What Is Bollard Fencing?
If you’re looking for effective barriers for vehicles that still let people through, you’ve probably wondered about bollard fencing, or as it’s usually known, bollards.
Most people don’t call this bollard fencing, and the bollards themselves are usually sold and installed on a per-unit basis rather than fences, which are based on the total footage required. Here’s what you need to know about bollards and whether they’re right for your project.
What Are Bollards?
Bollards are usually heavy-duty tubular posts that are installed anywhere from a couple of feet to a meter apart from each other. They’re designed to stop motor vehicles from entering an area, while still allowing pedestrians and bicycles to move freely through the entrance they’re installed in.
They’re usually used in places like pedestrian shopping areas and parks, where you don’t want gates to restrict all the foot traffic through the area, but you want to prevent cars from driving, parking or posing a risk to people and property in the area.
How Are Bollards Installed?
The installation method for bollards depends a lot on the type of bollard you are installing.
Some bollards are designed simply to be heavy and strong so that they can physically stand up to any vehicles that might try to enter the area. Others might be designed to be removable in the event that access to the area is required by vehicles.
There are also electronic bollards that can be raised or lowered, and some that have sensors, so they automatically deploy when there’s a threat in the area. Some bollards even integrate lighting, so they serve a dual purpose.
Most bollards will have a fairly large, heavy concrete base, which helps to anchor the bollard in the event it is hit. Simpler tubular steel bollards are often filled with concrete too, increasing the weight and strength of the bollard. There are some bollards that are lighter duty that might be bolted to a surface, or that are embedded into a much shallower footing.
Installing bollards really depends on how complicated the bollard design is. The best rule of thumb is that you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when installing products like this.
Where Can You Get Bollards?
Many commercial fence contractors do offer bollard installation as part of their services, and many also supply and install their own steel tubular bollards, either painted to ensure they’re visible to motorists or with specially made bollard covers.
More complex, high-security bollards are usually manufactured by companies that make high-security fences and access control equipment. When you find the product that meets your needs, the manufacturer will usually have a list of approved installers you can contact for a quote.
A Good Compromise
Bollard fencing – or bollards, to be more accurate – is a good compromise for lower security sites where you want to allow some access but prevent vehicular access.
Higher tech electronic and automatically raising and lowering bollards are a good option for higher security sites too and are often used on government and military projects.
If you do want higher-tech bollards for your site, be sure to choose the product carefully, and hire a contractor who has experience installing them. They can be tricky to install, and they’re a fairly costly item, so you really don’t want any mistakes.
