Security bollards offer a versatile solution for various problems, as they come in a diverse range of materials and shapes. This variety allows you to select the most suitable material based on your specific requirements and needs. The choice of material for constructing a bollard is primarily dictated by its intended purpose. Bollards can be fabricated from various substances, including metals, concrete, or synthetic polymers.
Types of Bollards and their Pros and Cons:
Table of Contents
Bollards are available in a range of materials, each tailored to specific applications and environments. Here is a list of various bollard types along with their pros and cons:
1- Metallic Bollards
Metal bollards are made of steel mixed with iron, brass, or aluminum. They are available in paint finish and without a paint finish. Paint will improve its life because it will prevent the bollard from rusting. There is also a new technology which is named a galvanized finish. It is more reliable than a paint finish because steel can last longer with a galvanized finish and can prevent it from rusting over time.
Uses of Metallic Bollards
Metallic bollards are mostly covered with steel covers to elongate the life of these bollards and protect them from weather conditions etc. they are mostly used in places like parking lots, storefronts and loading docks, etc.
2- Plastic Bollards
This type of bollard is made using recycled plastic. It also uses recycled steel mesh inside the plastic to make it more durable, reliable, and sturdy. They come in many colors and are very easy to cut and bend. Therefore they are easy to install and they are suitable for places that need frequent changes. This easy-to-end and install plastic material make it easy to do the changes.
Uses of Plastic Bollards
Plastic bollards are used along roadsides to guide traffic. They are not much resistant to crashes and they are used for guidance purposes only. They are also used on highways to direct the traffic about routes etc.
3- Concrete Bollards
Concrete bollards are made of concrete. Concrete is made of sand, cement, water, small pieces of rock, chemicals, and coloring agents. They are easy to maintain and paint. Concrete bollards have a good look and an attractive finish as well.
Uses of Concrete Bollards
Concrete bollards can be used for security as well as aesthetic purposes. They are used by businesses and homeowners as well because they are made in multiple designs to serve different customers.
4- Aluminum Bollards
Aluminum bollards are used at places that need bollards for decorative purposes and not for security purposes. They are also expensive to make. Aluminum is a lightweight material. It has anti-corrosion properties. It is also easily be cast into different shapes. If your place is along the sea or near the sea, then aluminum would be the best material to be used for security bollards.
Uses of Aluminum Bollards
Aluminum bollards are corrosion-free and light in weight. That is why they are mostly used as removable decorative bollards at places where you want flexible access to a vehicle entry.
5- Polyethylene Bollards
Bollards made of polyethylene are lightweight. The material is also resistant to deicing chemicals. It doesn’t chip off early or fade quickly. However, it cannot withstand serious vehicle collisions.
Uses of Polyethylene Bollards
Polyethylene is a material that is comprised of thermoplastic polymer that gives strength to the plastic. These bollards are used mostly to make bollard covers to give them strength and sturdiness.
6- Wooden Bollards
Wooden bollards also offer decorative purposes rather than safety. They also have chipping paint with the passage of time. They are therefore considered less durable and demand high-level maintenance. They are also easily run over by cars and trucks.
Uses of Wooden Bollards
They are mostly used in urban areas to mark boundaries. The main objective of wooden bollards is to block a certain road or property from unauthorized access like shopping mall entrances etc.
7- Polyurethane
It is a type of plastic that has the property to bend 90 degrees without changing the shape. It is also durable due to its flexible nature.
Uses of Polyurethane Bollards
These bollards are mostly used at waterside locations and places where the chances of corrosion are higher. They are used alongside walkways for the safety of pedestrians.
Advantages of Bollards
Following is a list of advantages that bollards offer.
1- Safety for People
Accidents can be avoided in high-traffic areas with the help of bollards. They can also be put in parking areas to avoid accidents and mishaps.
2- Safety for Vehicles
Bollards are a great source of safety for your vehicles as well. Metallic bollards are used in areas with heavy traffic to avoid accidents. Bollards can also be placed to restrict or direct vehicles to enter a particular area. Customized bollards can e made to warn people from entering some dangerous area for example construction sites.
3- Decorative Purpose
Bollards are also used for decorative purposes. They came in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. For example, in parks, there are lighted bollards on a walkway that looks both beautiful and it also guides pedestrians to follow the track in the nighttime.
Disadvantages of Bollards
Following is a list of drawbacks that we face when we place bollards.
1- Bollards Occupy Lots of Space
The major drawback of bollards is that they occupy lots of space. They can be a hindrance for pedestrians when placed on the roadside. It can also cause accidents if people walking by fall off.
2- Bollards Can Be a Problem for General Public
Bollards can be a bit problematic and confusing for people who walk sideways. As bollards took a lot of space on the roadside, sometimes it becomes difficult for people to pass or walk through them.
3- Heavy Bollards Can Cause Huge Accidental Damage
Heavy-duty bollards that are actually made to cause resistance from vehicle collisions can also cause huge damage to the vehicles. These bollards are actually made of steel and concrete therefore they propose heavy damage to the colliding vehicles.
4- Plastic Bollards are Not Durable
If we talk particularly about plastic boards, they are not durable. They bend and break easily. Therefore plastic bollards are usually placed in the inside environment rather than outside. They are not cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
Bollards are a great way to provide security to a certain building or premises. They have many advantages but they have certain drawbacks as well. Some of the bollards are not even durable or cost-effective. Therefore, if you decide to put a bollard on your premises, you should first read the above content to make an informed decision.
