Finding the Ideal Parking Lot Bumpers Material for Your Needs
Every well-designed parking lot will feature bumpers, objects that clearly mark parking spaces and prevent cars from accidentally parking on walkways. But any one parking lot bumper may necessarily be equivalent to another. That’s because different materials provide different benefits, ranging from enhanced durability to simply being better-looking than others.
On that note, let’s review the different materials used to create parking bumpers in order to weigh their pros and cons and help you make the right decision.
Parking bumpers serve several functions. The first, and perhaps most important, is to outline parking spaces. That, in turn, not only helps drivers identify each available spot but also helps you make the most of the lot’s layout. Beyond that, these bumpers also work to protect other parts of the lot, such as walkways, landscaping, or building structures. And finally, an added benefit of many well-designed bumpers made from the right materials is that they can make your parking lot look great!
You’ll find that there are many options available to you when deciding on a material for your parking bumpers. Here are some of the most popular choices and the characteristics that make them good (or bad) picks:
Concrete is, bar none, thenumber one type of parking lot bumper, capable of delivering unmatched durability, longevity, and stability. There are only a few drawbacks to concrete, and even then, most of them are easily fixable (or not much of a concern) in most situations. The bumpers are heavy, for instance, which can make them hard to install, but that can be avoided with professionalinstallation. They can also represent more of an upfront investment, but theirhigh-qualitymeans you won’t spend nearly as much on maintenance or replacements.
Rubber bumpers are popular because they’re flexible and capable of absorbing impacts better than more rigid materials. They’re also more lightweight and can resist various weather conditions.Where rubber falls short, however, is with its durability. While rubber parking stops can certainly endure a single impact better than some materials, they don’t perform as well in high-traffic areas, especially compared to concrete. Higher quality rubber bumpers are also expensive despite lacking the level of durability concrete provides.
Plastic is a good choice for those looking for something easy to install. They’re also less expensive and usually have more options for customization. The thing is, plastic is even less durable than rubber or concrete, and it’s not nearly as resilient as the other materials regarding weather conditions, either. They’ll even have a hard time staying in place since they’re considerably more lightweight.
Steel is one of the few other options that can rival concrete with its ability to absorb significant impacts. Steel parking bumpers also have a longer lifespan than plastic or rubber. However, steel is much more high-maintenance than concrete. It can rust over time if not adequately coated or treated regularly.
Factors You Should Consider When Choosing Your Parking Lot Bumpers
There are several factors you’ll want to think about before you make your decision regarding the material that makes the most sense for your situation:
Whereas low-traffic areas could get away with rubber or plastic bumpers, high-traffic areas will undoubtedly benefit more from durable materials like concrete. No matter what, you’ll still enjoy the greatest return on investment (ROI) by investing in a more robust material.
Think about which materials work best with the climate you work in, including how much sunlight you get. If moisture in the air is a big concern, steel might not be the best choice, especially if you don’t want something you have to regularly maintain.
Budget is one of the more obvious factors to consider, and it’s arguably the most important. As mentioned earlier, concrete may have a higher upfront cost, but its unparalleled durability can help you save money in the long run. You might be interested in rubber or plastic because of their lower ticket prices. Still, if you’re constantly replacing or repairing your parking bumpers, you’ll find that these materials are much less budget-friendly than you think.
The visual appeal of these bumpers might not be high on everyone’s list. But if you’re struggling to choose between two options, it might be the thing that tips you in the right direction. Aesthetics are very subjective, however, so the “best” option will vary from person to person.
Regardless of your chosen material, you’ll want to take the best care of your new parking bumpers. Here are some quick tips to help you start your maintenance regimen:
Concrete is the most hands-off of your options, being durable and resilient right out of the box. However, you should still check it periodically for cracks or damage and clean the surface periodically to keep it looking its best.
Rubber and plastic have similar maintenance requirements. Check them for parking signs of wear and tear, and clean them with soap and water. Both materials are much more likely to incur damage throughout use, so you’ll need to check them more often than concrete.
Check your steel parking lot bumper for rust or corrosion. Use a rust-resistant coating and clean the bumper often, using specific cleaners designed for steel for the best results.
Now that you know more about parking lot bumper materials and what to consider before you buy, you should have a better idea of what you need. The “right” answer will depend on your needs. But in terms of value, durability, and aesthetics, concrete and steel tend to be the best options if you’re looking long-term.
The only thing better than a quality concrete parking lot bumper is one installed by concrete professionals! American Precast Concrete has made bringing excellent concrete materials to people our mission. If you’re ready to talk more about your parking lot bumper needs, contact us today, and we’ll walk you through the process.