Can I Install a Height Restriction Barrier Myself?

 

Height restriction barriers are one of the most effective methods of controlling vehicle access to commercial and public sector environments throughout the United Kingdom. Commonly installed at schools, hospitals, retail parks, industrial estates and commercial premises, they provide a simple yet highly effective means of restricting oversized vehicles from entering unsuitable areas.

One of the questions most frequently asked by purchasers is:

"Can I install a height restriction barrier myself?"

The simple answer is yes, in many cases you can. However, whether self-installation is appropriate will depend upon several important factors including the size of the barrier, ground conditions, available equipment and the experience of those undertaking the installation.

This guide explains some of the key considerations before deciding whether a height restriction barrier should be installed in-house or by experienced installers.

Are Height Restriction Barriers Difficult to Install?

The complexity of any installation will vary considerably depending upon factors such as:

• The width of the barrier.
• The specification of the support posts.
• Ground conditions.
• Existing site constraints.
• Whether excavation works are required.
• Access restrictions.
• The size and weight of the barrier itself.

Smaller installations may prove relatively straightforward, whilst larger commercial barriers may require additional planning and specialist equipment.

Before commencing any installation, consideration should always be given to the practicalities of lifting, positioning and securing the various components safely.

What Equipment Might be Required?

Depending upon the installation requirements, equipment may include:

• Concrete mixing equipment.
• Excavation equipment.
• Spirit levels.
• Measuring equipment.
• Appropriate lifting equipment.
• General installation tools.
• Suitable personal protective equipment.

Commercial installations may also require temporary traffic management arrangements where vehicle movements cannot be safely separated from installation activities.

What Should be Checked Before Installation?

Before any excavation work commences it is advisable to consider:

Ground Conditions

Ask yourself:

• Is the installation area concrete or tarmac?
• Are there any visible drainage arrangements?
• Are underground services likely to be present?
• Is the surrounding ground level?

Vehicle Movements

Consider:

• Will emergency vehicles require access?
• Are delivery vehicles expected?
• Are larger commercial vehicles likely to use the site?
• Is sufficient space available for vehicles to manoeuvre safely?

Barrier Positioning

The position of the barrier itself is equally important.

Drivers should be provided with adequate warning of any restrictions before reaching the installation. Careful positioning can significantly improve both safety and traffic flow.

Are Height Restriction Barriers Heavy?

Commercial height restriction barriers are manufactured from structural steel sections designed to provide both strength and durability.

As a consequence, larger barriers can be substantial items and consideration should always be given to:

• Manual handling requirements.
• Safe lifting practices.
• Transportation arrangements.
• Site accessibility.
• Available manpower during installation.

Attempting to undertake an installation without appropriate planning can unnecessarily increase both installation times and safety risks.

What are the Most Common Installation Mistakes?

Some of the most common issues encountered include:

Incorrect Measurements

Always double-check:

• Barrier widths.
• Clearance heights.
• Foundation locations.
• Gate opening clearances.
• Available vehicle access requirements.

Poor Foundation Preparation

Suitable foundations remain one of the most important elements of any successful installation.

Insufficient excavation works or poor preparation can adversely affect both the operation and longevity of the barrier.

Incorrect Alignment

Even minor alignment issues can result in:

• Difficult operation.
• Increased wear.
• Locking problems.
• Premature maintenance requirements.

Taking the time to accurately position each component during installation will invariably provide significant benefits in the future.

Is Specialist Installation Recommended?

There are many circumstances where professional installation services may be advantageous.

These include:

• Schools.
• Hospitals.
• Retail developments.
• Industrial estates.
• Public authority projects.
• Larger commercial installations.

Professional installers will typically consider:

• Ground conditions.
• Site constraints.
• Vehicle movements.
• Foundation requirements.
• Safe lifting arrangements.
• Operational requirements.
• Future maintenance considerations.

For many organisations, the additional peace of mind offered by professional installation services represents a worthwhile investment.

What Information Should be Provided Before Installation?

Providing the following information before ordering can often prove extremely helpful:

• Required barrier width.
• Clearance height.
• Site photographs.
• Existing surface details.
• Access restrictions.
• Installation requirements.
• Opening preferences.
• Any special operational requirements.

The more information available during the quotation stage, the easier it becomes to recommend an appropriate solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can height restriction barriers be supplied ready for installation?

Yes. Commercial height restriction barriers are typically supplied complete with the relevant components required for installation, although specifications will naturally vary depending upon individual project requirements.

Can I install a barrier onto an existing surface?

Potentially, yes. Existing surfaces may often be utilised subject to their suitability for the proposed installation.

Will I require lifting equipment?

This will depend upon the specification and size of the barrier being installed. Larger installations may benefit from additional lifting assistance during positioning.

How long does installation take?

Installation times will vary considerably depending upon factors such as ground conditions, barrier size and site constraints.

Are height restriction barriers suitable for retrofit projects?

Yes. Many commercial installations form part of refurbishment or improvement projects where vehicle access arrangements are being upgraded.

Looking for a Height Restriction Barrier?

Aremco Barriers manufactures and supplies manual height restriction barriers for commercial, industrial and public sector applications throughout the United Kingdom. Available in a range of standard and bespoke sizes, our barriers can be supplied galvanised or galvanised and powder coated to suit individual project requirements.

Explore our full range of Height Restriction Barriers on our website for further information regarding specifications, finishes and bespoke manufacturing options.

You May Also Find These Guides Helpful

• What is a Height Restriction Barrier?
• How High Should a Car Park Height Barrier Be?
• What Foundations are Required for Height Restriction Barriers?
• What Size Height Restriction Barrier Do I Need?
• Height Restriction Barriers for Schools.
• Height Restriction Barriers for Hospitals.
• The Complete Guide to Height Restriction Barriers in the UK.

Final Thoughts

Many height restriction barriers can be successfully installed without difficulty provided appropriate planning is undertaken beforehand. Taking the time to properly consider ground conditions, vehicle movements and operational requirements will help to ensure both a safe installation and many years of reliable service.

Where larger or more complex installations are involved, professional installation services may provide valuable additional reassurance whilst helping to ensure the most appropriate solution is delivered for the site in question.