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Steel Bollards 101: Specs, Selection and Usage
- Schedule
- The schedule number for steel pipe is related to the thickness of the pipe wall. The bigger the number, the greater the wall thickness. You can have different sized pipes with the same schedule (for example 1" schedule 40 pipe might have actual wall thickness of .133" while 2" schedule 40 pipe might have .145" wall thickness).
- OD
- The outside diameter of the steel pipe.
- ID
- The inside diameter of the steel pipe.
Steel Bollard Finishes
- Galvanized Steel
- Galvanised steel gets treated before it ships with a coating of zinc to help protect it from rust. The life expectancy of galvanized coatings is typically in excess of 50 years in rural areas and 20-25 years in more extreme urban or coastal areas where there is more exposure to corrosive elements.
- Primed Steel Bollards
- Primed steel bollards are prepared with the application of a primer or undercoat (done before painting). The priming enhances coating adhesion to the steel surface. If the steel is not primed before painting or other coating is applised it typically oxidizes and rust forms. Painting a bare steel surface typically ends with the paint coming off in flakes. Priming provides extra protection for the steel and the longevity of the coating.
- Painted Steel
- Painting without priming reduces the longevity of the product. When the finish is scratched or cracked, the steel underneath will start corroding. Ensuring steel is primed before painting or coating is a good practice. Painted steel will be more affected by heat and weather elements so they will need touch-up and/or replacement over time.
- Stainless Steel
- Some of our pipe guards use stainless steel. Stainless steel is typically more expensive than other steel treatments. It is very strong and resistant to rust, even around saltwater. However chlorine can degrade the coating so it should not be used in environments with exposure to chlorine.
- Bollard Covers
- Depending on your application, bollard covers can be a great option to protect your steel bollards. They protect the underlying steel from weathering elements and they are easy to use. They just slip right over the bollard. Most bollard covers are made of durable thermoplastic and offer UV resistance, long life and easy replacement when it is finally time to refresh without having to replace the entire bollard.
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2021