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The fence posts and pillars that line sidewalks and pathways aren’t there just as decorations. These barricades serve a more important role in road safety for both pedestrians and traffic.
Steel bollards are the most popular, often gracing sidewalks with their sleek visual appeal. Steel pipe safety bollards serve as protective barriers, ensuring that both people and vehicles do not collide with each other during untoward accidents.
They are not only installed in public places but also in many work areas and even in residential compounds.
What Are Parking Bollards?
Parking bollards, or parking posts, are the barriers that separate the pedestrian zone in many public places. Their purpose is to separate traffic from pedestrians or cyclists to prevent collision accidents.
Security bollards keep the perimeter secure and prevent unauthorized vehicles from accessing the property.
They are also erected on roadsides with the intent of avoiding vehicle impact in case of car crashes. In large parking lots, bollards guide the traffic to their designated parking spaces.
In residential areas, homeowners use removable or portable bollards to prevent unknown cars from parking in their driveways.
However, these may need the prior approval of local planning authorities, especially if you live near a busy roadside or highway.
Bollards can be fixed or removable, depending on their installation. That explains why some days you see these pillars, other days you don’t, while some are there for as long as you can remember.
What Are Common Bollard Materials?
Parking bollards are made from many materials and are chosen according to their applications. The most common materials for bollards are:
- Stainless steel is chosen for its durability and weather-resistance properties
- Aluminum is malleable and can be cast into different designs and finishes
- Concrete has an imposing look and can be crafted into various architectural designs
- Polyurethane is flexible, UV-resistant and shatterproof
- Plastic for low-cost and low-maintenance removable parking bollard option
Why Are Steel Bollards Popular?
When it comes to robust construction, impact resistance and flexibility of design, nothing beats the superiority of the steel bollards. They pack superior strength, which provides a strong foundation for optimum driveway security and unauthorized parking.
Even concrete bollards are reinforced with steel pipe bollards or embedded rebar. Without it, concrete will only fracture and crack when presented with force.
Steel, by itself, is durable with undisputed strength to resist impact. It keeps the integrity and strength of the structure without compromising its function for a long period. Steel bollards are crash-rated for impact to stop vehicles moving at different speeds and sizes.
Steel bollards are preferred in many installations because they are:
- Weather-resistant
- Rust-resistant
- Impact-resistant
- Durable and provides reliable security
- Offers aesthetic value
Types of Stainless Steel Bollards
Stainless steel bollards are not limited to silver-grey metal posts. They are available in different grades, colors or coating with different durability ratings. These are designed to work in a specific environment or to enhance visual needs.
Stainless steel bollards have two different grade choices: 304 and 316 stainless steel. Other types include galvanized steel and powder-coated bollards.
304 Stainless Steel
304-grade stainless steel is widely used in many applications. It’s popular for its tensile strength and formability. It can resist corrosion in various atmospheric environments and is highly heat resistant.
316 Stainless Steel
The 316 grade is almost identical to 304 but has a slight difference in its composition. Steel bollards 316 offer higher weather resistance, including resistance to chlorides and acids. It is best used in areas near the sea or marine environments and in areas where de-icing chemicals are used.
Galvanized Steel Pipe Bollards
Hot-dipped galvanized steel is steel pipes that are treated on the surface. It enhances the rust-resistance property of steel for different weather exposures.
Powder Coat Bollards
A powder-coating of protective epoxy or polymer over stainless steel enhances its durability and corrosion resistance. It is often available in bright yellow colors, purposely to increase its visibility.
It helps drivers spot the bollards even in poor light conditions. The powder coat also comes in different colors for the bollard to fit its surrounding environment.
Types of Steel Bollards Installation
Parking bollards have different installation methods, and stainless steel is applicable for the following:
Fixed Bollards
These are installed in areas where vehicle access is not required. They are embedded permanently into the structure, often serving as a visual guide, architectural design, or to provide asset security.
Most fixed bollards are reinforced with bollard covers to enhance their durability and aesthetic value.
Removable Bollards
Steel bollards are also used in surface mounting or removable bollards. These types are also affixed to the ground through mounting holes and bolts. Unlike fixed bollards, surface-mount bollards can be removed when needed.
Retractable Bollards
Also known as automatic, telescopic, or pop-up bollards, retractable bollards are built to sit flush to the ground. They have underground receivers that retract them upward when triggered and neatly stow them back when unlocked. Stainless steel is the most durable option for retractable parking posts for its strength and sleek appeal.
Collapsible Locking Bollards
Collapsible bollards are installed into the ground with a hinge flange and secured with a padlock. If access is needed, the padlock is removed, and the bollard is lowered into the ground. Folding or collapsible bollards are also made of high-quality steel to keep the area secure from unauthorized vehicle entry.
What Are Bollard Covers?
Structural-grade security bollards are often fastened with bollard covers. These are the caps that sit atop the bollard post.
These replaceable covers are used to enhance the security of the bollard. They further protect the steel from corrosion while offering an aesthetic appeal.
The most important function of the bollard cover is to increase the visibility of the bollard. That’s why, in public areas, bollard covers have high visibility aesthetics to make the bollards easy to recognize.
Buying High-Quality Steel Bollards
Steel bollards are used all over the world for various security and perimeter protection purposes.
If you need to reinforce your driveway with these functional and reliable parking posts, check out All Security Equipment. We have a wide selection of high-quality steel bollards for both commercial and residential use.
Unsure of the right material and installation method for your driveway? Talk to customer service about the perfect design and mechanism that suits your desired bollard placement.
We will make it easier for you to decide without compromising the quality and kind of security you need for your property.
