Flush Mount vs. Surface Mount Traffic Spikes

Traffic spikes have many applications, though they may go by a number of names over different times and places. They have been called spike strips, tire shredders, and a variety of other nicknames, but, at base, these devices are an extremely effective way to manage automobile traffic. Although your options include both surface and flush mount spikes, both rely upon long metal barbs, teeth, or upward-pointing spikes to puncture tires and thus impede or halt wheeled vehicles. This makes traffic control spikes an ideal way to direct and control traffic in controlled areas.

Spiking Traffic

Much of the effectiveness for traffic control spikes comes down to their barbs and placement in specific areas. Although they may be either solid or hollow, the barbs are designed to flatten tires when driven over. Hollow barbs, in particular, will embed themselves in tires and so minimize risks for drivers by maintaining a steady pace of air leakage. In terms of the benefits, these devices mainly prevent automobiles and other wheeled vehicles from moving in the wrong direction, especially in one-way traffic lanes or locations. Doing so, though, prevents the many accidents and other issues that could result from such difficult situations.

Surface Control

When you imagine traffic control spikes in your mind, you are likely picturing the more basic surface mount spike strips. Surface mount units combine torsion springs with built-in speed bumps that incorporate bright yellow diamonds for greater visibility. Installation is relatively simple, with the following fundamental steps:

• Plan and prepare the best location for installation based on your specific traffic needs, being sure to order the right number of sections.
• Then, apply epoxy to the necessary sections before adhering them to your chosen asphalt and concrete surfaces in the areas where traffic is to be controlled.

These generally come in 3-foot sections of lock-down spikes that are combined to cover the needed area, with end caps for smooth transitions from such spiked sections.

Ground Control

While they share many of the same features as surface mount ones, flush mount control spikes are in-ground units that sit flush with the ground and so require some excavation. Fundamentally, this kind relies on individual spring-loaded barbs to manage traffic, with the possibility for spring retraction through stainless steel springs, weighted retraction via weight spikes, and lock-down capability, as well. Flush mount spikes are ideal for more permanent installations, but the process is relatively more complex, as it requires a bit more planning before excavation, drainage, and installation of concrete. Such units should be painted bright red for high visibility to vehicle drivers, and speed bumps also have to be installed alongside them to ensure speed control and safe passage of wheeled vehicles.

Both kinds of traffic control spikes require many warning signs to ensure that vehicle drivers are well aware of their presence and of the general flow of traffic, especially in one-way lanes and other special conditions. Similarly, both entail certain risks, especially for use by police who often deploy traffic spikes in high-danger situations. Yet, such use of traffic control spikes has led to innovation, with the creation of remotely deployable units, strips built into parking barriers, and other inventions. More importantly, the overall benefits more than warrant the necessary additions to your controlled locations as surface and flush mount spikes both so effectively and reliably ensure easy management and safe speed for vehicular traffic.