Speed bumps act as “mini brakes” on the road, slowing drivers down and protecting pedestrians. Many people struggle with installing speed bumps: are the installation methods the same for asphalt and concrete roads? The answer is definitely no! These two road surfaces are vastly different – one is “soft,” the other “hard” – resulting in significant differences in the installation methods, materials, and even the strength of the speed bumps. Today, we’ll explain the differences in installing speed bumps on these two types of roads in simple terms, so you’ll know how to choose and install them correctly.The Difference Between Installing Speed Bumps on Asphalt and Concrete Roads is Surprisingly Big!
First, let’s talk about the installation methods, which is the most important difference. Asphalt roads are relatively “soft,” and can even be a bit sticky in hot weather. Therefore, a “hot-melt adhesive” method is commonly used for installing speed bumps. Simply put, the speed bump is heated to soften it, then directly applied to the cleaned asphalt road surface, pressed flat with a tool, and left to cool firmly. This method doesn’t require drilling, doesn’t damage the road surface, and is quick; two people can install several in half a day.How long do the batteries in traffic cones with LED flashing lights last?
Cement roads are different; they’re tough, brittle yet strong, and hot-melt adhesives simply won’t hold—they’ll fall off under pressure. Therefore, installing speed bumps on cement roads requires a “drilling and fixing” method. First, holes are drilled in the speed bump itself, then corresponding holes are drilled in the cement road to match the holes. Finally, expansion bolts are used to firmly secure the speed bump to the road surface. While this method is more troublesome and laborious, it’s incredibly strong; no matter how much heavy vehicles drive over it, it won’t easily loosen.How to Secure Traffic Cones on Icy and Snowy Roads?
The material used for the speed bump is also important; it must be compatible with the road surface for it to work effectively. Hot-melt speed bumps are suitable for asphalt roads. These adhere well to the asphalt surface, produce less noise when vehicles drive over them, and can expand and contract with slight deformations in the asphalt, making them less prone to cracking. Yellow or red-and-white striped colors are best, as they are highly visible day and night, providing good warning.
Rubber or metal speed bumps are suitable for cement roads. Rubber speed bumps are elastic, easy to install, and reduce noise from vehicles driving over them, offering excellent value. For intersections or factory areas with heavy truck traffic, metal speed bumps are the better choice, as they are more wear-resistant, pressure-resistant, and last longer. However, it’s crucial to ensure the screws are tightened securely when installing speed bumps on concrete roads; otherwise, they will rattle and loosen quickly under heavy loads.
The durability and installation difficulty of speed bumps differ between the two types of road surfaces. While asphalt road speed bumps are quick to install, their durability is greatly affected by temperature. In summer, the sun softens the road surface, potentially causing the speed bumps to shift; in winter, the cold can cause cracks at the adhesive points. Therefore, after installation on asphalt roads, it’s best to avoid heavy vehicle traffic for the first 24 hours to allow for better adhesion.
Concrete speed bumps, once the screws are tightened properly, are incredibly durable and resistant to damage from wind, sun, and heavy truck traffic. However, installation is slightly more difficult; care must be taken when drilling to avoid cracking the concrete surface. Furthermore, after drilling, you must clean the dust inside the hole; otherwise, the screws won’t tighten properly, and the speed bump will still loosen.
There are also some other small details to note: Before installing speed bumps on asphalt roads, clean off any oil and dust from the road surface; otherwise, they won’t adhere well. After drilling holes on concrete roads, it’s best to add some waterproof sealant to the holes to prevent rainwater from seeping in and rusting the screws, thus extending their lifespan. Also, regardless of the road surface, don’t install speed bumps too high; 3-5 centimeters is generally enough. Too high, and they’ll scrape the undercarriage of the car, which will only annoy people.