Steel Gratings Vs GRP Gratings
In the industrial flooring and construction sectors, choosing the right material is crucial for ensuring project durability, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Steel gratings and Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) gratings stand out as two prominent options, each with its unique advantages and considerations.
We aim to provide a comparative analysis of steel versus GRP gratings, examining their material properties, applications, benefits, and limitations. Our goal is to furnish decision-makers with the essential information needed to choose the most appropriate grating material for their specific requirements, ensuring optimal performance and value.
The aim of this article is to show you an alternative to steel gratings which has traditionally been the material of choice when it comes to gratings. We are Engineered Composites, a privately owned company that has been running for over 36 years supplying GRP products to clients and customers all over the UK. We’d therefore say we’re highly qualified to give more information on the debate whether you should go for steel gratings or GRP gratings for your application.
To get a quote instantly for GRP gratings, call us today on 01244 662716, or use our contact form.
Alternatively, check out our dedicated GRP Grating product page.
Steel Gratings
Steel is traditionally used for gratings for a variety of purposes and reasons including bridge flooring, trench covers, walkways, ramps, platforms, catwalks, mezzanine floors and much more too. As you can imagine, it’s a great material for such things because of its strength and durability. Steel is actually made up of active materials that discourage dislocation at an atomic level. Steel also has properties that mean pests are kept at bay and the material won’t rot. These alone make it a brilliant material for gratings hence the popularity over the years.
GRP Gratings – Our Number #1 Recommendation
Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) gratings stand out for their superior characteristics. GRP, made from woven fine glass fibres, offers durability and flexibility. Its moulding capability allows for custom shapes, making it adaptable for various applications.
GRP is lighter than steel, facilitating easier installation and reducing structural load. It features an anti-slip surface, enhancing safety. GRP can be produced in a wide range of colours easily, offering aesthetic flexibility.
Compared to steel, GRP requires less maintenance, making it a cost-effective and practical choice for grating needs.
Here are a few reasons why GRP Gratings are becoming the number #1 choice over steel gratings:
•Corrosion Resistance: GRP gratings are highly resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for applications in environments with high moisture, chemicals, or corrosive substances. Steel gratings, on the other hand, are prone to corrosion and may require additional coatings or treatments to enhance their resistance.
•Weight: GRP gratings are lighter in weight compared to steel gratings, making them easier to handle and install. This feature is particularly beneficial in applications where weight reduction is important, such as offshore platforms or transportation equipment.
•Electrical Conductivity: GRP gratings are non-conductive and provide excellent electrical insulation properties. This makes them ideal for applications where electrical conductivity is a concern, such as electrical substations or areas with high voltage equipment. Steel gratings, being metal, are conductive and may not be suitable in such environments.
When choosing the right grating material for your applications, two options stand out: GRP gratings and traditional steel gratings. Each of these materials has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different scenarios.
In this blog, we’ll compare GRP gratings with steel gratings to help you make an informed choice for your specific needs.
Key benefits and features we’ll cover include:
- Durability and corrosion resistance
- Weight and installation
- Electrical conductivity
- Chemical resistance
- Maintenance
If you’re looking for an instant quotation, for GRP Gratings, please call us today at 01244 676000 or use our online contact form.
Durability and Corrosion Resistance
GRP Gratings: Renowned for their exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion, GRP gratings are often the go-to choice when it comes to durability and corrosion resistance. They are impervious to moisture, making them ideal for outdoor and marine applications. Unlike steel, they won’t rust or corrode, even in harsh environmental conditions.
Steel Gratings: Steel gratings, while strong and durable, are prone to corrosion, especially in humid or corrosive environments. To mitigate this, steel gratings require regular coatings or galvanisation, which adds to maintenance costs. Without proper maintenance, steel gratings can deteriorate over time, leading to safety concerns.
Weight and Installation
GRP Gratings: Compared to steel gratings, GRP gratings are significantly lighter. This lower weight simplifies installation and reduces labour costs. It also makes them a preferred choice for applications where weight restrictions are a concern, such as rooftop walkways or elevated platforms. Additionally, the lightweight nature of GRP gratings makes them easier to handle during maintenance or replacements.
Steel Gratings: Steel gratings are heavy, and their installation typically requires specialised equipment and skilled labour. The weight of steel gratings can complicate the transportation and installation process. This can lead to longer installation times and higher installation costs compared to GRP gratings.
GRP Gratings – Get Your Quote Today
GRP products can be used for a wide range of things and it’s always interesting to work on a project that utilises the material in a unique way. To view our range of products and discuss your upcoming work, please get in touch with our team today.
You can do this by calling us on 01244 676000, or using the contact form on our website. We look forward to hearing from you soon and hopefully working with you on your GRP products requirements.