Armco barriers are designed to withstand regular vehicle movement, changing weather conditions, grit, and the occasional knock.
When looked after properly, Armco barriers continue to protect people, buildings, and vehicles with minimal fuss. But when issues and damage are left unchecked, small defects can quickly lead to reduced protection or avoidable repairs.
A regular maintenance routine helps keep barriers safe, compliant, and fit for purpose throughout the year. This is particularly important on sites like car parks, where exposure and traffic levels change with the seasons.
CT Safety Barriers manufactures Armco systems in the UK for tough working environments. Here’s our seasonal checklist for you to build into routine site maintenance.
Why Seasonal Inspections Matter for Armco Barriers
Different seasons introduce varying stresses on barrier systems.
Cold weather brings moisture, grit, salt, freeze-thaw cycles, and reduced visibility. All of which increase the risk of corrosion and unnecessary vehicle contact.
Hot weather presents different challenges, including thermal expansion of materials, higher traffic volumes, and gradual loosening of fixings as components expand and contract.
Planned, seasonal inspections help prevent:
- Reduced impact protection
- Barriers drifting out of line
- Unplanned repairs following avoidable deterioration
Spring and Summer Armco Checklist: Warm-Weather Checks
Spring is an ideal time to assess how Armco barriers have come through the winter.
Key points to check:
- Barrier rails and posts for rust, flaking, or damage to protective finishes
- Galvanised finishes, particularly around joints and bolt holes, where exposed steel may corrode
- Signs of vehicle contact such as bent sections or misalignment
- Base plates and fixings for movement, as expansion during warmer weather can loosen fasteners
- Standing water, silt, or debris around bases, which accelerates corrosion
Where barriers sit alongside pedestrian routes or loading areas, nearby handrails should be checked at the same time to maintain consistent protection.
Autumn and Winter Checklist: Cold-Weather Preparation for Armco Barriers
Autumn and winter maintenance of Armco barriers focuses on reducing risk before harsher conditions arrive.
Checks of your barriers should include:
- Tightening bolts and fasteners to maintain structural integrity
- Inspecting anchor points and the surrounding concrete for cracking or movement
- Ensuring drainage around posts and base plates is clear to prevent freeze-related damage
- Reviewing barrier positioning near vehicle routes with reduced daylight and visibility
- Repairing or replacing damaged sections before winter increases the risk of further impact
Protecting Galvanised Armco Barriers
Galvanised coatings protect steel from corrosion, but they still require care over time.
Good practice includes:
- Avoiding abrasive cleaning methods that damage the coating
- Treating exposed steel promptly where the finish has been compromised
- Preventing the build-up of salt, debris, or standing water around barrier bases
Maintaining the coating helps extend service life and reduces the need for premature replacement.
For more guidance, read our guide to maintaining and inspecting Armco barriers.
When to Schedule Professional Inspections of Armco Barriers
Routine site checks of Armco barriers are essential, but they do not replace structured inspections.
Professional inspections should be carried out at least twice a year and always after a collision on high-traffic sites, or where barriers form part of a wider safety layout.
Where layouts are being altered or extended, the Armco barrier calculator can also help assess requirements before work begins.
Keeping Armco Barriers Fit for Purpose
A seasonal approach to inspection keeps maintenance predictable and manageable. It helps extend barrier lifespan, supports compliance, and reduces the risk of unexpected failures during busy or extreme weather periods.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your Armco barriers, our team is happy to offer practical advice based on real site experience.
Call us on 01977 666 818 or email sales@ctsafetybarriers.co.uk.
With CT Safety Barriers, you’re in safe, local hands.