Why choose GRP gratings over steel?

Strong, durable and reliable. Steel gratings have always been the go-to for industrial environments.

Used for everything from flooring, platforms and walkways to ramps, gullies, gutters and risers, they are a valuable and highly used product. But, as processes advance, so too do demands and expectations, leaving many businesses contemplating if there’s a better option out there.  

Wondering what material can compete with steel gratings?

That’s easy – glass reinforced plastic (GRP).

Not only are GRP gratings a worthy alternative to steel, but we’d also argue that, in many cases, they are actually the superior choice.

Here the team at HR Kilns take a look at why the smart money is on GRP gratings.

GRP gratings Vs steel gratings

·       Weight

One of the most favoured characteristics of GRP gratings is the weight – or lack of it!

Up to 75% lighter than steel, GRP has a far more impressive strength-to-weight ratio, making it easier to work with, transport, and install without compromising capability.

·       Anti-slip

Slips and trips are one of the biggest causes of accidents in the workplace, so using gratings to create safer walkways is a great idea.

Whilst steel gratings may work in much the same way as GRP, there’s no escaping the fact that steel can still be hazardous underfoot when wet.

In contrast, GRP gratings have built-in grip, helping to reduce the risk of nasty falls.

·       Safety

Steel or GRP – any gratings will help to enhance safety, but the inherent traits of GRP gratings make it a more attractive option.  

Non-conductive, fire-resistant, and being highly resistant to corrosion are all attractive features only offered by GRP. Not only does this make them the safer choice, but it also makes them suitable for a wider range of environments.

·       Installation  

Being extremely lightweight, GRP gratings are far easier to work with and install than steel. This reduces the time, manpower, and equipment needed for installation – which in turn helps to keep costs down. 

Measurements not quite right? Need to make changes?

Easy to lift and manoeuvre, GRP gratings can be cut and adapted on-site using hand tools. Alterations to steel are much tricker to carry out and will require hot work.

·       Corrosion resistance

Industrial settings are demanding environments. Harsh, wet conditions and exposure to a wide range of chemicals can cause issues for steel gratings – or demand a comprehensive maintenance program.

Not so with GRP gratings, which are highly resistant to corrosion and have an impressive range of pH resistance.

·       Choice

Steel is steel – the only way to change its appearance or natural colouring is to treat or powder coat the surface.

In comparison, GRP gratings are available in a choice of shades including grey, green, yellow, and blue – and can be made in virtually any RAL colour on request.

Using colour can help to heighten awareness and increase safety – or just brighten the place up! And, as moulded in colour, there’s no need to worry about re-painting over time.

·       Maintenance

Maintenance time is a big consideration, impacting productivity and overheads. So it’s good to know that by being resilient to corrosion, GRP gratings are capable of withstanding even the toughest of environments without additional care and maintenance.

·       Theft risk

Why make a problem where there doesn’t need to be one?

According to recent statistics, there were 19,044 reported metal theft offences in England and Wales in 2020/21. With an impressive scrap metal value, using steel can encourage theft and vandalism. Not only does this cause disruption, it also wastes time and incurs unnecessary costs. GRP gratings carry no such risk as they hold no scrap value.

 

Make the smart choice

It’s only taken a few bullet points to showcase the merits of GRP gratings over steel, but if you’d like to know more about why GRP makes a great alternative, or to discuss the use of GRP gratings in your setting, we’d love to hear from you.

You can call us now on 01695 557 711 or email sales@hrkilns.com.

Alternatively, head over to our GRP gratings page to find out more or fill in our contact form for a competitive quote or to have your questions answered.