Weather Resistance — Snow, UV, Salt, Temperature in Canada
Weather Resistance — Snow, UV, Salt, Temperature (Canada)
1) Quick matrix — pick by environment
| Environment | Best materials | Avoid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy snow / freeze–thaw | Rubber/PU bases, PE cones/posts, galvanized or stainless hardware | Brittle PVC, thin ABS | Mark edges for plows; re-torque anchors after first thaw |
| High UV & summer heat | UV-stabilized PE/PU, powder-coated or anodized metals | Unstabilized PVC; low-cost paints | Rotate units to balance fade; use sleeves on steel bollards |
| Road salt / coastal | Hot-dip galvanized steel, 304/316 stainless, aluminum | Plain carbon steel; zinc-only screws | Rinse salt film; avoid mixed metals that cause galvanic corrosion |
| Indoor cold rooms (≤ −20 °C) | Low-temp PU/TPR casters, PE bodies, LiFePO4 batteries | Brittle PVC, standard lithium packs | Grease rated for low temp; choose anti-fog lenses on mirrors |
2) Cold & snow — brittleness and ice
- Impact at −10 to −30 °C: unstabilized PVC/ABS gets brittle; prefer PE or rubberized bases.
- Ice jack: water inside tubes expands → splits. Cap posts/bollards and drill drain holes where suitable.
- Anchors: re-torque after first freeze–thaw; check slab cracks around bolt-downs.
- Visibility: snow film dulls reflectivity — clean faces and add lamps where needed.
3) UV & heat — fading and softening
- Fade control: pick UV-stabilized resins and pigments; fluorescent colours fade fastest — rotate stock.
- Softening: thin PE/PVC can slump in direct sun on dark asphalt; choose thicker walls or sleeves.
- Coatings: quality powder-coat beats basic paint; add sleeves/covers to avoid repainting steel.
4) Salt & corrosion — hardware and coatings
- Hardware first: use stainless or hot-dip galvanized anchors, washers and nuts; avoid mixed metals.
- Rinse routine: winter brine film attacks fast; quick rinse extends life of chains, hinges, and lamp housings.
- Touch-up: seal chips on coated steel before rust creeps under the finish.
5) Plastics: PVC, PE, PU, Rubber
| Material | Pros | Watch-outs | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC (cone bodies, signs) | Good colour, economical | Brittleness in deep cold if not UV/low-temp stabilized | Moderate climates; indoor garages |
| PE (LD/HD, posts & cones) | Tough in cold, UV-stabilizable | Can deform in high heat if thin | Outdoor all-season default |
| PU/TPU (bases, wheels) | Great abrasion & cold flex | Some grades yellow in UV | Bases, casters, bumpers |
| Rubber (recycled) | Weight, grip, cold-resistant | Odour; black heats up | Bases, wheel stops |
6) Metals: steel, aluminum, stainless
- Steel: choose hot-dip galvanized for road salt; powder-coat + sleeve to reduce maintenance.
- Aluminum: light, corrosion-resistant; use thicker gauges outdoors with wind/vibration.
- Stainless (304/316): best near salt/coast; higher cost, low upkeep.
7) Reflective faces & inks
- Keep clean: dirt + salt = dead retroreflectivity. Soap + water + microfiber only.
- Choose class for distance: HIP/DG hold up and stay bright in clutter and snow glare.
- Edges & fasteners: seal edges where specified; avoid fastener shadows over legends.
8) Adhesives, tapes & decals
- Use cold-flex adhesives for winter installs; warm the substrate when possible.
- Degrease, dry, and roll with pressure; moisture kills bond strength.
- For rough concrete/asphalt, use thicker, conformable tapes or mechanical fixings.
9) Electronics: solar lamps & batteries
- Panels: snow film blocks charging — wipe regularly; use angled mounts where possible.
- Batteries: LiFePO4 tolerates cold better than standard lithium; confirm capacity at −10 °C.
- Seals: check gaskets after deep freeze; IP ratings assume undamaged seals.
10) Seasonal storage & maintenance
- Off-season: store clean, dry, shaded; don’t stack in ways that warp cones or boards.
- Winter prep: mark wheel stops and posts for plows; add reflective bands and solar lamps.
- Spring audit: tighten anchors, replace hazy mirrors and chalked signs, rinse salt from all hardware.
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This guide is informational, not legal advice. Product durability and maintenance may be referenced in standards, contracts, or site policies. Where a document specifies materials, coatings, reflectivity, or inspection intervals, that document prevails. Confirm with your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) or the spec owner 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.