Speed Bumps – Removed in 3 Simple Steps
You can never be too careful when it comes to safety & maintenance. Spending just a little time now to prepare for winter, can save you loads of time over the course of the winter, and in the spring. If you’re in an area where snow is a concern, then it’s probably best to pull up your traffic control devices during winter months. This will help protect them from the damages of a snowplow, and make plowing much easier without the obstructions. So here is a simple 3-step process for removing your speed bumps.
1. Lift: The first thing you need to consider when removing your speed bump is how they’re installed. If you’ve installed using rebar anchors then you’ll want to use a crow bar to lift the product first. This should expose the spikes. Then you can remove each spike from the top. Obviously, you’ll want to be careful not to damage the bump, or bend the spike.
If you’ve installed using lag bolts & shields, then you’ll want to remove the bolt. This will free the top so you can easily pull it up.
2. Reseal: Now you have an exposed hole in your surface. What should you do? Well, if you don’t fill them, then it’s a sure bet you’ll have water getting into them, and then freezing. This means trouble. Water of course, expands when it freezes and that means the hole expands. Then, not only will you not be able to use them next spring, it will also probably start a chain reaction of deterioration of your entire surface. So, each and every hole should absolutely be filled.
If you don’t plan to use the same holes to install your speed bumps next spring, you can use any permanent sealant like liquid asphalt or crack filler. But if you want to consider installing in the same locations next year, then you may want to consider sealing the holes with a temporary sealant. You can use just about anything that can be removed without much trouble. This should protect the holes until spring.
3. Store: While they may require a bit of space to store, keeping your speed bumps all in one organized location will make installation next spring much easier. There’s no need for temperature control, so you can choose a location that’s convenient, and out of the way for the entire winter.
When you’re ready to re-install, you’ll want to inspect each and every hole first. Yes, each and every one. Just one loose fit can allow movement and can wear away at the hole and start wearing away at your surface. Just make sure that each hole is free of dirt & obstructions. Be sure that they haven’t expanded from freezing or deteriorated in any way. If all is well, you can go ahead and re install using the same holes. But, if there is any sign of changes, expansion or deterioration, you’ll probably need to drill new locations just to be on the safe side.
It sounds like a lot to go through, but consider the benefits of having these for years, and years to come. What’s the old saying? An ounce of prevention…….