How often do bollards need servicing?

Bollards tend to need servicing once a year. However, that’s just a general guideline – the exact interval can vary depending on a couple of different factors. While some bollards in low-traffic areas may not require attention more than annually, others that are used more heavily (or exposed to harsh conditions) might need more frequent checks, possibly every 6 months. As the UK’s leading bollard supplier here at Bollard Security, we’re always able to provide more specific advice if you need us to – but here are the essentials to get you started!

Why bollard servicing is important

Bollards serve a variety of vital roles – from controlling access to protecting spaces and ensuring safety. That means that when they’re not properly maintained, the consequences can extend far beyond a simple repair job. For starters there’s the safety element; a damaged or malfunctioning bollard no longer provides the same level of protection, which can result in increased risks of accidents or even vehicle collisions.

In addition to safety concerns, there’s also the matter of security. Many bollards are designed to deter unauthorised vehicle access, particularly in restricted or high-security areas. If they’re in poor repair, that can limit their effectiveness in controlling access. This could make it easier for unauthorised vehicles to gain entry, which potentially leaves your business or property vulnerable to potential threats or break-in.

On the other side of the same coin, bollards also play an important role in ensuring smooth access to your premises to people who actually are authorised to enter. Whether they are used to control traffic flow or secure entrances and exits, a malfunctioning bollard can cause significant disruptions. For instance, if a retractable bollard fails to lower or rise correctly, it could block access for customers, staff, or delivery vehicles. This not only causes frustration but could lead to delays and operational inefficiencies, potentially to the detriment of any business operations.

Finally, the condition of your bollards impacts the overall professionalism of your property – which is especially important if you’re a business. For potential clients or business partners, seeing broken or damaged bollards may give the impression that your business is not well cared for. And that problem is compounded if those same bollards end up actively obstructing entry or exit to your business, that can further damage those all-important first impressions.

How often should bollards be serviced?

As we’ve touched on above, the frequency of bollard servicing depends on several factors:

• Bollard type – fixed bollards may require less frequent maintenance compared to retractable or automatic bollards, which involve more moving parts. Manual bollards typically need servicing every 12 months, while retractable bollards might need checks every 6-12 months due to their mechanical nature.
• Environmental conditions – bollards exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or freezing temperatures, may require more frequent inspections. Salt from roads in winter can cause corrosion, particularly for steel bollards, meaning these should be checked more regularly in areas subject to such conditions.
• Usage levels – bollards installed in high-traffic areas, such as city centres or car parks, will often experience more wear and tear than those in quieter locations. As you might imagine, the more often bollards are used, the more frequently they should be serviced to prevent damage or malfunction.
• Bollard function – some bollards are designed to be removable or retractable, and their internal mechanisms may require more frequent maintenance to ensure they operate smoothly. Automatic bollards with electronic controls may also need more attention to ensure the electronic components are functioning correctly.

The key signs that bollards need servicing

It doesn’t take specialist knowledge to tell when a bollard needs servicing – you’ll generally be able to notice it pretty easily! Some of the most obvious warning signs include:

• Visible damage – cracks, dents, or severe rusting can compromise the bollard’s function. A bollard that has been struck by a vehicle or heavy object may require immediate inspection.
• Malfunctioning mechanisms – if a retractable bollard fails to rise or retract, or an automatic bollard isn’t responding to its controls, it’s almost certainly going to need servicing. The issue can sometimes be mechanical or electrical.
• Unusual noises – if a bollard is making strange noises when being used, such as grinding or squeaking, it could indicate that the moving parts need lubrication or repair.
• Corrosion or wear – rust on bollards (especially steel ones) is a relatively common issue in areas with heavy rainfall or exposure to road salts. It’s not too much of an issue initially, but if it’s left unchecked for long enough, corrosion can lead to structural weakness and eventual failure.
• Loose bollards – if the bollard is loose or unstable, this can be an obvious safety hazard. It might need tightening or reinstallation to ensure it serves its purpose effectively.

Professional servicing vs DIY maintenance

While regular checks and basic maintenance can be handled in-house, we’d generally recommend professional servicing for more complex issues. There are some tasks that require specialist knowledge and tools, like checking the internal mechanisms of retractable bollards, or performing electronic diagnostics on automatic bollards. They’re obviously not jobs that the average owner can tackle themselves anyway, so that makes the decision fairly straightforward!

For less complex maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, removing minor surface rust, or lubricating moving parts, you may be able to find you can manage that work yourself. If you’re ever in doubt though, we’d always recommend consulting a professional bollard service provider like our team here at Bollard Security – you can count on us to offer expert advice, carry out thorough inspections, and ensure the bollards meet all safety standards.

That’s all the essential information covered! And if you’re looking at buying or installing some bollards for your own premises, you’re in exactly the right place. Why not check out our most popular bollards for 2024?

For over 15 years at Bollard Security we’ve been installing and maintaining security solutions across the UK for domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, and we take pride in providing quality products that give our customers peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 01535 509001 for advice and recommendations on the best driveway bollards or Telescopic Bollards for you!