Hey there! As a truck guardrail supplier, I've seen a lot of different types of guardrails in the market, including plastic ones. While plastic truck guardrails do have some advantages like being lightweight and relatively inexpensive, they also come with a fair share of disadvantages. In this blog, I'll break down these drawbacks to give you a clearer picture before you make a decision on your next guardrail purchase.
Durability Issues
One of the most significant problems with plastic truck guardrails is their lack of durability. Plastic is a material that can easily be damaged by various factors. For instance, extreme weather conditions can take a toll on it. In hot weather, plastic can become soft and start to warp. You might think that's not a big deal, but a warped guardrail won't provide the same level of protection as a properly shaped one. On the other hand, in cold weather, plastic becomes brittle. This means it's more likely to crack or break when it's hit, even by a relatively minor impact.
Another aspect that affects durability is UV radiation. Sunlight contains ultraviolet rays that can gradually degrade plastic over time. The guardrail may start to fade, lose its strength, and become more prone to damage. This is a real concern, especially for trucks that are often exposed to the sun for long periods, like those used for long - haul transportation.
Limited Strength
Plastic truck guardrails generally have limited strength compared to other materials like steel or aluminum. When a truck is involved in an accident, the guardrail needs to be able to withstand a certain amount of force to protect the vehicle and its occupants. Plastic guardrails may not be up to the task.
For example, if a truck collides with an object at a moderate speed, a plastic guardrail might break apart easily. This is in contrast to a steel guardrail, which can absorb and distribute the impact force more effectively. The limited strength of plastic guardrails also means they may not be suitable for heavy - duty trucks. These trucks carry a lot of weight and are more likely to be involved in high - impact accidents. Using a plastic guardrail on a heavy - duty truck could put the driver and the cargo at risk.
Environmental Impact
Plastic is not the most environmentally friendly material. Most plastic truck guardrails are made from non - biodegradable plastics, which means they will stay in the environment for a very long time if not properly disposed of. When these guardrails reach the end of their lifespan, they often end up in landfills, where they take hundreds of years to decompose.
Moreover, the production of plastic involves the use of fossil fuels, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. As more and more companies are becoming environmentally conscious, the use of plastic truck guardrails may not align with the sustainability goals of some businesses. If you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, plastic guardrails might not be the best choice.
Maintenance Challenges
Maintaining plastic truck guardrails can be a hassle. As mentioned earlier, they are prone to damage from weather and UV radiation. This means you'll need to regularly inspect them for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, warping, or fading. If you notice any damage, you'll have to decide whether to repair or replace the guardrail.
Repairing plastic guardrails can be tricky. Unlike metal guardrails, which can often be welded or bent back into shape, plastic repair usually involves using special adhesives or patches. These repairs may not be as strong as the original material, and they may not last very long. In many cases, it might be more practical to replace the damaged guardrail, which can be costly and time - consuming.
Aesthetics and Perception
Let's talk about how plastic truck guardrails look. They may not give off the same professional or high - quality impression as metal guardrails. Plastic can look cheap and flimsy, which might not be ideal for businesses that want to present a certain image. For example, if you're a delivery company that wants to look reliable and trustworthy, a truck with a well - made metal guardrail might be more appealing to your customers than one with a plastic guardrail.
Also, in the trucking industry, there's a perception that plastic guardrails are not as good as their metal counterparts. This perception can affect the value of your trucks. If you ever decide to sell your trucks, a potential buyer might be less interested in a truck with plastic guardrails, or they may offer a lower price because of it.
Inadequate Resistance to Tools
When it comes to security, plastic truck guardrails are not very resistant to tools. For instance, a Crowbar can easily break through a plastic guardrail. This is a major concern if your trucks are carrying valuable cargo. Thieves could use simple tools to access the truck's cargo area more easily if the guardrail is made of plastic.
In contrast, metal guardrails offer much better resistance to such tools. They can act as a strong barrier, making it more difficult for unauthorized access to the truck. So, if security is a top priority for your business, plastic guardrails might not be the way to go.
Compatibility with Other Components
Plastic truck guardrails may have compatibility issues with other components of the truck. For example, when it comes to mounting the guardrail, it might be more difficult to find the right fittings and brackets for plastic guardrails compared to metal ones. This can lead to a less secure installation, which could compromise the safety of the guardrail.
Also, if you want to upgrade or modify your truck in the future, plastic guardrails may not be as adaptable as metal guardrails. You might face challenges when trying to integrate new features or accessories with the plastic guardrail.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the disadvantages of plastic truck guardrails. While they do have some benefits, the drawbacks are significant enough to make you think twice before choosing them. As a truck guardrail supplier, I understand that every customer has different needs and budgets. But when it comes to safety, durability, and environmental impact, there are often better alternatives available.
If you're in the market for truck guardrails and want to discuss your options, I'd love to have a chat with you. We offer a wide range of high - quality T Lock Panel and Truck Wall Panels that can meet your specific requirements. Contact us today to start the conversation about finding the perfect guardrail solution for your trucks.
References
- "The Impact of Plastic on the Environment", Environmental Science Journal
- "Strength Comparison of Different Truck Guardrail Materials", Automotive Safety Research Report
- "Weathering Effects on Plastic Materials", Polymer Science Magazine