Whether in a major city or rural town, security-conscious homeowners are increasingly deploying bollards to protect their property perimeters. But with the range of bollard types available, which solutions deliver optimal security and functionality for residential applications?
We compare different bollard categories and cover the key factors to consider when selecting the best bollard option to protect your home.
Why Should You Use Bollards for Home Security?
Bollards help boost your property’s physical security as perimeter threats like burglaries, trespassing and vehicle break-ins rise. Here’s what bollards can contribute to your home security:
- Hardened barriers – Bollards physically prevent unauthorised vehicle access, providing formidable obstacles against intruders.
- Visual deterrence – Prominently visible bollards warn criminals that illegal entry will be forcefully denied, encouraging them to look elsewhere.
- Flexible access – Removable and retractable bollard options allow easy access for residents and visitors when required.
- Property value – Security measures like bollards boost real residential property values for safety and peace of mind.
- Custom solutions – Bollards can be tailored to integrate seamlessly with existing architecture and landscaping.
Effective residential bollards deliver 24/7 protection without detracting from the home’s aesthetics or liveability.
Bollard Types to Secure Your Property
Several bollard varieties are suitable for residential security:
Fixed Bollards
As the name suggests, fixed bollards permanently obstruct access, providing a formidable physical vehicle barrier. Their strengths include:
- High visual deterrence value
- One-time installation with minimal maintenance
- Often a lower-cost option
However, fixed bollards lack the ability to allow flexible entry and exit. Using them could obstruct homeowners’ own access or that of trusted visitors and tradespeople.
Manual Retractable Bollards
These manually raised or telescopic bollards can disappear below ground when access is required. Their strengths include:
- Enable selective access without fully removing the barrier
- More visually unobtrusive when retracted
- Provide better aesthetics than fixed bollards
Drawbacks include the manual exertion required for frequent operation, which can pose difficulties for homeowners. However, life-assisted versions for some models of manual bollards are available.
Automatic Retractable Bollards
Automatic bollards use electric or hydraulic actuation to rise and lower without any manual operation. Their benefits include:
- Allow quick remote operation for access control
- Rapidly secure sites at the first sign of threats
- Integrate with home alarm and video systems
- Offer hands-free convenience
Because of their convenience and reliability, automatic bollards can have higher upfront costs than fixed or manual alternatives.
Semi-Automatic Bollards
While similar to fixed bollards, semi-automatic bollards can be raised or lowered to control vehicle access. Powered by a gas spring mechanism, you can manually release using a key, which releases the actuator . Their benefits include:
- Offers security by deterring unauthorised vehicles.
- Provides convenient access control for authorised vehicles and pedestrians.
- Lower maintenance compared to automatic bollards due to its lack of complex electrical components.
- More flexible than fixed bollards, ideal for driveways, businesses and pedestrian zones.
Semi-automatic bollards are typically more expensive than fixed bollards due to the added complexity of the raising mechanism. However, these bollards are only semi-automatic, so depending on the model, lowering the bollard after automatic raising might require some manual effort.
Removable Bollards
Removable bollards lock into ground sockets. They can be fully lifted out when you need access and then reinstalled post-entry. Their advantages include:
- Allow complete entry clearance without obstructing homeowners
- Provide flexibility for wide vehicle access when necessary
- Often quicker to operate than retractable models
- Lower cost than automated options
Refitting the bollards after each use may become tedious, and you have to think of storage solutions for when the bollards are removed.
Key Factors When Selecting Residential Bollards
Consider your requirements across these areas when choosing the right bollards for your home:
Aesthetics
While security comes first, homeowners also want barriers that blend in with their property’s architecture and landscaping. Powder-coated steel bollards in colours matching their surroundings can look smart and subtle, while options like stainless steel suit a contemporary style.
Access Needs
If you frequently need clearance for larger vehicles, removable or retractable bollards are likely the better solution over fixed posts. However, automatic bollards add ultimate convenience if they’re within your budget.
Security Ratings
Check that the bollards’ impact resistance ratings meet your risk factors. Permanent fixed bollards with high attack ratings provide maximum hostile vehicle mitigation, while removable or automated options still deter opportunists.
Budget
Fixed and removable bollards are generally the most budget-friendly options, with automated systems having greater installation costs. However, factor in whole-of-life value when assessing expenditure.
Getting the right balance of security, functionality and affordability requires expert guidance. Discuss your unique requirements with the team at Macs Bollards to identify optimal solutions for protecting your home.
We Can Help You Pick the Best Bollards for Home Security
An integrated bollard solution tailored to your property delivers protection without negatively impacting your access or enjoyment of your home. The ideal bollard types, specifications and positioning provide effective protection and visual deterrence, while allowing flexible access control if required.
For advice on selecting the perfect home security bollards for your needs without over or under-investing, contact the specialists at Macs Bollards today at 0161 320 6463 or enquiries@macs-bollards.com.
Macs Automated Bollard Systems Ltd specialise in the nationwide supply of automatic rising bollards. Our experts keep the Macs Bollards blog updated with all the latest bollard news!