Grates are a standard component in many civil projects. With the ultimate goal of draining unwanted water from surfaces to provide a safe and hygienic environment for anyone in the area. If you’re looking for versatile grating solutions, there are two common options to consider: galvanised steel grates or plastic grates.
What are Grates?
Grates can be produced in a range of materials including plastic, steel, and aluminum, and are customizable to suit specific needs, making them a solution for many different applications.
Some of the most common uses for grates are being installed above stormwater pits to prevent debris from entering our stormwater network, flooring in commercial or industrial workplaces or outdoor walkways that require drainage. These grates provide a non-slip surface and allow for the drainage of liquids and debris, making them suitable for use in areas where safety and hygiene are paramount. Additionally, grates are often used in drainage systems to allow the flow of water and to prevent flooding.
Benefits of Galvanised Steel Grates?
Galvanised steel grates are commonly used in industrial and commercial workplace environments due to their strength and durability. Galvanised grates are made of steel that has been coated with a layer of zinc through a process called galvanisation, which increases their resistance to corrosion and rust.
Capable of supporting heavy loads galvanised steel grates are often used for flooring, walkways, and drainage systems. They are also highly resistant to extreme temperatures, making them suitable for use in outdoor environments.
While they may require occasional maintenance to prevent rust, galvanised steel grates are generally low maintenance and are a long-lasting and cost-effective solution for a variety of civil projects.
Benefits of Plastic Grates?
Plastic grates are an alternative to metal grates, manufactured with durable plastic, making them lightweight and easy to install.
A huge benefits of plastic grates is their resistance to corrosion and rust, which makes them ideal for outdoor use and areas with high levels of moisture.
Additionally, plastic grates can be produced with custom designs, allowing for a range of colours, sizes, and shapes, making them a versatile solution to suit your projects needs.
Where to install Grates
Grates are an essential element in many buildings, serving a variety of purposes. They are commonly installed in areas where water needs to be drained or where traction is important for safety.
Grates can be found in a multitude of locations which commonly include warehouse floors, outdoor walkways, and commercial or industrial buildings. In each of these settings, grates play a vital role in ensuring the safety and functionality of the space.
Stormwater Pits
One of the main advantages of installing a grate on a stormwater pit is that it can be designed to suit the specific needs of the project, such as load-bearing requirements or environmental conditions
Installing a grate will also prevent debris and other solid materials from entering the stormwater system, which left unmanaged can cause blockages and other issues. By filtering out these materials, grates can help to improve the overall water quality and reduce the risk of flooding in the surrounding area.
Commercial & Industrial Buildings
Galvanised steel or plastic grates are ideal for use in commercial buildings, such as warehouses and factories. They can also be used in industrial buildings, such as workshops.
As a result of their strength and durability, galvanised grates are suitable for use in high traffic areas or locations prone to chemical spills. However plastic grates may be prone to deterioration caused by certain chemicals.
Warehouse Floors
When you’re looking for a grate that will perform well in a warehouse, galvanised grates are likely the ideal choice. They’re made of steel and are resistant to rust, so they can withstand the harsh conditions of warehouses where water is often used as part of normal operations.
Plastic grates, on the other hand, can’t handle water very well and will start to deteriorate much more quickly than galvanised grates when exposed to it over time. Because these types of warehouses have high humidity levels and may even be outdoors sometimes, this puts plastic at risk of losing its shape or breaking down completely after just a few months—which means you’ll need to replace them more often than with a galvanised steel alternative.
Outdoor Walkways
Galvanised steel is a good choice for use on walkways and paths, where it’s important to have a durable surface that can stand up to heavy loads and the potential for damage from exposure to the sun or other weather conditions. Galvanised steel grating is also more resistant to corrosion than plastic, so it will last longer when exposed to the outdoor environment.
When not to use Galvanised Steel Grates
In certain situations, a galvanised grate may not be a suitable option as they can rust or corrode if exposed to certain chemicals or liquids. A good example of this is when the steel would regularly be exposed to chemicals with a pH of between 6 and 12 as this will cause the galvanized coating to corrode faster than usual.
Galvanised grates are usually suitable for outdoor use as they have a protective coating of zinc which prevents them from rusting if left in the rain or snow. However, this coating will eventually wear away after years of exposure and corrosion could occur.
What is best for your project?
When it comes to selecting between a galvanised steel grate or a plastic grate, there are several factors to consider.
Galvanised steel grates offer exceptional strength and durability, making them an excellent choice for heavy-duty applications. However, steel grates typically have a heftier price tag and may not be the best option when exposed to certain chemicals.
Plastic grates, on the other hand, are lightweight and more affordable, but will corrode at a much faster rate than the galvanised alternative.
Why choose Civilmart?
At Civilmart we offer a wide range of high-quality galvanized steel grates each with its own unique set of benefits and accessories to suit your project. Our knowledgeable team can assist you in selecting the right grate for your specific needs, based on factors such as load-bearing requirements, environmental conditions, and budget.
We are committed to helping you make an informed decision and finding the perfect grate solution for your project.
With team members located across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and our newest location in Kwinana WA, we have the knowledge and expertise guide you through your next project or installation. Get in touch with your local team today!
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