The security and safety that bollards provide, as well as their aesthetic value, are often overlooked on our high streets. If you realize there are so many different shapes, sizes, colors, and materials to choose from, it can seem like a daunting task. Find out which bollard is best for your needs with our buyer’s guide.
1. What can Bollards be Used for?
What function do your bollards need to perform before you buy them? You may find that you need a bollard to protect your premises while being low maintenance, or that you need help with traffic isolation. With your answers found, you now have a great starting point to begin your search.
Common uses for bollards:
- Traffic segregation (separating traffic from pedestrians)
- Traffic Calming (road markings to control traffic flow)
- Physical security of the premises (outside the storefront, preventing vehicle entry)
- Aesthetics (promoting a certain style or feel to your high street/place)
1) Obstacle
Much like our retractable bollards, our barricades are a great solution when vehicular traffic is not always authorized. Designed to be easy to operate, our barriers lift effortlessly with the touch of a button. Just turn the key and press the button, and your barrier is free to move.
The barrier is permanently fixed in place, providing a safe and secure security solution. Available in removable and fixed options.
2) Telescopic bollard
Telescoping bollards provide a secure method of securing premises and vehicles while allowing access when required. Telescoping bollards can be raised and easily locked into place, providing reliable security, and should a vehicle require access, they can be lowered effortlessly. Steel, stainless steel, and polyurethane are the materials we use for our telescoping bollards.
2. Bollard Material, Shape, and Finish
The material, shape, and finish of your Bollard will depend on your needs. If you’re looking for something strong and safe, you may want to focus on the materials you’ll need, or want something that looks great in your space, you can start your search with the different finishes we offer.
The guide below will provide you with bollards categorized by material.
1) Steel
- Key Features: Durable, Corrosion Resistant, Chip and Abrasion Resistant, Customizable
2) Stainless steel
- Main features: high corrosion resistance, pollution resistance, 100% recyclable, easy to clean
In addition to being environmentally friendly and low maintenance, stainless steel bollards are made from 99% recycled waste. Fixing options and sizes range from small to large.
3) Polyurethane
- Key Features: Corrosion Resistant, High Abrasion and Debris Resistant, Durable, Freeze Free, Extremely Versatile
Bollards made of polyurethane can be cast into various complex shapes. Unlike aluminum bollards, polyurethane bollards do not ice up and can be used to replace degraded ones without affecting your landscaping’s aesthetics. Polyurethane bollards are in A variety of sizes and fixing options are available…
4) Recycled plastic
- Key Features: Durable, Long Lifespan, 100% Recyclable, Low Maintenance
Recycled plastic bollards are produced using plastic waste and can be inserted with a steel core upon request. Because its non-porous material makes it resistant to rot, algae, or fungal growth, recycled plastic bollards are ideal for demarcating areas in wet or humid conditions. These bollards have a longer product life as they are less prone to degradation over time.
5) Plastic
- Key Features: Durable, Chemical Resistant, Low Maintenance, Recyclable
Plastic bollards are not only durable and versatile but also offer excellent resistance to impact, breaking, and chipping. Bollards made of plastic are uniquely resistant to most acids, salts, and solvents, as well as environmental elements such as acid rain, soot, diesel fumes, salt, and seawater.
6) Wood
- Main features: beautiful, corrosion-resistant
We manufacture our timber bollards from Opepe, a strong, stable structural hardwood that is very durable and rot-resistant. These bollards are perfect for natural landscapes, whether it’s a park, woodland, or garden. Timber bollards come with 3 types of fixings: root fixed, lifting and lockable, and base plate.
7) Specific
- Features: Cost-effective, durable, corrosion-resistant, low maintenance
In addition to providing effective perimeter protection, concrete bollards are durable and cost-effective. Available in a variety of designs and finishes, concrete bollards are a simple and aesthetically pleasing solution for any site requiring protection.
Our concrete bollards can be customized to provide road directions such as: “No Entry”, “Keep Left” or “Bicycle Lane”. Alternatively, they can also be customized to house commemorative plaques or corporate branding. These bollards are root fixed.
3. Installation
Typically, bollards work best when the roots are anchored to a concrete foundation. However, there are exceptions, and we look below at all the different ways to install bollards.
- Fixed bollard
A specially designed section of the bollard is placed in the ground and secured with concrete. This is the safest way to install bollards. Anti-Ram bollards are placed deeper in the ground for added strength and support.
- Floor fixed bollards
Use when the subsurface may be vulnerable or weak, or when drilling down is not possible. A plate was added to the bottom of the bollard design and secured to the concrete surface using a suitable bolting system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Lift and lockable fixed bollards
It is ideal for applications where bollards need to be replaced or removed from time to time.
4. Warranty/Insurance and Lifespan
Bollards stand the test of time. Depending on the material you choose and the environment in which you place your bollard, it may require a certain level of maintenance to maximize its useful life.
We also provide service, maintenance, and repairs for telescopic bollards. All telescopic bollards are serviced twice per year for £40 per post, including parts and labor. Applies to the whole of the UK except Northern Ireland. Additional calls are subject to charges. For a quote or any questions please contact our sales team.
5. Jargon buster
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1) Access control
When a bollard allows vehicles to enter a site, whether it is where you manually lift the bollard out or where the retractable bollard enters the ground, it can be forgotten and locked.
2) Anti-ram
Anti-Ram is a method of installation for your bollard. Bollards have longer roots and can be anchored deeper than standard root anchors for added strength and impact resistance.
3) Galvanized
The process of galvanizing involves coating metal with zinc to prevent rust.
4) Powder coating
A high-quality and low-maintenance paint finish.
5) Strengthen
Reinforced bollards have been strengthened by replacing their cores with further strengthening materials.
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