If you are a property manager or business owner, improving the parking lot of your property should always be on top of your mind. The layout should be efficiently constructed to provide your customers and employees with an optimal parking experience.
One key element in achieving this is the installation of wheel stops, which act as barriers for vehicles and prevent them from encroaching onto sidewalks, ramps, or adjacent parking spaces, adding an extra layer of safety to your property.
Wheel stops come in two primary materials: concrete and rubber. While both serve the same purpose, each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making a decision.
Concrete Wheel Stops
Concrete wheel stops are incredibly heavy, which means they provide lots of stability once installed. This ensures that the wheel stops stay firmly in place, effectively preventing vehicles from going beyond their designated parking spots.
Concrete is a durable material that can withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and heavy rainfall. This durability ensures a long life for the wheel stops, so there is no need for frequent replacement, and little to no maintenance.
However, due to their weight, concrete wheel stops can also be challenging to install, requiring specialized equipment and professional expertise.
Rubber Wheel Stops
Rubber wheel stops are significantly lighter than their concrete counterparts, making them easier to install, move, or adjust as needed. This means it will be more cost-effective than concrete to install, and will lead to a quicker turnaround time.
In case of an accident, rubber wheel stops are less likely to cause damage to vehicles, thanks to their flexible and forgiving nature. They are more flexible than concrete and can conform to the shape of the ground, allowing for more flexibility in their placement.
However, rubber wheel stops do not provide the same level of stability as concrete, especially in areas with heavy traffic or larger vehicles. They are also more susceptible to wear and tear due to exposure to extreme weather conditions, and will require replacements.
Choosing between concrete and rubber wheel stops depends on your specific needs and priorities. If stability and durability are your main considerations, concrete wheel stops is the better choice. On the other hand, if easy installation and cost-effectiveness is more important to you, rubber wheel stops might be the ideal solution.
Contact Wright Construction today so we can help you assess the unique requirements of your parking lot and guide you towards the most suitable option.
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