Fiberglass Grating | Benefits and Uses

With all of the misunderstanding and confusion over the capacity and nature of fiberglass, and the true uses of grating materials, perhaps it’s time to clarify a little bit about both. In doing so, perhaps we can learn the benefits of fiberglass and the true flexibility of grating as a construction material.

So, as we all may or may not know, fiberglass is an epoxy-composite of silica glass which can be molded and shaped into any form imaginable with very simple and cost effective industrial practices. The cost effective nature of fiberglass grating, from any respectable company in the industry, is usually passed on to consumer, who will enjoy not only affordability with this diverse material, but other benefits as well.

Fiberglass is incredibly durable, able to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, stress and exposure to corrosive materials which metals and plastics cannot, depending on which curing process was used on it. As a result, fiberglass can be a base material for creating any number of construction components.

It just so happens, it’s perfect for grating. So, you find yourself saying “Well, fiberglass is impressive alright. But what’s so special about grating?”

Where do we start?

Like the cost-effectiveness of fiberglass, grating is a very efficient way to design surfaces and structure components. Being a compact, self-reinforced latticework, grating can provide the strength of a solid object while using a fraction of the material. Add to this the fact that unlike solid surfaces, grating shows early warnings of stress points forming, so that it can be replaced before accidents happen, and you have a winning concept. But that isn’t all, grating, by its very design, is a high-traction, non-slip surface which adds to safety in the workplace or in a home. The perforated design of grating means that spillage drains automatically too, adding to this non-slip aspect as well.

Grating is also further cost-effective due to its cellular, easy-to-replace nature, meaning that flooring and other structures made of grating do not need to be entirely replaced when one sheet or cell is damaged or begins to form stress.
Combining the durability and affordability of fiberglass with the practicality and safety of grating means that this construct can be used in more ways than you can probably imagine.

Most people picture fiberglass being relegated to pool shells or car bodies, where heavy weight would result in some give or even collapse, but fiberglass used in grating, alongside the natural reinforcement that grating structure provides, makes it incredibly rigid and supportive, which means that components such as stairs can easily be built from it. With the heavy traction and endurance of fiberglass grating, this makes for some incredibly safe stairs, safer than cement or wood or metal any day.

Docking is another magnificent example of the safety and practicality of fiberglass grating. Due to the wet conditions of a docking area, regardless of weather, the traction and natural draining capabilities of fiberglass grating make it very safe, and very capable of enduring corrosive salt and rough water conditions with ease.

Fiberglass grating is hands down the best material for commercial drainage as well, in environments such as car washes, kitchens and industrial climates, where its lasting power and affordability for large implementation make it not only the safe option, but the wise one. Fiberglass is capable of enduring exposure to a wider array of chemicals than metal or plastic, and can withstand higher temperatures than plastic. It does not corrode like metal, and does not absorb heat like metal, making fiberglass grating which was recently exposed to heated liquids much safer and less of a risk to induce burns.

Fiberglass grating is also flame retardant, making it great for building decks or elevated patios, where barbeques and other activities may be held. Unlike wood, it doesn’t require regular application of water seals, and unlike cement, it does not form expensive-to-repair cracks or ugly stains that require power washing to remove.

Fiberglass grating is also quickly replacing its plastic cousin for shipping containers for this same cost practicality and endurance capacity. Fiberglass is nearly as light weight as plastic, with none of plastic’s trade off of low heat and stress resistance.