Installing Edge Guards on Retaining Walls and Similar Surfaces
Step One – Cleaning the Area
This step can also be performed after installing your skateboard guards. Remove wax from concrete retaining walls and surfaces put on by skateboarders using hot water pressure washing or regular pressure washing if that is not available. In some cases, you may need to use a hand grinder to remove thick, stubborn coats of wax that are encrusted with dirt and grime.
Step Two – Measuring and Laying Out Your Area
For each separate surface run, place an anti-skateboard guard either 12 inches or 18 inches from each end and mark it’s placement using a pencil. Typically 18 inches is sufficient, but in high problem areas, we recommend placing your guards 12 inches from each end.
Next, measure the distance in between your two end guards. You want to place your guards along your run so they are evenly spaced. Typically, approximately 24 to 36 inches apart. As with above, putting them closer together is more of a deterrent in areas where property destruction from skateboarding is a significant problem. Place your guards at the intervals you have decided upon and double check that the layout looks good and is evenly spaced.
IMPORTANT: Do not install your anti-skateboard guards on grout lines or joints. This can cause cracking of your installation surface or make it difficult to anchor them securely. Also, do not install anti-skateboard guards on steps, stairs or edges that people may walk on as this creates a tripping hazard that could result in injury.
Step Three – Installation
Once you have your layout complete, it’s time to install your guards. The surface should be clean and dry.
- Ensure the anti-skateboard guard is snug against the edge. Use the guard as a template and either mark the drill holes onto the surface using a pencil, or use a 3/16 inch masonry drillbit and drill to make a dimple in the surface. When installing guards that wrap around and anchor to both the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the edge, always mark and drill the vertical surface first. Only mark one hole for each guard at this time.
- Using a 1/2 inch masonry bit, drill the first hole to a depth of 2 inches.
- Insert a security screw into the guard and screw it down until it is partially threaded through the guard and sits inside the hole.
- With one security screw in place, ensure the guard is aligned straight and fitted snuggly against the edge. Now you can use a pencil to mark or drill a starter hole for the second pin.
- Drill your second anchor hole.
- Place the guard back in position with the first security screw and thread a second security hole in place to ensure both pins can be inserted at the same time and the guard is snuggly in place. If this is difficult, you may have to widen one of the holes slightly using your masonry bit.
- Ensure the surface underneath the guards position is clean of wax and debris. You can use a small hand grinder with a masonry wheel to clean it up. Then brush, blow, or vacuum all dust out of your drilled holes and wipe all dust awy from the surface.
- Fill both drill holes 3/4 full with epoxy adhesive and apply adhesive to the underside of your anti-skateboard guard. If you expect gaps in the corner of the edge or along the sides of the guard, you can also apply adhesive to these areas to create a smooth caulked seam between the guard and installation surface. Typically, you have 5 to 10 minutes to work with epoxy type adhesives before they become too hard to work with, so install one guard at a time.
- Ensure both of your security screws are threaded into the guard and flush with the top of the guard.
- Push the guard into place. Ensure it is properly aligned and use a putty knife to remove any excess adhesive that comes out around the edges. Allow the adhesive to dry.
Installing Railing Guards
Railing guards are installed by drilling two 1/4″ holes through the railing from top to bottom in line with the guard’s mounting holes. To layout the number of guards you need, account for having one guard 12″ to 18″ from each end of the railing, and then space your guards at approximately 18″ to 24″ intervals along the railing in between your two end guards.
Once you mark your hole positions and drill the holes, simply bolt your guards in place using the two piece security screw and barrel nut.
IMPORTANT: 1.6″ and 1.9″ diameters are standard and common railing diameters, but there are other diameters inclusding 1.5″. Ensure you have measured your railing diameter correctly because cast aluminum does not have any flexibility to force it to fit a slightly different railing size.
See our selection of anti-skateboard guards.
