Reduce Maintenance by Using Bollard Post Covers

Save Time and Money With the Right Equipment

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Bollard posts are an important piece of safety equipment. They are commonly seen in many commercial or retail settings like schools, banks, or outdoor shopping centers. Bollards can also serve as visual markers to help guide traffic in areas like parking garages or hospitals.

Like any other piece of equipment, bollards are subject to corrosion or weathering over time. Exterior bollards are particularly susceptible to decay and require regular maintenance to prevent them from appearing dilapidated. Properly maintaining a bollard depends on the material it is constructed with, whether the bollard is interior or exterior, and the primary function of the bollard.

Alternatively, bollard post sleeves could reduce the need for maintenance altogether by sliding on top of worn-out bollards and making them appear brand new. Whether you are interested in maintaining your existing bollard post or using a bollard post sleeve instead, here is a guide that outlines everything you need to know about taking care of bollard posts.

What are the Most Common Types of Bollards?

Bollard posts are constructed with different types of materials and for various purposes. Some of the more common types of bollards are:

Concrete Bollards. Concrete bollards are used in exterior settings to create a physical barrier between vehicles and pedestrians or property. They are sturdy but difficult to install. Installing a concrete bollard usually involves digging out a footer and cementing it in place.

Metal Bollards. Metal bollards are also sturdy enough to function as physical barriers in exterior contexts but may also be used in interior areas like warehouses or storage facilities as visual markers. They typically come with prefabricated holes for easy installation.

Polyethylene Bollards. Polyethylene bollards are more flexible than metal or concrete bollards. They primarily function as visual markers to guide the flow of traffic or delineate perimeters. Polyethylene bollards are not as sturdy as metal or concrete bollards, but one advantage of a polyethylene bollard’s flexibility is that they likely won’t cause significant damage to vehicles in the event of a minor impact.

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How to Maintain Bollards

Preventing decay or corrosion of a bollard involves treating it with a protective coating. This can be either paint or sealer depending on the type of bollard. Here is a breakdown of the different coatings used to protect bollards and which materials they work best on.

Paint. A great way to protect bollards from the elements or to make an old bollard look like new is to paint it. Using a rust-resistant paint will also maximize the longevity of metal bollards and protect them from corrosion.

Concrete bollards are difficult to paint and tend not to look as good when they are. Paint also does not cover the physical defects of concrete bollards like it does with metal. Chips and cracks in the concrete will still be visible even after concrete bollards are painted.

Sealer. Sealer is a better option for protecting concrete bollards. Sealer is typically epoxy or an acrylic-based substance that is applied to the exterior of a bollard. It helps protect bollards from the effects of weather or impact. Sealer is more for preventing erosion than improving the appearance of a bollard. An epoxy could mitigate some of the physical defects of a weather-worn bollard, but they are expensive and time-consuming to apply.

Eliminate Routine Maintenance with Bollard Post Covers

Consistently applying paint or sealer to old bollards is time-consuming and expensive. Both problems can be solved with a bollard post cover sleeve that can be applied instantly. Bollard post cover sleeves are constructed with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and UV inhibitors that resist fading, rusting, and cracking. By sliding over top of old bollards, bollard post cover sleeves make old bollards appear brand new.

Polyethylene cover sleeves can also serve as bollards when coupled with a rubber base. The advantage of an HDPE cover sleeve as a bollard is that its flexibility causes little to no damage in the event of an impact and its high-visibility design makes it ideal for use as a visual marker. Bollard post sleeves from Eagle come in a smooth or fluted design and can be trimmed for an exact fit. Cover sleeves are available in 4”, 6”, and 8” NPT pipe sizes. Smooth covers are available in yellow, red, black, or blue; and fluted covers are available in lime green, green, orange, and black.

Find Your Bollard Maintenance Solution

Using Bollard post covers sleeves is a great way to save time and money on regular maintenance. Whatever your bollard needs, Eagle has a wide range of safety products that will protect personnel and property as well as maintenance products to keep your facility or work area looking like new.

If you are looking for other products to protect your people and equipment, view our Guide to Material Handling Equipment and Products