Q:
Why should I use the das Curb Marker? A:
Durability, appearance, convenience, safety. The benefits of permanent marking
with the das Curb Marker® are numerous:
| 1. | It
makes re-marking unnecessary for years. Many companies locate and re-mark facilities
annually with spray paint. Think of the savings in labor and paint. |
| 2.
| It
presents a uniform and neat public appearance (unlike spray paint) thereby eliminating
complaints about "graffiti". | |
3. | It
is environmentally friendly unlike spray paint. Spray paint can contribute to
non-point source pollution. | | 4. | It
helps to prevent damage to equipment by alerting potential excavators to the presence
and location of buried equipment. | |
5. | It
aids in location for routine maintenance, construction, and emergency access. |
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Q: I'm sure
other markers are available. Why is the das Curb Marker special?
A: Over
19 years of field testing and real-world use. With our own test
information gathered over the years, laboratory test data and the
experience of having over two million of our markers in service throughout
the US and seven other countries, our marking system is the most thoroughly
tested one available. We gladly offer references so that you can talk
to our satisfied customers.
Our markers are less expensive
than brass or ceramic or thermal plastic, won't crack and crumble
(ceramic), won't bend exposing sharp edges (aluminum), won't tarnish
(brass), and have no scrap value (brass & aluminum). They have
brilliant graphics tested for UV resistance and are available in non-reflective
or reflective in just about any size, shape, or color imaginable.
Only das offers three different styles of marker. Every das Curb Marker
comes with a Manufacturer's Warranty and is imprinted on the back
with a lot number for quality control.
Our
marking system is easy to use, requiring no special tools
like torches (thermal-plastic), tamping machines (pressure
sensitive tapes), drills or hardware (aluminum & brass),
or special surface preparation (pressure sensitive tapes).
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Q:
Are they available in other languages? A:
On a custom basis our markers can be manufactured in just
about any size, shape or color combination with any text
you desire. To date we have manufactured many bilingual
markers and markers employing five other languages. However,
we request that the customer provide us with the required
text. For instance, it's been our experience, with Spanish
language markers, that translations can vary in different
areas of the U.S. as well as in different Spanish speaking
countries. It's important that you employ text that is
recognizable and acceptable to your local population.
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Q:
So how do I use the das Curb Marker?
A:
There are a variety of applications. The das Curb Marker can be
applied to virtually any flat, dry non-soil surface using either das
adhesive. It can be affixed permanently to curbs (face or top), road
shoulders, sidewalks, manhole/valve covers, concrete, metal or wooden
poles, inside manholes, the list goes on. It can be provided with
a punch so that you can run cable through it, nail it or tie-wrap
it. With the use of our decal set, permanent marker, or rotary stamp,
you can indicate distance, I.D.#, specifications, installation date,
etc. on the surface of the marker. It can also be provided with consecutive
numbers or bar codes for scanning. The potential applications are
endless.
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Q:
How long will they last?
A:
There is no simple answer. We have customers using our markers
on utility patches on roads in Virginia, on curb faces in Minnesota,
and sidewalks in Florida. Because of the wide variety of applications
and weather conditions, there is no simple answer. UV degradation
is the key factor. We have independent test data as well as our own
available for your review.
Abrasion
is the other factor that determines longevity. Vehicular/pedestrian
traffic, street sweepers, salt, chemical exposure and
a variety of environmental elements can have an effect.
Our
Standard Style marker is extremely UV fade resistant but
may become marred over time if used in traffic areas.
The Economark Style marker offers a greater degree of
abrasion protection but is much less UV resistant and
may yellow or cloud over time depending upon the exposure.
For the maximum protection available, our Duracast Style
marker offers both increased UV protection and
abrasion resistance.
Given
the variety of factors that influence longevity, we suggest
that you contact das so that we can recommend the appropriate
style for your specific application.
| |
Reflective
Duracast sample placed on road, directly in tire path;
after 8 years.
Central
Florida |
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Q: How well
do they stick?
A:
They require a hammer and chisel for removal. We offer two different adhesives:
The das Curb Marker Adhesive® #RS-222 and das Quickstik™ Epoxy Putty
#QS-888. When fully cured both form a permanent bond between the marker and application
surface. With either, a hammer and chisel would be required to remove the marker.
We have test samples in place with no loss of adhesion after more than 15 years.
We also have test samples on roadways, purposely placed in the tire path, that
are still in place after more than 8 years.
By comparison others offer:
|
1.
|
Thermal-Plastic
tape which requires a propane torch for installation. This system
is not exactly "user friendly" and requires great care
in application. Too little heat and it won't stick. Too much heat
and you end up with a graphic that is an illegible blob. |
|
2.
|
Pressure
sensitive lane tape which requires a surface primer and a tamping
machine. Without appropriate pressure it will lose adhesion and
separate from the application surface in a short period of time. |
|
3.
|
Aluminum
or Ceramic markers which offer no proven compatible adhesive (customer
has to provide) or some Aluminum and Brass "systems" that
require diamond tipped drill bits for making holes and hardware
for mounting. |
The
das Curb Marker Adhesive is offered in two different packages:
a 5 ounce squeeze tube and a 10.5 ounce caulk tube. The
caulk tubes are normally employed by maintenance crews
installing larger markers and/or large numbers of markers
in succession. The squeeze tubes are the preferred choice
for smaller markers or installations being done in multiple
locations where the ability to re-cap the tube is advantageous.
Squeeze tubes are also preferred for volunteer installations
for ease of use, ease of distribution, less waste and
mess.
Our
adhesives have been tested and used under a wide variety
of conditions since 1983 and offer the perfect combination
of long term durability and ease of use.
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Q: What
about street sweepers, snow plows and vandalism? A:
Our customers experience little loss from these hazards. Our tests and testimonials
from our customers indicate little to no damage from street sweepers. A
snow plow would be capable of scraping off a das Curb Marker. However, the das
Curb Marker has been used extensively in snowbelt areas and our customers report
very little to no actual loss.
A
determined vandal can remove the das Curb marker. Although in over 19 years, we've
received very few reports of actual occurrences exceeding 1-2%.
The
benefits of permanent marking with the das Curb Marker far outweigh the risk of
occasional loss or damage to the marker due to any of the above factors.
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