Top reasons to install Fibreglass Reinforced Polymer grating
Why use fibreglass reinforced polymer grating?
There is plenty of grating options available in the range of raw materials for example steel and aluminium. For many people the automatic go to is the traditional materials. Especially when it comes to replacing grating, it is easy to fall into the trap of replacing like with like.
FRP grating is a worthy consideration to use instead of steel or aluminium grating.
Here are the top reasons to use FRP grating.
1 – Ease of design and fabrication
The fibreglass reinforced polymer is extremely flexible design, with a range of sizes and surface finishes available. Using standard tools with carbide or diamond tipped blades the grating can be easily fabricated onsite. Unlike steel and aluminium which can require hot work permits etc.
2 – Reduced life cycle cost
With the cost of steel increasing the initial cost of the grating is becoming comparable. That is where the similarities end, FRP products offer low installation costs and virtually zero maintenance required.
Traditional materials require regular maintenance to prolong the life of the grating. This maintenance costs you both time and money and can be avoided with the use of FRP grating.
3 – Long lasting in harsh environments
Fibreglass reinforced polymer grating is unaffected by moisture or by immersion in water, making it ideal for marine or wet environments. The FRP grating is resistant to a range of chemicals, which makes it ideal for use in many industries, where steel and aluminium grating would be prone to oxidation or corrosion. Steel and aluminium grating require coating or galvanising for many applications.
4 – Excellent resistance to thermal and electrical conductivity
FRP grating is an excellent insulator with low thermal conductivity. Whereas metals conduct heat very well, making them less than ideal for hot, humid conditions.
FRP grating is non-conductive while metals like steel and aluminium conduct electricity and must be grounded. Making it suitable for flammable and hazardous environments.
5 – Impact resistance
When steel or aluminium grating is subjecting to impact, they can permanently deform. Where FRP grating will not permanently deform or break. The structure of the FRP grating distributes the load to prevent surface damage.
6 – Non-slip surface
Corrosion or other environmental factors can allow metal to become slippery over time, making this a safety hazard to your employees. FRP grating can be engineered with different non-slip finishes for almost any application.
8 – Superior strength to weight ratio
FRP grating is less than half the weight of steel grating and has comparable strength to both steel and aluminium.
9 – Colour
As the colour is part of the moulded grating and being UV stable, you can expect it to last far longer than the colour on traditional materials. Which are usually done using stains, paints, or coatings, all of which require reapplication.
Conclusion
Reduced life cycle costs, suitability for harsh environments, safe non-slip surface, make FRP grating is the obvious choice over steel or aluminium grating.
For more information on our MaxiGRATE FRP grating click here.
Or get in touch and a member of our friendly team will be will be happy to help advise on the best grating for your project.