Is High-Friction Surfacing Losing Its Grip?

We recently had the privilege of connecting with numerous council representatives at the LCRIG Innovation Festival and be among the many exhibitors. Showcasing our flagship cold-applied High-Friction Surfacing (HFS) system, HyperGrip™, we engaged in countless insightful conversations.

We were so impressed by the LCRIG event, which saw record-breaking attendance and left a truly special impression on us. As exhibitors, we had a fantastic two days, and it was clear that the nine-member LCRIG team did an exceptional job of organising everything. We’re already looking forward to returning next year!

A recurring theme that emerged from discussions with council members was a noticeable decline in confidence in HFS.

But why is an industry staple, designed for enhanced safety facing such scepticism?

Many council members disclosed that the application used was hot-applied HFS. Its tendency to crack and require frequent, costly maintenance symbolises short-term fixes and wasted resources. It fuels the public’s frustration and leaves councils feeling caught in a relentless cycle of repair and complaint. This misuse, coupled with a tendency towards premature failure, is unfortunately beginning to tarnish the reputation of High-Friction Surfacing as a whole.

However, here’s where we offer a different path – a path to genuine peace of mind. 

Our cold-applied High-Friction Surfacing system, HyperGrip, was born from a deep understanding of these very challenges. After months of intensive research and development, we engineered a solution designed for longevity, reliability, and most importantly, the ability to deliver on the promise of lasting safety.

Our commitment to this vision is proven in the field. At QMS, we have installed over a million square metres of our cold-applied HyperGrip™ across various demanding environments, and we are proud to say it has never failed. This isn’t just anecdotal evidence. The Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) itself states that cold-applied systems boast a lifespan of over 12 years.

While various HFS methods aim to improve skid resistance, their compositions and application methods can lead to vastly different long-term outcomes. HyperGrip™ offers a robust, resilient and flexible surface engineered to withstand the test of time, delivering consistent safety benefits without the common issues associated with other methods.

It’s clear that the industry’s waning confidence in HFS isn’t a reflection on the technology itself, but rather on the misapplication and limitations of certain types of systems. It’s time to differentiate and for councils to rediscover the true value and reliability that high-quality, cold-applied HFS can offer our roads.

HyperGrip™ is just one part of our range of surfacing services, covering everything from anti-skid treatments to resin bound finishes.