Steel Gratings vs Stone Gratings: Which Is Best For You?
Gratings are designed for high impact and high load applications. The most common materials for grates are steel or stone.
Steel grating is an essential structural component of many builds, particularly in commercial and industrial spaces.
Steel is used in grating due to the following reasons:
Strength:
Steel has exceptionally high tensile strength. It is a durable alloy that is made up of active materials that discourage dislocation at an atomic level.
Durability:
Due to its insusceptibility to rot, pests are kept at bay. You can count on steel whether in high heat, extreme cold, gale force winds or torrential rain.
Sustainability:
Steel is one of the world's most recycled materials. It can be melted down and re-fabricated an infinite amount of times without losing its structural integrity and highly sustainable. It has a global recycling rate of 90%. However, some critics have pointed out that the high energy used in melting down the steel for reuse may cause more harm in the long run.
However, there are several downsides to steel gratings, namely:
Susceptibility to theft:
Due to the rising value in scrap metal globally, steel grates have often become a target for theft.
Susceptibility to rust or extremely expensive:
There are several types of steel grates, all of which are susceptible to rust except for stainless steel or galvanized steel. Maintenance costs will need to be taken into account if replacements are required, as rust weakens the metals grates over time. However, if designers choose stainless steel or galvanized steel, they run into the risk of going over their budgets because these metals are costly.
Slippery surfaces:
Some bumpers and designs may be added to increase friction. However, these steel gratings are still very slippery when wet.
Higher heat absorption:
Due to its metallic properties, steel grates tend to absorb and retain heat rapidly. Steel grating could lead to an uncomfortable environment for users over prolonged periods, as the ambient temperature could rise as the day passes.
Not aesthetically pleasing:
There are limitations to colors and design applications for steel gratings. The overall perception of steel gratings is also more industrial-looking and less premium-looking.
Stainless steel is one of the world's most versatile and valuable materials for many good reasons. It can be used in a variety of ways. It is widely used in bathrooms and toilets due to its sanitary value. Here are the top 5 benefits of stainless steel gratings:
Strength:
Stainless steel has a force that can be retained at both high and low temperatures.
Cleanliness:
Stainless steel is one of the most hygienic materials because it doesn't support the growth of bacteria. Also, it is effortless to clean.
Corrosion Resistance:
Stainless steel is very hardy because this metal stands up well against corrosion, rust, and water. A protective film over the metal prevents it from reacting with other organic materials.
Recyclability:
Stainless steel can be recycled, which is great for sustainability efforts.
Durability:
Due to its strength and resistance to corrosion, stainless steel is very durable.
However, as most already know, its biggest drawback is that stainless steel is extremely expensive and will not be feasible for most applications. On top of that, as with other metal grates, stainless steel grates absorb heat rapidly, causing heat rings and may raise ambient temperature artificially.
Mild Steel Grating
These gratings can be used in many different ways. It can keep many chosen structures clean and tidy. However, it has weak tensile strength compared to its counterparts.
Galvanised Steel Grating
Galvanized steel gratings have a glossy look and finish. It is ideal for industrial purposes because of its advantages. Here are some benefits of galvanized steel gratings:
Extended Service Life:
Galvanized steel gratings can last for more than 30 years, even when exposed to the most corrosive environment.
Maintenance Costs:
Its maintenance costs are relatively low because it doesn't need painting and further maintenance.
Scratch Protection:
Galvanized steel grates are protected from scratches or abrasion when they come into physical contact with machinery or footfall.
Adaptability:
This grating could be applied to any structure of any shape and size.
However, it is costly and does not look aesthetically pleasing compared to stone gratings.
Aluminum Grating
Aluminum grating is an ideal choice as it is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material. We use aluminum for a variety of industrial applications due to its versatility and durability. Again, aesthetics is the main issue with architects.
Steel gratings are the most common form of gratings in the world today. However, many architects are increasingly choosing to use stone gratings over steel grating because of its dramatic style and beautiful aesthetics. With stone gratings, designs can achieve the following effects:
Rust and corrosion prevention
Absorb less heat
Sustain load specification
Achieve greater slip-resistance
Less susceptible to theft
Rise Requirements
The IRC code does not allow a distance greater than 7-? of an inch from one step/tread to the next.
Run Requirements
The “run” is the measurement of the tread, which needs to be a minimum of 10 inches if the tread has an overhang on it (see image). This is a measurement from the nose of the tread to nose of the tread. You are not required to have a nosing/overhang on your stair treads. But if your stairs don’t have a nosing you are required to have a tread that is at least 11 inches long.
Variances
From the top flight of stairs to the bottom of the stairs, each individual riser cannot exceed a difference of 3/8 of an inch.
Nosing Requirements
The nosing on treads, believe it or not, has a code minimum and maximum of how far the nosing projects over the next stair. Nosings are required to overhang a minimum of ?-in. to a maximum of 1-?-in. Also the maximum nosing radius cannot exceed 9/16 of an inch.
Remember to Include Flooring
All of these measurements include the finished flooring, so don’t forget to take those thicknesses into account when planning your stair dimensions.
New anti-slip, non-pinned, self weighted reinforced plastic trench cover
This new Oxford Plastics trench cover has an innovative Flexi-Edge system which greatly reduces trip hazards for pedestrians.
The underside and edge of the Oxford Low Pro are made from a soft flexible material which grips the surface underneath the board and helps to reduce any unwanted movement.
These rubber edges can be replaced and recycled, so you can extend the life of your Oxford Low Pro.
Its innovative design reduces installation time as there is no need to bolt the product down, but is still very stable.
FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES
Heavier that traditional trench covers thanks to its PVC anti slip edge
Central section made from glass reinforced composite
Very stable without bolting
Takes up any cambers in the pavement.
Greatly reduced trip hazard for pedestrians.
Covers a 27.5 in trench.
Supports a weight up to 553 lbs
Shock resistant.
Long lasting product - Flexible edges can be replaced.
Anti-trip flexible edge.
Quick installation - does not need to be bolted down.