Guardrails contribute to highway safety that preventing vehicles from straying off the road during accidents. They stop cars from sliding off edges or crashing into dangerous spots. When you build or fit a guardrail, you must make it sturdy. If you fit it incorrectly, it might fail to protect drivers. This blog will show you common mistakes people make when installing guardrails. A renowned guardrail manufacturer in Malaysia will help you pick and fit road barriers the right way. It will also save lives and keep roads safe for everyone.
Not Checking the Ground or Soil Properly
People repeatedly make mistakes when they install these guardrails without knowing what lies beneath the road. If you’re unfamiliar with it, digging and hammering posts can invite various troubles soon. It would be better to determine the soil condition, such as soft, rocky, or loose.
Soft or shifting soil cannot hold posts firmly. Then, when a vehicle strikes the barrier, the post may tumble instead of holding strong. Always dig a little and inspect the soil deeply before you plant posts. Make sure the posts rest on firm earth or on solid concrete. A stable root gives strength to the guardrail.
Spacing the Posts Wrongly
Many installers commit the error of spacing posts too far apart or too close together. If posts are too far apart, the rail between them bows or breaks on impact. If they are too close, you waste resources and may create weak points at the joints. Incorrect spacing robs the guardrail of its power to absorb impact. You must measure carefully, mark the spot for every post, and keep an equal distance. Balanced spacing helps the barrier stand tall and guard the road.
Putting the Rail at the Wrong Height or Angle
If the rail sits too high or too low, it cannot shield the car properly. A guardrail set too low may let a vehicle slip under. Too high, and a smaller vehicle might slide over it. If the angle is tilted incorrectly, the rail may crash into the car instead of deflecting it back to the road. Installers must follow guidelines for height and offset carefully. Use measuring tools to set the rail at the correct
level for the best protection.
Using Poor Quality Material or Skipping Galvanized Steel
Guardrails must resist impact and weather. If you use weak steel or uncared-for metal, the barrier rots or buckles. Some make the mistake of picking cheap material to cut costs. That exposes road-users to danger. Prefer strong, treated metal instead. Using galvanized steel in Malaysia gives long life and guards against rust and rain. Always pick sturdy, treated metal beams for lasting safety.
Ignoring Proper Installation Technique and Fastening
Installing guardrails is more than driving posts and bolting beams. You must embed posts deep, align beams straight, tighten bolts firmly, and finish end-caps safely. If bolts stay loose or alignment wobbles, the whole system fails at the first crash. Some installers skip final checks or use too few fasteners. That invites disaster. Always check every bolt, make sure rails sit tight, and inspect the whole setup once done.
Failing to Inspect and Maintain Guardrails After Installation
After fitting, many forget guardrails. They think the job is done. But guardrails face wind, rain, rust, and sometimes small dents. Over time, these issues weaken the barrier. If you never check them, the guardrail loses strength. You must plan routine inspections. You need to recheck for rust, loose bolts, bent beams, or broken posts. If you find any cracks or issues, then repair or replace damaged parts quickly. This care keeps the barrier ready when an accident occurs. In addition, always choose a trustworthy guardrail supplier in Malaysia that provides you with sturdy products for your projects.
Conclusion
Installation of a guardrail requires careful attention, thorough ground check, appropriate spacing, correct height, strong metal, accurate fastening, and, importantly, regular maintenance. If you miss any step, the guardrail may fail at the moment when safety becomes most urgent. Always use good material, such as galvanized steel in Malaysia, and follow careful installation and maintenance procedures. When you do so, your guardrail becomes a strong shield for both vehicles and people on roads. For a reliable, high-quality barrier by experts, rely on VG Steel Industries Sdn Bhd, the leading guardrail supplier in Malaysia and a trusted manufacturer of guardrail.
As a reliable guardrail manufacturer, Vs Steel Industries can cater to your requirements beyond expectations.