Mobile Folding Plastic Barriers vs. Traditional Metal Barriers: Which Is Better?
Barriers are important for maintaining safety and order in crowd control, establishing restricted areas and directing traffic. For many years, metal barriers have been the common choice. Today, lightweight, portable and practical folding plastic barriers are becoming popular. If you are unsure of which barrier to use in your situation, use this guide to compare plastic versus metal barriers on the basis of material, durability, mobility and value.
Material and Construction
Conventional metal barriers are usually made of steel or aluminum, which are strong and rigid, temporary metal barriers are appropriate for situations where long-term use or dependable strength and rigidity is important. Their primary disadvantage is their weight, and they have a tendency to rust and/or corrode over long periods and when exposed to the outdoor elements.
A folding plastic barrier is composed of durable, high-quality polyethylene or polypropylene. The barrier is UV stabilized and will not corrode, can withstand exposure to rain, sun and temperature fluctuations and will not deteriorate. While plastic barriers are lighter, they are still strong enough to be used anywhere, including construction sites, parking lots or special events.
Portability and Ease of Use
Portability is one of the main benefits of expandable mobile folding barriers. These barriers can be quickly assembled and easily moved to a designated location. Due to their foldable and extendable design they can cover multiple lengths based on the length of area needed, then be folded for storage when not in use.
Metal barriers are heavier and require more time and effort to be set up or moved. Additionally, metal barriers are typically designed in single, rigid, sections where portions must be connected to create the entire barrier, making them less convenient for temporary areas or where work areas might frequently change. For teams needing to set up and deploy quickly, plastic folding barriers are far superior.
Safety and Visibility
Safety is not only about cordoning off areas, but creating visibility as well. Plastic gates tend to come in bright colors like yellow or red, making them visible from a distance or some way off. Many may additionally have reflective strips or warning signs for night time, and they are made to withstand both environments, indoor or outdoor.
Metal gates are generally more durable, but tend to not be visible unless presumably painted, or reflectively taped for nighttime use. Plastic gates would be preferred for the purposes of visibility in situations like road construction, maintenance areas, or crowd control.
Maintenance and Longevity
Safeguarding safety is not just about sectioning an area, but also making it visible. Gates made of plastic will frequently have yellow or red plastic colors, which are visible from a distance or some way off, and many also have reflective strips or warning signs for night time, and they are made for either indoor or outdoor environments.
Gates made of metal are more durable, but generally are not visible unless presumably painted or some reflective tape for night time visibility. Plastic gates with yellows or reds would be preferred for the purposes of visibility in situations like road construction, maintenance areas, or crowd control.
Cost and Value
Although the process of manufacturing and materials make metal barriers more expensive, they are durable and can last a long time. Mobile folding plastic barriers are an excellent value for money, as they have low upkeep costs, frequent and low maintenance, and can be stored easily. Folding plastic barriers will provide a quicker ROI for users that frequently set up and take down barriers for various events.
Conclusion
Both metal and plastic barricades have their uses, but for modern workspaces, event planners, and maintenance teams, expandable mobile folding barricades provide the ultimate in convenience, visibility, and value for money. They are lightweight, quick to deploy, and guaranteed to work in all conditions.
If you’re looking for a long-lasting portable safety solution, browse our range of mobile folding plastic barricades in our website and find the one that suits your needs.