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Why
should I use the Ultra-Drain Marker?
Durability, appearance, convenience, safety. The benefits of
permanent marking with the Ultra-Drain Marker® are numerous:
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1.
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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.
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2.
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It presents a uniform and neat public
appearance (unlike spray paint) thereby eliminating complaints
about "graffiti".
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3.
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It is environmentally friendly unlike spray
paint. Spray paint can contribute to non-point source
pollution.
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4.
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It helps to prevent damage to equipment by
alerting potential excavators to the presence and location of
buried equipment.
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5.
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It aids in location for routine maintenance,
construction, and emergency access.
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I'm
sure other markers are available. Why is the Ultra-Drain Marker
special?
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.
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).
So
how do I use the Ultra-Drain Marker?
There are a variety of applications. The Ultra-Drain
Marker can be applied to virtually any flat, dry non-soil surface
using the included 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.
How
long will they last?
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 marker offers both increased UV protection and
abrasion resistance.
How
well do they stick?
They require a hammer and chisel for removal. When
fully cured the adhesive forms a permanent bond between the marker
and application surface. 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:
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1.
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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.
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2.
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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.
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3.
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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.
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The Ultra-Drain
Marker Adhesive comes in a 5 ounce squeeze tube.
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.
What
about street sweepers, snow plows and vandalism?
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
Ultra-Drain Marker. However, the Ultra-Drain Marker has been used
extensively in snowbelt areas and our customers report very little
to no actual loss.
A determined vandal can remove the Ultra-Drain
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
Ultra-Drain Marker far outweigh the risk of occasional loss or
damage to the marker due to any of the above factors.
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