that comes with them. Thermoplastic markings can be made to be highly reflective making them much easier to see at night or in bad weather conditions where visibility is poor. Thermoplastic markings can be laid thicker, and built up layers of the paint are used to create rumble strips which provide drivers with physical feedback in the form of noticeable vibration and an audible rumbling noise. This helps raise awareness of upcoming danger spots and warns drivers to watch their speed, resulting in less frequent collisions and accidents. Durability The strength and durability of thermoplastic materials offer important benefits to the road marking infrastructure. The long lifespan of these markings means a more cost effective way of implementing road markings due to less frequent maintenance or replacement. Thermoplastic markings can be used on any road or car park and the application of extra surface glass particles increases skid resistance. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists of any kind all reap the benefits of thermoplastic markings. The customisability means they can be put to use in all forms of marking, including car parks, cycle lanes, bus lanes and bus stops and are perfect for busy, built up areas for dense traffic segregation. Horizontal road signage is also a common application for thermoplastic markings, where visual indicators are needed either for safety – in school zones – to complement stop signs or to guide traffic and help calm and control its flow. Thermoplastic markings are great for when the driver might need additional information or awareness besides the vertical, physical signs on the roadside. Again, this is particularly important at night, due to high retro-reflectivity, which maximises its visibility in the dark.

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