High friction surfacing, a safe and effective way to improve the braking time of vehicles and reduce accidents.

High Friction Surfacing: A Guide

30 September 2024 Grace

High friction surfacing, otherwise known as HFS or anti-skid surfacing is a cost-effective way to improve the skid-resistance and the safety of roads. In this article, our team of road surfacing experts will explain in more detail the following:

What high friction surfacing
QMS HyperGrip™
How high friction surfacing works
Where can high friction surfacing be installed?
Benefits of high friction surfacing

Hypergrip forward and turn right

What is high friction surfacing?

High friction surfacing is a type of road surface that has been designed to help reduce the risk of skidding and traffic accidents. Introduced in the 1960s, the anti-skid road material was designed to slow down vehicles, resulting in shorter braking times. Instead of traditional smooth tarmac road surfaces, in areas of high traffic or an increased risk of collisions, anti-skid surfacing is installed.

Additional line markings can then be installed on top of the high friction surfacing, to provide road users with further information.

QMS HyperGrip™

Having worked in the road surfacing and line marking industry since QMS began in 2001, at QMS we knew that the anti-skid treatment being used often didn’t last as long as it should, or would take a long time to cure. To counteract this, QMS created a brand-new, perfect anti-skid surfacing treatment solution – QMS HyperGrip™. While most anti-skid treatments start to crack or take a long time to cure, QMS HyperGrip™ was developed to be the solution to all of those pain points and more.

QMS HyperGrip™ is:

Fast curing – can be installed quickly and efficiently and fit around timetables
Durable – unlike traditional high-friction surfacing, QMS HyperGrip™ is long-lasting and will not crack or shift
Attractive – at QMS, we pride ourselves on creating tailored solutions, which is why our HyperGrip™ is available in a range of colours to best suit your needs

Hypergrip truck

How does high friction surfacing work?

QMS HyperGrip™ and all high friction surfacing work by creating an increased level of friction against a vehicle and the road surface. The anti-skid material is designed to be highly fractious and provides 1000s of contact points between the vehicle’s tyres and the road surface, helping them come to a slower and safer stop.

As a vehicle enters the anti-skid road area, the car needs to increase the amount of energy and power to maintain its speed. When slowing down at a junction or roundabout, the high friction surfacing helps the car reduce its speed and therefore reduces the braking force and time. Allowing the driver to maintain control and stop the vehicle safely.

High friction, thanks to its contrasting colours and textures to standard roads, also works to increase visibility during both the day and at night.

Where can high friction surfacing be installed?

Traditionally, QMS HyperGrip™ and other high friction materials are installed in areas where there is an increase risk of collisions, including:

Junctions
Pedestrian crossings
Roundabout approaches
Cycle and bus lanes
Fast bends
Across bridges and other narrow or increased-risks roads

However, with QMS, our team can install our award-winning surface treatment on any surface, with a service that is tailored to your requirements.

QMS high friction surface treatment

Benefits of installing high friction surfacing

High friction surfacing offers a wide range of benefits, including;

Creating safer driving conditions – installed in areas of high collision rates, helps to create safer driving conditions. To reduce the number of accidents and potential injuries and fatalities for drivers, pedestrians and other road users.
Improve road efficiency – reduced collisions and braking times, road efficiency is greatly improved, allowing vehicles to navigate roads safely without traffic being held up
Improved road conditions – reducing the speed of traffic, partnered with the increased durability of QMS HyperGrip™, road conditions deteriorate at a slower rate
Fast installation time – thanks to QMS HyperGrip™ fast curing time, it can be installed quickly, with minimal impact on road users

Selfie with the team

Install QMS HyperGrip™ high friction surfacing solutions

Interested in updating or improving your existing high friction surfacing solutions? Our expert team at QMS are on hand to assist. Whether you’re looking for highway, walkways or anything in between, we have the solution for you. You can browse our full range of surfacing services here.

For more information, or to book your free, no-obligation site visit, contact us today at, info@qms.uk or call us on 01626 836777 and we will be more than happy to chat through your options.

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Hypergrip texture being laid in the road

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      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 31 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Sam Mellor-Clark 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. There has been a couple of crews doing the lining and antiskid works local to me on the new surfacing project on Callington road, Tavistock and the quality of work is spot on. Its done nothing but rain here for the last 2 months and as someone who spent over 25 years lining I can appreciate what they`ve been up against, especially with anti skid and MMA lining materials.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dejan Maric 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The attention to quality and detail within this company is very high and customer concerns are always rectified, leading to  high client retention. The company invests heavily into training and development for its staff with some of the best equipment available.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Catherine Harvey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Greg and all the team are professional, friendly and passionate about the work they deliver. I would always recommend QMS for any line marking needs as there attention to detail and care is shown in the work delivered.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alison Lott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service - friendly, polite, helpful. Had my Disabled bay marked out quickly and efficiently, after a 5½ month wait for Highways! Thanks guys. Thanks guys
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dan Druft 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is so helpful
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Timothy White 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had them out a few times to our Production sites, and the level of communication with the quality of work is just what we were after! I would recommend them!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Luke Davis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great company! I recently used this company for a last minute job. They were really busy but they managed to squeeze me in. It’s really nice to work with a company that come out in person and really listen to what you need, and then work with you to achieve it! Thanks QMS, you were great! Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lena Haydon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent customer service, very good communication. The whole process was smooth and professional. Very pleased with the quality of work, would employ again and would have no hesitation recommending to others.

Leave a review on Google

Sam Mellor-Clark

There has been a couple of crews doing the lining and antiskid works local to me on the new surfacing project on Callington road, Tavistock and the quality of work is spot on. Its done nothing but rain here for the last 2 months and as someone who spent over 25 years lining I can appreciate what they`ve been up against, especially with anti skid and MMA lining materials.

Dejan Maric

The attention to quality and detail within this company is very high and customer concerns are always rectified, leading to high client retention. The company invests heavily into training and development for its staff with some of the best equipment available.

Catherine Harvey

Greg and all the team are professional, friendly and passionate about the work they deliver. I would always recommend QMS for any line marking needs as there attention to detail and care is shown in the work delivered.

Alison Lott

Excellent service - friendly, polite, helpful. Had my Disabled bay marked out quickly and efficiently, after a 5½ month wait for Highways! Thanks guys. Thanks guys

Dan Druft

Everyone is so helpful

Timothy White

We had them out a few times to our Production sites, and the level of communication with the quality of work is just what we were after! I would recommend them!

Luke Davis

Great company! I recently used this company for a last minute job. They were really busy but they managed to squeeze me in. It’s really nice to work with a company that come out in person and really listen to what you need, and then work with you to achieve it! Thanks QMS, you were great! Highly recommend!

Lena Haydon

Excellent customer service, very good communication. The whole process was smooth and professional. Very pleased with the quality of work, would employ again and would have no hesitation recommending to others.