Installing Speed Bumps in Winter Weather?

Winter weather is notorious for causing job delays by affecting equipment, materials, and personnel. Although this is true for any contractor, it’s especially relevant to paving & asphalt contractors. While for some, it may be difficult to work in freezing temperatures & snowfall, it’s nearly impossible for asphalt workers to do so.

For example, when installing asphalt, it’s recommended that installation be done in temperatures of 60 degrees or above. The lower the temperature, the less time there is to form and smooth the surface. That means as the temperature falls, there are only brief minutes before the asphalt begins to set. Unless you’re Superman, it’s hard to keep up.

In addition, the surface should be clean and dry to allow for adhesion between the asphalt bump and the surface. Obviously, if it’s snowing, neither the optimum temperature nor the dry surface are available. This means lost time for contractors, and jobs don’t get completed until spring and summer months.

When asphalt speed bumps are installed in less than desirable conditions, they are typically uneven and aren’t formed properly. They can become brittle and are more prone to early deterioration, thus requiring premature replacement.

As an alternative, contractors and customers alike have begun considering more versatile options. Ideally, speed bumps that can be installed in colder temperatures, and also aren’t affected by snow, rain and other adverse weather would offer the most benefit.

Enter rubber speed bumps. While new to the industry, rubber speed bumps are quickly becoming the standard, especially in northern states that are subjected to a wide range of weather variances within short periods of time.

These rubber speed bumps are molded from recycled tires in a manufacturing facility where controlled conditions guarantee consistent production. Each speed bump is the same height, width and length. They’re formed to perfectly align end to end and match with precision to create bumps for varying road widths. These pre-formed bumps offer the advantage of installation in any weather as well as longevity and durability in a wide range of weather.

Because they are typically bolted or secured with pins, there’s no need to worry about adhering to a wet surface area. And the rubber material is unaffected by heat, cold, rain or snow. This means installation can carry on through the chilly temperatures of fall weather, on into the cold, snowy winter, and right on into the rainy spring without missing a beat.