Materials Guide — PVC vs PE vs Rubber vs PU in Canada
Materials Guide — PVC vs PE vs Rubber vs PU (Canada)
1) Quick selector — best picks by use
| Use case | Best material | Why | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic cones (outdoor, winter) | PE body + rubber base | Cold impact resistance + stability | Choose UV-stabilized body; heavier base for wind |
| Parking posts/delineators | PE or PU | Flex and rebound in cold | PU rebounds best; PE is economical |
| Wheel stops | Rubber | Weight, grip, cold resistant | Bright chevrons; re-torque anchors after winter |
| Corner/wall guards | Rubber or PU | Impact absorption, abrasion resistance | Rubber = heavy duty; PU = cleaner finish |
| Cable protectors/ramps | PU body + rubber lid/feet | High load + abrasion | Confirm axle rating if forklifts cross |
| Indoor garage cones/boards | PVC | Economical, good colour | Avoid deep cold & severe UV |
2) Property comparison (at a glance)
| Property | PVC | PE (LD/HD) | Rubber | PU/TPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold impact (−10 to −30 °C) | Fair–Poor (brittles if unstabilized) | Good–Excellent | Good | Good–Excellent |
| UV resistance | Needs stabilizers; fluorescent fades fast | Good with UV package | Good (black best) | Good; some grades yellow |
| Abrasion / wear | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
| Weight / stability | Light | Light | Heavy / grippy | Medium |
| Chemical / salt splash | Fair | Good | Good | Good |
| Cost (relative) | Low | Low–Medium | Medium | Medium–High |
| Typical uses | Indoor cones/boards | Outdoor cones/posts | Bases, wheel stops, guards | Posts, ramps, casters |
3) PVC — where it works
- Pros: economical, holds bright colour, easy to print.
- Watch-outs: can brittle in deep cold without low-temp/UV stabilizers; thin walls slump in summer sun.
- Use it for: indoor garages, short-term events, budget cones/boards away from extreme cold.
4) PE (LD/HD) — outdoor default
- Pros: tough in winter, good chemical resistance, UV-stabilizable, recyclable.
- Watch-outs: very thin PE can deform on hot asphalt; choose thicker walls or sleeves.
- Use it for: year-round cones, delineators, outdoor posts and bases paired with rubber.
5) Rubber — weight & grip
- Pros: heavy, stays put, great cold performance, high abrasion resistance.
- Watch-outs: odour when new; heats in sun (black). Use reflective chevrons for visibility.
- Use it for: cone bases, wheel stops, corner/wall guards, anti-slip feet.
6) PU/TPU — abrasion & cold flex
- Pros: rebounds after impacts, excellent wear, good in cold; great for posts, cable ramps, casters.
- Watch-outs: some grades yellow under UV; pick outdoor-rated blends.
- Use it for: flexible delineators, heavy-duty ramps, wheels and bumpers.
7) Canadian weather tips
- Winter (−10 to −30 °C): prefer PE/PU bodies and rubber bases. Cap hollow posts to prevent ice split.
- Summer UV: fluorescent pigments fade fastest — rotate stock and choose UV-stabilized resins.
- Road salt: rinse hardware; avoid mixed metals; see Weather Resistance — Snow, UV, Salt & Temperature.
8) Sustainability & recycling
- Rubber (recycled) & PE: commonly recycled streams; ask for recycled content where suitable.
- PVC: more limited general recycling; plan for longer service life and reuse.
- Extend life with maintenance & cleaning and timely replacements.
9) Cleaning & maintenance
- Soap + water + microfiber. No solvents or abrasives on coloured plastics or reflective faces.
- Quarterly rinse in winter regions to remove salt film from bases, anchors, and lamp housings.
- Night check reflective bands; see Reflective Sheeting — Classes & Standards.
10) Common mistakes to avoid
- Spec’ing PVC for outdoor winter cones — it goes brittle if not stabilized.
- Buying light bases and blaming the wind — add weight or switch to rubber.
- Using light ink on reflective film for night reads — go darker for contrast.
- Ignoring wall thickness — thin bodies deform in summer sun.
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Material choices may be prescribed by standards, contracts, or site policies. When a document specifies material class, thickness, or performance, that document prevails. Confirm with your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for site-specific requirements.
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The Biri Group is a supplier of building materials that specializes in the production and manufacture of road and traffic safety products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses.
At Biri Group, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions for road and traffic safety. Our portfolio includes a wide range of products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses. Our state-of-the-art production and manufacturing unit, Biri Industries, located in RAK, allows us to efficiently produce products to meet the demands of the market.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just our products. We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our customers and partners and providing exceptional customer service. Our team of experts is always available to assist with any questions or concerns and provide guidance on selecting the right product for your needs.
At Biri Group, we are constantly striving to improve and offer better, stronger products. We take pride in our ability to adapt to the changing market and provide innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Thank you for considering Biri Group for your traffic safety needs. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and help make your roads safer.