The Ultimate Guide To Bollard Accessories

As businesses complete the final touches of their bollard installation, finishing touches must include accessories that make buildings approachable and show a message to pedestrians, such as saying, "welcome" or "car wash." Having lettering to signify a message is great, but having the choice to skim through something like this ultimate guide to bollard accessories opens new ways to improve the appearance of pillars.

Accessory Choices for Posts

Businesses have the opportunity to dress their posts the way they desire. They can use a cap for better security, for starters, as it has a tighter fit and won't slip off.

Here's a closer look at the different styling options for your posts.

Caps

Pillar caps help improve the appearance of your posts, but add plenty more enhancements, like better protection, reduced maintenance, and affordability.

Typically, you'd find bollard caps in these sizes:

• 4 ½ inches
• 6.625-inch diameters
• 6 inches

However, companies might not know about other benefits, such as being made from high-quality material.

Affordable

As mentioned, pole caps come at an affordable price, and they're simple to install. After buying, all you need to do is slip it over the top of your pillar, and it doesn't need replacing.

Better Material

Manufacturers make caps from materials that prevent UV rays from hitting and tarnishing the vinyl. Additionally, a pillar cap can survive in haphazard weather conditions.

Many Options

The greatest thing with post caps is that you have options. For instance, you can select a radiant red or a bright yellow to help others see in the dark.

No Wear and Tear

Having a cap helps keep rainwater from overflowing on the post, causing flooding, preventing garbage from piling on top. With the help of a cap, maintenance gets reduced.

Visibility

When vehicles drive around at night, especially in poorly-lit areas, a bollard isn't as visible without a brightly colored cap. Fortunately, a colored cap that's yellow or orange can reflect off of headlights, letting drivers know they're coming up on a bollard to signal how far they are from the exit.

Vehicle Protection

If an accident occurs, a bollard's cap has enough vinyl to absorb shock.

Covers

A bollard cover is not the same as a cap. A cover is more helpful in case someone, or something, bumps into the pole. Additionally, a cover is more of an encasement that slides onto a pole.

Here are several reasons to have a cover for your bollard.

The Form and Function

Even though a post's cover looks great on an architectural building's side, it helps protect the pillar from damage while in a parking garage or lot.

Visibility

Like the cap, a cover's bright color can help travelers see it from far distances in the dark and different types of weather that decrease visibility.

Different Styles

Like pillar caps, a pole cover has two different styles made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and fabric. They come in two shapes: circular or square.

Wrap Covers

A wrap cover functions as a regular cover; however, it wraps around the object instead of sliding onto it. Furthermore, businesses use a wrap covering to advertise holidays or significant events in the local area.

Here are the benefits of having a wrap top.

Promotional and Directional Space

A wrapping cover can have words on them to show the type of business, event, or direct a customer where they need to go to find things like an ATM, concession stand, or seat number.

Better Visibility

The greatest thing about wrap covers is that, since they have words on them, the signs won't be too difficult to see, and pedestrians are less likely to bump into them on accident.

Material Options for Pillars

As you read through the ultimate guide to bollard accessories, you'll start to come across the different material types that bollards are made from, so you have an idea of what you'd want to pick based on intent and utilization.

HDPE

HDPE, known as high-density polyethylene, is a waterproof material that prevents bollards from rusting and getting damaged in harsh weather conditions. HDPE is customizable and a less expensive material.

PVC Vinyl

PVC vinyl is a high-quality material that prevents even more damage to bollards. For instance, it prevents UV-rays from fading the material on bollards and preventing shock when a car or individual strikes.

Cast Iron

A cast iron cover is a decorative feature that can enhance any stainless steel structure or landmark. However, it doesn't perform well when soaking up shock, but it prevents wear and tear and can make any building look appealing.

Although it doesn't have as many benefits when it comes to preventing injuries, it does have many benefits by being the preferred architectural bollard cover over stainless steel due to affordability and aesthetics.

Stainless Steel

Like cast iron, stainless steel wins over many people, especially due to its sleek design and outstanding flexibility to morph into any desired shape. A stainless steel cover can enhance a building's best focal points and enhance visibility.

Benefits of Bollard Accessories

A bollard exists for many reasons. One reason is to help promote safety and inform drivers of their business and where to locate a restroom or ATM. Following that, here are additional benefits to having post accessories.

Element Protection

From the sun's harsh rays to winds that reach peak heights of 80 mph, having some form of protection against the elements can decrease the need to maintain pillars often. Help minimize potential damage by installing a bollard cover or cap.

Reduced Maintenance

As mentioned above, the need for maintenance goes down. As a cost-saving benefit, having a sleeve can save time and money to repaint bollards seasonally or annually.

Aesthetic Improves

No matter the choice you pick, whether an architectural cover or a plastic one, they both possess outstanding benefits for your business. Not only do they increase the beauty of a building, but both prevent severe accidents and damage from the outdoor elements and collisions.

Choosing the Right Bollard Cover or Cap

Choosing the best bollard accessory varies on a few factors depending on what your business is looking for in a marker.

The Aesthetic

When you aim to improve a building's look, you don't want one material to create an eye-catching building; you want something that checks off every requirement. However, if style is more of a concern, go for stainless steel or cast iron.

The Cost

Cost is a huge setback for many, as each material can make or break your budget. For instance, stainless steel costs a lot to install and make. So, pick a material that's suitable for your financial plan.

The Location

Your location is another issue you need to consider. If you're in a more rural area, you want a pillar that can withstand storms but is also visible for drivers and others to see.

When choosing a pole style, you want to ensure it's made from your desired material and can fulfill its purpose.

Custom Manufacturing and Polishing, Inc. believes in creating what you imagine. If you desire stellar markers, we can make your dreams a reality. For more information on custom bollard covers, contact us here.