Bollards have been used for a variety of purposes for a long time. Initially, bollards were used for boats but gradually they found their uses in property protection, crowd control, traffic management, and protection for pedestrian ways. Bollards can be placed and installed in commercial and residential properties as well for the sake of protection. The purpose of a security bollard installation is to keep trespassers and stress animals away from the property to keep it secure and protected. In addition to security, bollards are also used to guide vehicles and pedestrians on their dedicated paths to avoid any kind of accidents at the workplace. Bollards can also serve as ornamental and landscape items to keep a place secure and make it look beautiful as well.
Here is a list of recommendations you should consider before working on the installation and replacement of bollards:
- The installation of removable or retractable bollard posts requires more work as compared to the fixed ones. You have to drill considerably deeper using power drill while installing retractable or removable bollards. The purpose is to create a large hole double the actual size and diameter of the bollard in length. You can set up gravel and rebar cage at the bottom to allow free passage of moisture, The free passage of moisture will reinforce the bollard. Keep the bollard fixed while pouring the cement in the hole.
- Fixed bollards are easier and faster to install as compared to the removable ones. Fixed bollards can be used for multiple purposes like parking, decoration, and security. Fixed bollards can be installed directly on the surface avoiding the need for drilling, lining, fixing, and filling the hole in the ground. Even though this type of installation seems easier, it is more vulnerable to tampering and proves to be less secure.
- A difficult task while installing bollards is dealing with uneven surfaces. Bollards in such types of surfaces are at a structural disadvantage because of their angled position. It is always better to hire professional services for the installation of bollards while dealing with uneven surfaces to avoid any issues after installation. Bollards installed or to be installed on uneven grounds have to face multiple challenges, however, a number of redress options could be a practical choice to avoid the problems depending on the type of installation. Other solutions include pouring a new slab, modification of high side, and trimming where needed. No-shrink gout can be effective in increasing the stability of bollards after the installation as well.
- Bollard lights can serve for ornamental purposes and guiding vehicles and pedestrians in the dark as well. There are two options to power the bollard lights, either you can go for wiring or depend on solar power. The choice depends upon the requirements of space. Regardless of the types of bollards, it is recommended that you should avoid setting up a straight line for bollard lights. This will resemble the runway lighting, which can be quite confusing and offer no aesthetic value. You should go for a zig-zag pattern while setting up bollard lighting instead. This will create a unique and surprising lighting effect and you will be able to cover a larger area with the help of zig-zag bollard lighting due to the distinct positions of the bollards.
