Bollards create barriers that prevent traffic from entering an area. They can also guide visitors in the right direction and ensure traffic flows smoothly. Along with serving a practical purpose, bollards can also help improve the aesthetics of a parking lot or roadway. With these benefits, you want to extend the lives of bollards so they function and maintain their appearance long-term.
4 Tips to Care for Bollards
Ongoing bollard care and maintenance will preserve and extend these fixtures. Follow these tips to protect your property’s bollards.
1. Inspect Bollards Regularly
Depending on where you install them, bollards can see significant wear and tear. Regular inspections allow you to detect any issues early on and correct those issues before the bollards become extensively damaged.
How frequently you should inspect bollards depends on their location. In an environment with average conditions, checking them monthly should be sufficient.
Inspect bollards more often in areas that experience weather extremes or other harsh environmental conditions. Bollards in areas with high humidity or salt in the air, such as by the coast, typically benefit from more frequent inspections, as salt and moisture can build up on the fixtures and damage them.
If you’re unsure how often you should inspect your bollards, we’re happy to help. We’ll consider your location and environmental factors during installation to recommend an inspection schedule.
2. Clean Bollards Periodically
Along with regular inspections, bollards need regular cleaning. Like your inspection schedule, how you clean them depends on location and environment. If your fixtures require frequent checks, they may also have stains or built-up debris that need special cleaning.
To lightly clean your bollards, rinse them with water and let them air dry. You can also gently dry them with a soft, lint-free cloth.
If you notice buildup or dirt on the bollard, rinse it with water first, then use a sponge or soft cloth, plus mild soap and water to clean away the dirt. Rinse with clean water immediately, as the soap shouldn’t dry on the bollard. Let the rinsed bollard air dry or wipe it with a cloth.
Some types of debris or stains are particularly stubborn. If a mark is still visible after the process above, repeat the cleaning steps until it’s removed.
For best results, clean the surfaces of your bollards on cloudy days, avoiding direct sunlight. Only clean the bollards in moderate temperatures, avoiding days with extreme heat or cold.
Avoid scratching the bollard’s surface using only gentle soap and soft sponges or cloths. Abrasive cleaners, steel wool and brushes can damage the surface.
3. Install Bollard Caps or Covers
Bollard caps sit on the top of the bollard, intercepting UV rays and blunt impacts. They can help to extend the life of your bollards by reducing the need to repaint and offering protection in the case of collisions. Bollard caps also help enhance the aesthetics of your bollards.
Another option is to install bollard covers, which extend over the entire bollard, offering protection from sun, snow, rain and ice.
4. Protect Bollards from Vandalism
Some bollard types can be more effective at deterring vandals than others. Lighted bollards illuminate the area, which deters passersby from damaging them. If your bollard does get vandalized, taking action swiftly will help prevent further vandalism. Decals and graffiti are easier to remove the sooner you act, too.
Extend the Life of Your Bollards With Blockaides
Blockaides provides professional bollard installation services and carries bollard accessories, including bollard caps and covers. We’re happy to provide guidance on bollard care and maintenance during and after installation. Contact us today to learn more.
