Different Types Of Driveway Security Bollards

By Author: Wentworth Protection
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Understanding Driveway Security Bollards

Driveway security bollards, or as some people might call them, security posts, are anti-theft devices that prevent thieves from driving your stolen car off the driveway, effectively making it impossible to disappear with your car. This makes them an incredibly effective deterrent, as thieves are more than likely going to attempt a theft at a property without security bollards installed on the driveway.

You can learn more at https://wentworthprotection.co.uk

How do they work?

Great question! As you can see in the image above, security bollards, or security posts, are heavy-duty metal poles that make it impossible for a vehicle to get past. For the most part, we install telescopic security posts, which describe the type of bollards that can be lowered into the ground when they aren't in use. The key benefit here is that they become essentially invisible when not in use, they're far more convenient than alternatives, and they're incredibly strong given that they are sitting in a concrete-reinforced base nearly a meter in the ground.

Different Types of Security ...
... Bollards

Galvanised Steel Bollards

Galvanised Steel Bollards are an incredibly popular option amongst homeowners who simply want to protect their vehicles, without any additional luxury. Galvanised steel is a carbon steel that has been galvanized or coated with a thin layer of zinc. The zinc acts as a barrier preventing oxygen and water from reaching the steel, providing advanced corrosion protection and making it incredibly hardy and long-lasting in British weather.

Stainless Steel Bollards

Stainless Steel Bollards are very common amongst homeowners who are looking to protect their vehicles without sacrificing aesthetics. Slightly smaller than the Galvanised option, these bollards are made with Stainless Steel, which is generally considered a higher-end option, and makes for an aesthetically pleasing choice. The locking mechanism sits at the top of the bollard.

Hydraulic Lift-Assist Bollards

Hydraulic Lift-Assists Bollards are commonly chosen by individuals who want to extend their budget slightly to afford an additional level of convenience and luxury - in this case, a hydraulic lifting mechanism that effectively raises the bollard out of the ground automatically. The unit still needs manual operation to activate, but from there it works by itself.

Automatic Wireless Bollards

Finally, our most premium option, the wireless automatic bollard. This bollard is fully electric, powered by batteries in order to avoid complicated and expensive powerlines needing to be installed under the driveway. The unit is operated via an app, and provides users with the highest levels of convenience and luxury. We especially recommend this product to homeowners who are installing multiple units at once.

How does installation work?

The process of installing these bollards is relatively simple, and usually takes no more than 90 minutes per bollard. We'll break down the process of installing anti-theft vehicle bollards below.

Step 1 - Checking for Underground Utilities

We start by using a CAT Scanner to check your driveway for any underground pipes and power lines. This is to ensure we can safely dig to the required depth to fully install your security posts.

Step 2 - Plan Bollard Placements

We work closely with the homeowners to ensure the bollards are placed in a way that is convenient, whilst doing the most effective possible job to prevent vehicle theft. Once the client is happy, we are able to begin work.

Step 3 - Digging the Holes

Depending on the type of bollard you've chosen, we carefully dig holes to the required depth. Once we've created appropriate drainage, we place the bollards, ensuring perfect alignment and placement. We always use a level to check the bollards are 100% straight before setting them.

Step 4 - Setting the Bollards

Once the bollards are in their correct positions, we use concrete to fill the cavities around the bollards, giving them their immense strength and durability. We ensure that the bollards are protected using masking tape to prevent any scuffs during this process.

Step 5 - Integration with Driveway

Depending on the type of driveway, we now take the necessary steps to create a seamless integration between the bollard and your driveway. For example, on block paving driveways we cut the bricks to make room for the bollard and achieve a pleasing level of symmetry and cohesion.

Step 6 - Clean Up

Once the bollards are finished, we ensure the driveway is completely cleaned, leaving you with your new bollards, well-protected vehicles, and no mess. We ensure the client is comfortable operating the bollards, hand over any spare keys, and answer any final questions.

Are Bollards Right For Me?

Ultimately, each individual needs to assess if bollards are a suitable option for them. There are various considerations to think about before making a decision, which we will explore below.

High-risk Vehicle Brands

The majority of thieves target higher-end car brands, such as Range Rover, Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Bentley, and Jaguar. Of course, all cars are vulnerable, but we generally find that higher-end car brand owners should take protection seriously.

High-risk Locations

Unfortunately, there has been a significant spike in car theft around London, Greater London, and the Home Counties, including Surrey, Essex, Berkshire, Kent, Hampshire, and Bucks. We recommend that individuals in these areas take additional steps to protect their vehicles, including security posts.

Suitability of Your Home

Whilst driveway security bollards are incredibly effective in preventing car theft, some homes may not have suitable driveways. If the driveway entrance is very wide, for example, too many bollards might be required to protect the vehicles, making it cost-ineffective. In other situations, multiple users might need access to the drive, making a bollard a no-go.

Budget

We tend to have bollards to fit all types of budgets, so generally cost should not be an obstacle to getting a security post installed to prevent vehicle theft. However, if your budget is very low, low-cost options like steering wheel locks may be more suitable in the short-term.

You can learn more at https://wentworthprotection.co.uk