What is a rubber manhole riser?
A manhole riser is used to raise the actual manhole top to meet the ground around it. A rubber manhole riser is beneficial because of its easy installation process (no lane closures or large construction crews necessary), it’s cushioned impact on the automobiles it comes into contact with, and it’s ability to be removed and reinstalled in order to complete any work on the blacktop surrounding it.
Simply put, a manhole riser is a “hat” that is placed on an existing manhole to help the sewer structure meet the blacktop surrounding it.
What are some of the benefits of using the Top Hat Riser?
There are many benefits to using Top Hat Risers in your community, below are a few of the important benefits, but to see a more in-depth rundown of benefits, click here to visit our Benefits page.
- Quicker installation: installation is completed without the use of loud equipment and large construction crews. Also, lane closures are no longer necessary as installation can be completed in 15 minutes.
- Save money: Saves your community money by recycling rubber tires (that means lower taxes).
- Cushioning: Easier on your car than the existing metal manholes.
- Green Friendly: Top Hat Risers are constructed from 100% recycled materials.
- Safety: Low manholes are very dangerous, and many communities put off repairing them due to budget constraints. Top Hat Risers are inexpensive and easy to install, so you can drive safely and smoothly.
- Water and Weather Resistant: Top Hat Risers provide a barrier that protects existing sewer structures from rainfall and other harsh weather.
- Durable: Top Hat Risers are made from re-purposed rubber from discarded tires – units that we installed in 2003 are have shown no breakdown over the span of almost a decade.
How are Top Hat Risers manufactured?
Located in Upstate New York, Abart industries creates Top Hat Risers using a patent pending process that ensures the product will be made from 100% recycled rubber from discarded tires. We can’t give too much away, but the process allows us to prepare each Top Hat Riser in our shop and ship it to communities so either our workers, or workers employed by the community, can quickly secure it to the existing sewer structure and walk away.
Top Hat Risers can be manufactured to fit almost any manhole diameter and thickness – with tapering available! – just let us know what you need, and we’ll make Top Hats to fit your needs.
What materials are used to manufacture Top Hat Risers?
Top Hat Risers are made from 100% recycled rubber from discarded tires.
How is the Top Hat Riser installed?
Each Top Hat Riser is prepared for installation before it even gets to the installation site. We customize your Top Hat Risers in store, allowing you to do minimal work in order to install. We also have crews available to assist you should you need it.
Our simple, 5 step installation is proven to be durable and long lasting no matter the level of traffic it encounters.
Where can Top Hat Risers be shipped?
Our goal is to provide this innovative product to anyone around the world. We are currently located in Upstate New York, but have shipped units all over the United States.
Where can Top Hat Risers be instaled?
Top Hat Risers can be installed on nearly any manhole, regardless of size.
How long does it take to install each Top Hat Riser?
Previous installations have taken less than 15 minutes per unit on site.
How many people are required to be on a crew installing a Top Hat Riser?
Since Top Hat Risers are constructed and prepared to custom fit each manhole before they reach the installation site, the work that takes place on site is minimal. Crews of one or two people have installed Top Hat Risers in less than 15 minutes, which means the work is done quickly. Without requiring any lane closures – which means no traffic! For more information on how our Top Hat Risers are installed, please visit our “Manufacturing and Installation” page.
How long do Top Hat Risers last?
Top Hat Risers are built to last, and the proof is in the pudding. In 2003, we installed a number of units in Ithaca, New York. These units were installed in high traffic regions and have not shown any signs of wear over a nearly 10 year period. To read a full testimonial from Richard Ferrel, Former Assistant Superintendent of Streets and Facilities, City of Ithaca, NY, please visit our “Testimonials” page.
How much do Top Hat Risers cost?
Top Hat Risers vary in price based on a number of factors: size, quantity, installation, etc. The one thing we can tell you is that communities that have installed Top Hat Risers have saved around 80% versus the cost of alternative methods. If you would like to set up a meeting and learn more about pricing for your project, please visit our “Contact” page.
How can we utilize Top Hat rubber manhole risers in my community?
The decision to install Top Hat Risers in your community is ultimately up to your Department of Public Works, Transportation or other government officials, but you can certainly influence their decision: If you notice an abundance of low manholes in your community – the kind that can damage your car, or even just spill your coffee every time you drive over them – simply Contact Us and we will help you get in touch with the powers that be in order to get the ball rolling towards greener, safer and smoother roads in your area.
What effect does a Top Hat manhole riser have on my vehicle when driving over it?
The same effect that a pillow has on your head versus the feeling of a cinder block – kind of. Top Hat Risers are made of a durable, long lasting rubber material. This rubber, as tough as it is, still allows your automobile a bit of a cushion while driving. Top Hat Risers are installed level with the pavement surrounding them, so you may not feel a different when you drive over them, but your car will. This means less trips to the auto shop, and increased safety on the roads.
Will Top Hat rubber manhole risers cause any damage to the existing manhole structure?
No, unlike similar products and older processes that damage the metal manhole and the sewer structure, the Top Hat Riser’s proven fastening techniques will not damage the existing manhole structure – plus, the manhole itself is still accessible while the unit is in place.
Do you offer any warranties to guarantee durability?
Yes, we offer a 5 year warranty on all Top Hat Risers. We couldn’t be more confident in the durability of our products.
What sizes to Top Hat Risers come in?
Top Hat Risers can be fitted to all manhole dimensions and thicknesses. Top Hat Risers can also be customized to fit structured in need of a tapered manhole riser. Please contact us with the specifications on your installation site, and we will work with you to build a Top Hat Riser that fits securely.
Where have Top Hat Risers already been installed?
We have installed Top Hat Risers in a number of communities since before the year 2000 – these units have stood the test of time and many clients have returned for more Top Hats. Please visit our “Past Work” page for a rundown of this past work, and our “Testimonials” page for feedback from communities that we have worked with.
As a driver, how will installing Top Hat Risers effect me directly?
We’ve all come into contact with a manhole that is lower than the blacktop surrounding it, and try as we may: sometimes, we can’t avoid hitting it. Furthermore, we’ve all seen the lane closures and traffic jams caused by what seems like hours of work on one sewer structure. Top Hat Risers provide a solution to both of these problems by providing an easy to install manhole riser that raises low manholes and provides a safe, smooth and comfortable transition between roadway and manhole cover.
Top Hat Risers also provide communities with an environmental benefit as we construct all Top Hat Risers with 100% recycled tire rubber. Thus helping re-purpose this useful material and avoid adding to the already worldwide problem of discarded rubber tires.
With Top Hat Risers, your roads will be smoother, your taxes will be lower and you won’t have to deal with loud construction and lane closures that come with traditional low manhole repairs.