Bollard Installation Best Practices
Bollards have been around us for several centuries now. At first, these posts were used to moor boats, yet they managed to extend their usage towards traffic control, property protection, and pedestrian traffic guidance. If you are considering installing bollards on your property, you should take into account our recommendations about placing bollards in commercial or residential zones listed down below. The bollard installation best practices can be applied both individually and by hiring professional bollard installers.
Recommendations for bollard placement
A bollard post installation can be done correctly only if the right space for its placement is selected. Whether you’re thinking about parking bollard installation or uneven surface bollard installations, you should take into account the following tips for bollard placement.
In order to select the correct fit, you should think about what area you aim to protect: a building, several facilities, pedestrian zones, parking lots, etc. Also, it is best to take into account how often the said location requires protection.
If you are usually hosting outdoor events, it might be a great idea to opt for installing removable or retractable bollards. If you are seeking a long-term solution, fixed bollards, embedded in concrete bollards or steel bollards might turn out to be the right fit for you.
In addition to the type of bollard, you should think about the location in which it will be installed. On the driveaway, on the alleyway, on the parking lot or at the entrance of a residential or commercial zone – for each and every situation there are distinct bollard options from which to choose in order to offer both security and an aesthetic touch to the landscape.
Bollard installation best practices
Learning how to install bollards can make the difference between a secured location and one that risks being damaged. Bollards can offer protection only if they are correctly installed. Thus, based on the type and size of bollards you are setting up, you might require the usage of some heavy-duty construction equipment. For these situations, it is highly recommended to opt for the services of a professional bollard installation specialist. Yet for smaller projects, DIY bollard installations can be done, if a couple of steps are taken into account.
Setting up retractable or removable bollards
Bollard post-installation is quite similar for both retractable and removable bollards due to the fact that they function based on an almost identical system. When compared with fixed bollards, these require a more thorough installation process and attention to detail.
To install retractable bollards or removable bollards, you will have to drill through the installation site with the aid of a high-powered drill. The purpose is to create a large hole, at least double the size of the diameter of the bollard.
At the bottom, it is best to set up gravel and a rebar cage, which will permit moisture to pass freely and ultimately reinforce the bollard. You will have to install either the bollard or the removable bollard’s ground sleeve, depending on what type of bollard you selected. From this point on, you will have to keep it fixed, whilst poring cement in the hole.
Setting up fixed bollards
No matter if you are choosing concrete bollard posts, steel bollards or any other type of parking-bollards or decorative bollards, the installation process for fixed bollards is faster and easier to perform when compared to removable bollard posts installation.
Instead of drilling, lining, fixing and filling a hole in the ground, fixed bollard posts can be set up directly on the surface. Though this is easier to achieve, this type of installation is less secure due to the fact that it is vulnerable to tampering.
Uneven surface bollard installation
Bollards positioned at an angle are from the start at a structural disadvantage. This is the main reason why it is best to opt for the services of a professional, rather than choosing a DIY project in this case.
Uneven grounds can offer several challenges, yet a couple of redress options can turn out to be effective depending on the type of installation needed. You can cut and pour a new slab, modify the high side, trim where needed or even increase stability with no-shrink gout.
Setting up bollard lights
Bollard lights can be bought in either solar-powered or wired versions. The best practice for installing bollard lights, however, is the same for both variations. A professional tip would be to not set them up in a straight line, this will resemble an airplane runway and has little to no aesthetic value for any type of landscape.
Instead, you can opt for a zig-zag pattern that offers an extra touch of uniqueness and can even light a larger area due to the distinct position of the bollards.
Maintenance is key for long-lasting bollards
Similar to other items that require constant maintenance, bollards need regular check-ups. This will prevent damage or ruptures due to rust or other environmental issues. You can request the aid of a professional in the area to do one service maintenance per year.
Bollard installation practices are varied and depend a lot on both the type of landscape in which you set them up and the manner in which they are installed. Our recommendation is to consider if whether or not you have access to proper tools or materials, before deciding to do a DIY bollard installation project. If you lack experience in this field, you can always get in touch with our expert bollard installers who are always happy to assist you.