Rubber Speed Bumps vs. Other Options

When comparing different options for speed bumps, it’s important to consider first, the material they are made from.  There are a wide variety of materials available, and choosing the one that’s best for your needs isn’t always easy.  Here are a few things to consider.

Longevity: When properly cared for, each type of material has the potential to last for years.  However, some have a higher potential than others.  For example, plastic bumps can be very strong, however if driven over improperly, the edges can tend to buckle and eventually crack.

Asphalt speed bumps are another popular alternative, however winter weather and snowplows can crack and chip away at the bumps.  This can cause a chain reaction that requires replacement within just a few short years.
Another option growing in popularity is the rubber speed bump.  Rubber offers the flexibility that plastic seems to lack, and the durability to weather that asphalt can’t provide.  When properly maintained, rubber speed bumps can provide years of safety and traffic control.

Appearance: When installed new, each material offers it’s own unique enhancement to any traffic area.  However, consider what may happen over time.  Will the bumps need painted?  Will they fade?  Will they crack or buckle?  Will they look as good in 5 years as they do today.  With plastic and asphalt, the answers may not be so appealing.  However with rubber speed bumps, the answers to these questions are much more promising.  The baked in reflective tape means there is no paint to chip or fade.  Solid construction prevents buckling, and some speed bumps installed over 10 years ago, still look as vibrant as they did the day after installation.

Maintenance: How much time do you really want to spend maintaining a speed bump?  Whether you’re performing the maintenance yourself, or paying someone to check them, chances are you’re looking for minimal time. Asphalt bumps will require painting, and possibly patching and/or filling year after year; perhaps even replacement.  Rubber speed bumps require only a few minutes from time to time to be sure the anchoring is secure.  And while it is recommended they be removed to avoid snowplow damage in winter, removal takes only a few minutes each as well.  Again, there is no painting, no repairing, and no return visits necessary.

Fringe Benefits: When selecting the right material, perhaps the environment is part of your consideration.  Think of how each material may affect the environment in production, use, and potentially disposal.  Was the material manufactured of a recycled (or recyclable) material, or is it virgin material?  Will the product need replaced often creating additional, unnecessary waste?  Will maintenance like painting cause you to invest in time and money to apply paint that may or may not be environmentally friendly?  And should the need come to replace or dispose of the product allow you a “Green” option?  Rubber speed bumps are made of recycled tires.  So the production process helps to remove this waste from landfills.  Plus, because they’re so durable, they won’t need replaced year after year, reducing the waste that goes back into landfills.  And should they ever need removed & disposed of, they are completely recyclable.  Plus, transportation costs are lower, and installation is safer and quicker; making the rubber speed bump an all around good choice.