High Friction Surfacing
Some areas of the road network place greater demands on drivers and vehicles than others. Approaches to junctions, pedestrian crossings, roundabouts and sharp bends often require sudden braking or changes in direction, particularly during wet or difficult conditions. High friction surfacing provides additional grip in these critical locations, helping drivers maintain greater control and reducing the risk of skidding.
At Gordon Graham Road Markings, we install professional high friction surfacing for highways, access roads and other heavily used traffic areas. We assess the condition and purpose of the surface before recommending a suitable solution, giving you a durable anti-skid system that supports safer movement without compromising the overall appearance of the site.
Where High Friction Surfacing Is Most Effective
Targeted Protection for Higher-Risk Locations
High friction surfacing is most valuable in places where vehicles regularly brake, accelerate, turn or encounter unexpected hazards. These areas are more vulnerable to loss of traction, especially during rain, frost or periods of heavy traffic. Applying an anti-skid treatment can improve the level of grip available and make the route more predictable for motorists, cyclists and other road users.
Common applications include approaches to traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, roundabouts, schools, railway crossings and busy junctions. It can also be used on bends, steep gradients, bus lanes, bridge decks, ramps and entrances where additional surface grip would improve safety and driver confidence.
Rather than treating an entire road unnecessarily, high friction surfacing can be applied precisely where the additional performance is required. This makes it a practical option for improving identified problem areas, supporting road safety schemes and upgrading locations where the existing surface no longer provides sufficient traction.
Help Reduce Braking and Skidding Risks
A More Secure Surface in Demanding Conditions
Standard road surfaces can become more difficult to navigate when contaminated by rainwater, oil, dirt or general traffic wear. In areas where drivers need to stop or turn quickly, reduced grip can increase braking distances and make vehicles more likely to skid.
High friction surfacing creates a textured, slip-resistant finish that helps tyres maintain better contact with the road. It does not replace responsible driving or wider traffic management measures, but it can make an important contribution to a safer and more controlled environment.
The benefits are particularly valuable at locations used by a mixture of cars, commercial vehicles, buses, cyclists and pedestrians. Improving surface grip at the right points can support smoother traffic movement, clearer driver decision-making and greater reassurance for everyone using the area.
Coloured High Friction Surfacing
Combine Increased Grip with Clear Visual Guidance
High friction surfacing can also be used to make important areas of a road or site more visually distinctive. A coloured treatment immediately draws attention to the changing road environment, helping drivers recognise dedicated routes, potential hazards and areas where greater caution is required.
Coloured surfacing is commonly used for cycle lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian crossing approaches, traffic calming schemes and restricted areas. It can also be used on private developments, industrial sites and commercial premises where different routes or zones need to be clearly identified.
By combining texture and colour, the finished surface can perform both a practical and visual role. The increased grip supports safer movement, while the contrasting appearance reinforces road markings, signage and wider traffic management measures. We will discuss the intended purpose of the area with you and help determine the most appropriate finish for the location.
Correct Surface Preparation Matters
Creating the Right Foundation for Lasting Performance
The quality of any high friction system depends heavily on the condition of the surface beneath it. Applying a new treatment over loose material, contamination or a poorly prepared substrate can weaken the bond and reduce the lifespan of the finished installation.
Before work begins, we examine the existing surface and identify any preparation that may be required. The area must be clean, dry and suitable for treatment, with dirt, oil, debris and loose material removed. Where previous markings or surface systems could interfere with the new application, additional preparation or removal work may be necessary.
Taking care of this stage helps the resin and aggregate adhere properly, creating a consistent finish that can withstand traffic and changing weather conditions. Our team will explain any preparation requirements clearly so that you understand the work involved and can plan the project with confidence.
Professional Installation with Minimal Disruption
Carefully Planned Around Your Site and Road Users
Road and access closures can affect businesses, residents, site operators and the travelling public, so careful scheduling is an important part of every project. We plan our work around the location, traffic levels, access requirements and the time needed for the surface to cure properly.
For busy roads and operational sites, the work may need to be completed during quieter periods or as part of a phased programme. Our team will discuss these considerations with you before installation begins and coordinate the process to minimise unnecessary disruption wherever practical.
We work efficiently while maintaining the attention to detail required for a reliable result. The surface is carefully prepared, the system is applied evenly and the completed area is given appropriate time to cure before it is returned to use. This measured approach protects the quality of the work while helping you reopen the area as quickly and safely as possible.
High Friction Surfacing for Public and Private Sites
A Flexible Solution for Roads, Developments and Commercial Premises
High friction surfacing is not limited to public highways. It can also provide valuable additional grip on private roads, car park entrances, distribution centres, industrial estates, loading areas and access routes where vehicles frequently brake or change direction.
These environments often experience heavy use from delivery vehicles, plant, staff traffic and visitors. Improving traction in key locations can make the site easier to navigate and support the safety measures already in place. Coloured surfacing can also be incorporated where you need to separate traffic routes, pedestrian areas or operational zones.
Every location has different demands, which is why we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. We consider the existing surface, expected traffic, surrounding environment and purpose of the treatment before proposing the work. This ensures the finished system is relevant to the site and provides the practical improvements you need.
Discuss Your High Friction Surfacing Requirements
Practical Advice and a Solution Tailored to Your Location
You may already know that a particular junction or access route requires anti-skid surfacing, or you may simply be concerned about grip, visibility or repeated braking in a high-use area. Whatever stage your project has reached, the GGRM team can assess your requirements and provide straightforward advice on the most suitable way forward.
Contact Gordon Graham Road Markings today to discuss high friction surfacing for your highway, development or commercial site. We will take the time to understand the location, intended use and access requirements before providing a clear quotation for the work.