Bollards are short, sturdy, and vertical posts that are installed to protect property and pedestrians from vehicle impact. They can be installed as visual guides, architectural elements, and can be constructed to physically block vehicles, protecting people and property. They have many uses, types, and can be made from almost any material depending on their function and the most common materials include stone, metal, plastic, or cement.
They can be found in interior and exterior locations, and they differ based on their needed function. Below we’ll explain a bit more about bollard posts, and what the difference between interior and exterior ones is.
Bollard posts
Types
Although the purpose of bollard posts is to thwart incoming traffic, sometimes property owners have specific needs. For example, they may want continuous protections or a more adaptable option. Permanent bollard posts are a long-term security option and are ideal for areas with frequent traffic where security is required. Collapsible ones offer flexible site protection, meaning the owners have an option of having access to the site or not. Removable bollards offer controlled site access, similar to the collapsible ones.
Bollard covers
Although bollard covers are often overlooked and unnoticed, they provide the structure with additional protection, durability, and style. They come in different materials, sizes, and colors, and are simply slipped over a bollard. A covered bollard has several advantages including aesthetic value, added protection, improved visibility, and they help you save money by reducing the amount of maintenance for the bollards.
Materials
It’s important to find the right material for your bollards, and also don’t forget its coating. Some of them include stainless steel, plastic, cement, and others. The best ones are made of stainless steel and offer long-lasting protection from multiple crashes and harsh impacts. Since rust can compromise the lifespan of the bollard, make sure you purchase ones with a coating to prevent damaging corrosion. When considering the material you also have to consider the color of your bollard post depending on your needs.
Styles
Depending on your preference, there are various styles of bollards. For example, traditional designs complement many architectural styles and are often finished in black, made of iron, and a highly decorative part of the streetscape. Modern bollard designs come in various lengths, colors, widths, and materials to match any image. Other styles include lighting bollards, artistic bollards, flexible bollards, and others.
Difference between interior and exterior bollard posts
Interior bollards
Interior bollard posts serve as visual markers directing the flow of traffic. They can also be used as perimeter delineators and can be found in places like parking garages, storage facilities, or warehouses. They’re often made of high-density polyethylene or plastic. Convenient stores usually protect their refrigerators and freezers with stainless steel bollards that offer help and shield commercial appliances from cleaning machinery and distracted customers.
Malls, airports, and other businesses relying on escalators use stainless steel bollards at the top and bottom of the moving stairs, helping regulate traffic flow, strollers, property damages, and so on. Boilers, furnaces, electrical panels, and other utilities also benefit from bold-down or embedded bollards. Factories and warehouses often rely on bollards to maintain safety and protect the work area from collisions with heavy machinery.
Exterior bollards
On the other hand, exterior bollard posts are used as physical barriers to safeguard facilities, assets, or personnel against damage from vehicles. They can also be used as visual markers, but their primary purpose is protection. They’re made of materials that can offer protection from strong impacts such as steel or concrete.
Schools, universities, and government buildings are protected from any damage with the use of bollard posts. Site perimeters are useful for protecting public property areas such as parks. Installing fixed bollards will keep this area safe. Bicyclists using bike lanes are also well-protected from vehicles on the road since these lanes usually have bollard posts to thwart the cars from hurting the bikers.
In closing
Depending on your needs, there are many types and styles of bollard posts one can choose to protect their property and themselves. From fixed to removable and collapsible models, they all offer protection from high and low-speed crashes. Remember, even if their primary function is to offer physical protection, a high-visibility color can make them have dual functions both as a visual marker and as a barrier.
