Bollards enhance safety by restricting vehicle access in areas like sidewalks, storefronts and public spaces. Some bollards light the way with reflective surfaces or direct the flow of traffic. These vertical posts can be seen in many urban areas and on many roads.

Over time, even the most durable bollards face wear and tear due to weather exposure, repeated impact or general aging. Proper upkeep is essential to make the most of your investment. This guide to bollard maintenance covers essential care practices.

Regular Bollard Inspection Is Key

Routine bollard inspections include checking for visible damage such as dents, rust or paint degradation. Look for signs of movement or loosening, especially with fixed or surface-mounted bollards. For retractable or automatic models, test the mechanism to make sure it operates without snagging.

Prompt identification helps you fix small issues — like rust, fading or wobbling — before they become costly problems.

Clean Bollards to Preserve Function and Curb Appeal

Proper cleaning is a key part of bollard maintenance. They should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water to remove dirt, oil and other residues. For stainless steel or aluminum bollards, use non-abrasive cloths and cleaners that prevent scratching.

In areas with high traffic or exposure to de-icing chemicals, more frequent cleaning may be needed to protect surfaces and finishes. However, be careful about reflective surfaces on bollards. These can scratch easily, so avoid using abrasive materials.

Bollard Post Covers Make Maintenance Easier

One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your bollards is to use bollard post covers. These covers shield the base bollard from environmental exposure and minor impacts to prevent small dents, scratches, fading and other harm.

The benefits of bollard covers include reduced need for painting, easier cleaning and protection against corrosion. For decorative settings, covers also allow you to match the surrounding architecture. You can even use bollard covers to advertise a business.

Bollard covers are easy and affordable to replace, so you can keep bollards looking like new, year after year, by occasionally refreshing the covers.

Explore Our Options for Bollard Covers

At Blockaides, our covers are made from UV- and weather-resistant HDPE plastic and come in a range of colors, including black, blue, brown, red, white, yellow, green, grey, orange and more. They are available in either a round or square format to fit your bollards.

The Blockaides team also offers wrap covers made from durable dye-sublimated fabric. These decorative covers can disguise older bollards while protecting them from additional fading and wear. They come with decorative signage that can indicate your business is a car wash, offers ATMs or is open for sales. We even have an American flag cover.

If a full wrap is not right for you, Blockaides also has bollard caps, designed to fit most standard bollard sizes. Made from UV-treated flexible PVC vinyl, these caps protect your bollards from the sun and rain. They are available in yellow, red, green, blue and black.

Request a Quote Today

With routine inspections, regular cleaning and the addition of high-quality covers or caps, you can extend the life of your bollards. Blockaides is here to help, so request a quote today.