Barriers: A Buyer’s Guide – What to Know Before You Buy

Choosing the right barrier system isn’t just about stopping vehicles — it’s about making your site safer, smarter and easier to manage.
Whether you’re securing a car park, business yard, council site, or private driveway, the right barrier can control access, prevent accidents and protect property.

This buyer’s guide explains everything you need to consider before making a purchase — from barrier types and materials to installation, maintenance and compliance — so you can make an informed decision and get the best long-term value.

1️⃣ Define the Purpose of the Barrier

Every site is different, and so is every barrier.
Start by asking: what is the barrier there to do?

Common purposes include:

• Vehicle access control – prevent unauthorised entry or manage car park flow
• Impact protection – shield buildings, machinery or pedestrians from collision
• Perimeter security – stop unwanted vehicles on private or council land
• Height restriction – prevent HGVs and tall vehicles entering low-clearance areas

Once you know the goal, you can choose the design, material and operation style that best suits your site.

2️⃣ Material, Finish & Durability

For most UK applications, steel barriers are the go-to choice for strength, longevity and cost-effectiveness.

Look for:

• Hot-dip galvanised steel (BS EN ISO 1461) – protects against corrosion
• Powder-coated finish – adds colour, visibility and weather resistance
• Heavy-duty wall thickness – ensures impact performance and prevents bending

At Aremco Barriers, every system is fabricated from UK-sourced steel and built to withstand heavy use in car parks, industrial sites and public areas across the country.

3️⃣ Installation & Maintenance Considerations

Think about where and how the barrier will be installed.

• Fixed barriers are bolted or concreted into place for permanent protection.
• Removable barriers allow controlled access for maintenance or events.
• Automatic or manual swing gates suit larger entrances that need regular operation.

Also consider maintenance: hinges, locks and moving parts should be easy to service.
Aremco designs every barrier with low-maintenance operation and provides spare components for long-term reliability.

4️⃣ Compliance, Standards & Safety

All barriers and bollards should comply with relevant UK and European standards for safety, load resistance and coatings.

Look for compliance with:

• BS EN ISO 1461 – galvanising protection
• BS EN 13438 – powder coating over galvanised surfaces
• BS EN 12604:2017 – gate safety and operation

Choosing products built to these standards ensures both safety and durability, and can help satisfy insurance or planning requirements.

5️⃣ Choosing the Right Barrier Type

Different situations require different solutions.
Here’s a quick guide:

ApplicationRecommended Barrier TypeTypical UseCar park accessSwing barrier / rising armControl daily vehicle entryIndustrial estateHeight restriction barrierPrevent tall vehicles or unauthorised entryPublic park or green spaceLockable combination barrierStop fly-tipping and traveller encampmentsWarehouse protectionArmco-style crash barrierShield walls and equipment from impactResidential drivewayFold-down or telescopic bollardPrevent unauthorised parkingPedestrian areaFixed bollardsSafety separation and access control

6️⃣ Budget, Cost of Ownership & Long-Term Value

When comparing prices, consider lifetime cost, not just purchase cost.

Cheap imported barriers often look similar at first but may corrode or fail within a few years — leading to expensive replacements.
Aremco’s UK-made systems are built for decades of service, providing the best return on investment.

💡 Related reading: Cheap Barriers Cost More

7️⃣ How to Choose the Right Supplier

The best results come from working directly with the manufacturer rather than through a reseller.

Why?

• Faster lead times
• Factory-direct pricing
• Custom designs to fit your exact measurements
• Direct technical support and accountability

Aremco Barriers designs, manufactures and finishes every product in-house at our West Midlands facility, cutting out middlemen and ensuring full quality control.

💡 Related reading: Why Cutting Out the Middleman Saves You Time & Money

8️⃣ Buyer’s Checklist

Before you order, make sure you have:

• ✅ Accurate measurements of width, height and ground conditions
• ✅ Clear purpose (access control, protection, restriction)
• ✅ Finish choice (galvanised only, or galvanised + powder coat)
• ✅ Site drawings or photos
• ✅ Preferred locking or operation method
• ✅ Confirmed lead time and installation plan

A quick discussion with our team can help finalise the best setup for your site.

9️⃣ Summary & Next Steps

The right barrier makes your site safer, more efficient and easier to manage — and choosing wisely means it’ll stay that way for years.

Whether you need height-restriction barriers, swing gates, or steel bollards, Aremco Barriers can design and supply a tailored, UK-made solution to suit any environment.

📞 01384 566222 (Ext 2)
📧 sales@aremcobarriers.co.uk
🌐 www.aremcobarriers.co.uk

Aremco Barriers – UK-Made Strength, Straight from the Source.‍