Why Is FRP Grating More Durable Than Metal Grating?

Why Is FRP Grating More Durable Than Metal Grating?  

Over time, fiberglass reinforced plastic, or FRP as it is abbreviated has gained more popularity across various industries. In terms of t, it is more durable than any traditional legacy, heavy, industrial metal grating. For this advantage, FRP has high performance fiberglass properties combined with application needs across industries.  

Corrosion Resistance: An Edge Metal Simply Cannot Match  

Heavy metal - especially industrial steel and iron - grating is susceptible to rust and corrosion to the point that it becomes practically unusable. It just takes time: rust will take over and decay the structure regardless of harsh environments. Coastal areas, industrial environments with heavy or caustic chemicals, and even just humid air will hasten the downgrade of the metal. Unsightly rust is the least concerning problem because the metal will have to be replaced at high expense because the structure will be severely weakened.  

FRP grating, on the other hand, is fabricated with fiberglass that has built in corrosion resistance capabilties. It is also non-reactive to even the harshest chemicals, salt, and moisture. In areas with heavy industrial acids and alkaline spills or coastal FRP grating will retain high structural integrity with no compromise for years. Even in coastal areas, it will not decay internally and have any visually offensive outer corrosion. Such environments will provide metal grating with the least potential durability.Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Strong Without the Extra Burden

Metal grating is recognized for its strength but that strength can also come with additional weight. The added weight of metal can affect transportation and installation. The weight can also increase the load on the supporting structures, causing additional and accelerated wear. This additional weigh on the supporting structures can lower the overall service life of the grating system.

FRP grating displays an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Its low weight facilitates transportation and installation, which improves cost-efficiency. Tal lightweight FRP grating possesses sufficient load-bearing capabilities for most industrial, transportation, and infrastructure applications. For transportation projects like bridge walkways and railway platform, FRP grating will support the required weight without putting too much weight on the structure. This reduces the load on the supporting structures which improves the overall system durability.

Resistance to Environmental Aging: Stands the Test of Time

Metal grating can be affected by environmental factors such as UV radiation. For example, metal surfaces can fade, peel, and lose their protective coatings, making metal grating susceptible to rust and corrosion. Furthermore, damages can be caused when metal expands and contracts, which as mentioned can occur when there is extreme weather such as sudden cycles of hot and cold.

FRP grating is specifically engineered to withstand environmental aging. Designed to cope with the effects of UV radiation, FRP grating will not degrade when exposed to the sun, and has no thermal expansion. This means fluctuations in temperature will not cause the grating to develop harmful cracks. This means FRP grating will perform and look the same over longer periods of time. FRP grating is a more durable option for outdoor uses such as building facades, sports leisure facilities, and energy saving projects, which are exposed to extreme environmental conditions throughout the year. In such applications, FRP grating will far outlast metal grating, which will poorly age in such environments.

Low Maintenance Requirements: Less Upkeep, Longer Life

Regular upkeep is necessary but it is quite minimal for metal grating. This upkeep includes periodic cleaning to prevent corrosive substances from gathering, rust control painting, and damage inspections. The costs of upkeep over the years add up quite a bit. When upkeep is absent, the metal grating durability declines and replacement becomes necessary.
  
Conversely, FRP grating requires almost no upkeep. There is no painting required and a simple rinse with water or wipe with a mild detergent is all that is necessary for washing. No upkeep is required to prevent rust and corrosion, as FRP grating is corrosion resistant. This minimal upkeep has a more positive impact as it means grating has a greater chance of remaining unmaintained and less prone to damage as a result of maintenance. This prolongs the FRP grating service life and increases the durability, especially when compared to metal grating.