A Guide to Site Protection With Bollards
Whether you need bollards because of building or fire codes, the design of the building, traffic patterns, or safety concerns, you want to ensure you are getting the right product for your site requirements. From crash rated bollards to traffic pattern indicators, bollard design is critical in providing the ideal protection for your building. To find the right barrier for your project, our team at Ontario Bollards shares the following information.
Key Bollard Considerations
Safety bollards are an excellent way to provide guidance for traffic flow, protection for pedestrian traffic, and an additional security measure for the building entry. However, despite their efficacy as visual and physical guides for vehicles, particularly in public venues, they are often overlooked.
When these robust, reinforced metal posts are placed in front of buildings or other outdoor spaces, it not only cues drivers where to go, but provides a safe space for pedestrian walkways and protects storefronts. Gate bollards can be used to seal off roads, bike paths, or walking trails, while parking bollards can prevent drivers from accidentally rolling too far past the parking spaces.
To select the right bollard for your needs, consider the following factors for your site:
- Behavior of drivers
- Design of building and road
- Frequency of traffic
- Types of traffic
Types of Bollards & Their Advantages
The strongest bollards are steel pipe reinforced with concrete and installed in a concrete substrate. Collapsible or retractable bollards can allow vehicle access from specific directions while preventing access from others without removing them.
You may choose to install a permanent crash rated, high impact bollard to prevent vehicles from hitting pedestrians or damaging property. If you are using bollards to section off areas, a low impact bollard may be a better choice. For multi-use areas, consider removable bollards.
Regardless of the design and installation, there are many benefits to using bollards on your site:
- Protect drivers: Traffic bollards separate opposing traffic patterns on roadways and limit speed in dangerous areas.
- Light up dark spaces: Lighted bollards are often used around parks and near buildings to illuminate walkways at night.
- Prevent access: Bollards can be used either permanently or temporarily to designate pedestrian access or construction areas.
- Enhance appearance: The aesthetic appeal of bollards is vastly underrated. Design, placement, color, and lighting can highlight and enhance the look of both architecture and landscaping.
- Protect storefronts: You can protect storefronts from wayward vehicles with concrete reinforced steel pipe bollards. If the look doesn’t appeal to you, there is always the option for more attractive bollard covers.
Quality Safety Solutions From Ontario Bollards
Since bollards create not only a physical but also a visual barrier, it is essential to choose a supplier who offers options in the shape, size, design, and function while providing professional guidance on the appropriate decisions for the site and application.
Ontario Bollards has been an industry leader in asset protection, providing bollards in various materials, designs, and safety ratings for almost 40 years. Our goal is to find the balance of safety and aesthetics to optimize the experience for visitors to your site.
For more information on our capabilities, products, or projects, contact us today. To request a quote, submit via the online form.