Bollards are vertical vehicle-control barriers used to protect buildings, pedestrians, property and restricted areas. Depending on the application, bollards can be fixed in place, removable, semi-automatic or fully automatic.

The most important distinction is that not every bollard is crash rated. Commercial and residential bollards are commonly used for property protection, traffic control and access management, while high-security bollards are engineered for locations where vehicle impact resistance is a critical security requirement.

Residential bollards provide vehicle control and property protection for private driveways, homes, gated communities, condominiums, private parking areas and estate entrances.

Residential bollards are available as fixed, semi-automatic, and automatic systems. Automatic bollards provide controlled vehicle access while fixed bollards can protect areas where vehicles should never enter. Semi-automatic systems are for areas where electrical wiring may be difficult.

Automatic Residential Bollards

Automatic retractable bollards provide controlled driveway access while allowing authorized vehicles to enter without the driver leaving the vehicle.

Depending on the system, residential access can be controlled by remote control, keypad, vehicle detection, mobile access or integration with another property access system.

Semi-Automatic and Fixed Residential Bollards

Semi-automatic bollards are retractable systems that operate without electrical wiring. A keyed release mechanism activates the integrated gas-assisted operator, allowing the bollard to automatically rise. To lower the bollard, the same release key is used while downward pressure is applied to the top of the bollard.

Fixed bollards are appropriate where vehicles should never pass through the protected area. They can also be selected in finishes and designs that complement residential architecture.

Site conditions to review include:

• Existing driveway construction
• Concrete or asphalt thickness
• Soil conditions
• Drainage
• Electrical availability
• Frost and freeze/thaw conditions
• Bollard spacing
• Emergency access
• Access-control requirements

Installations

Automatic

Automatic bollards generally retract into a below-grade pit or foundation. The complete installation can include the bollard cylinder, foundation, drainage, hydraulic or electromechanical equipment, heaters, electrical controls, vehicle detection and access-control equipment.

Automatic bollard installation diagram

This is a conceptual illustration, not a construction drawing. Exact pit dimensions, foundation requirements, reinforcement, drainage and wiring must come from the selected manufacturer's current installation documentation.

Semi-Automatic

Semi-automatic bollards are installed in a below-grade foundation or sleeve and typically require no electrical connection. The bollard is manually lowered with a key or release mechanism and raised again using an internal spring or gas-assist system.

Semi-Automatic bollard installation diagram

This is a conceptual illustration, not a construction drawing. Exact pit dimensions, foundation requirements, reinforcement, drainage and wiring must come from the selected manufacturer's current installation documentation.

Fixed 

Fixed bollards are permanently installed into a concrete foundation or approved mounting system and require no electricity. Proper installation depends on the bollard’s foundation, embedment, anchoring and site conditions.

Fixed bollard installation diagram

This is a conceptual illustration, not a construction drawing. Exact pit dimensions, foundation requirements, reinforcement, drainage and wiring must come from the selected manufacturer's current installation documentation.