Grating Types | Comparing Different Types of Grating
Grating and latticework are among some of the most valuable materials in construction and in design for industrial processes and facilities. One of the earliest sophisticated uses of metal work dating back to the bronze age, it has seen an infinite number of practical applications since the dawn of recorded history.Today, there are a number of grating types, each with their own strengths, weaknesses and ideal applications. None are superior to others, because each is of immeasurable value in specific situations, and within specific expenditures and budgets.
For example, plastic grating, which is one of the more affordable forms, has immense value for lightweight applications where it must endure weather exposure and some forms of chemical exposure. Many chemical plants heavily employ plastic grating for flooring and filtration structures for handling materials that would be heavily corrosive to metals or fiberglass.
Plastic grating is commonly used in many drainage applications as well, such as shower drains, pool drains and irrigation. In recent times, it has also found increasing use as a storage medium for materials that require the ability to “breathe” as well.
Fiberglass grating is sought out for applications that require durability without the corrosive nature of metal, or the fragility of plastics. Fiberglass is known to resist frequent temperature changes within standard tolerances, and is also rather easy to maintain and clean. With its high tensile strength, it is also excellent as a flooring material in situations that require the chemical resistance of plastic, but the strength of metal. Some applications also use plied layers of fiberglass grating as composite material for walls and floors and walls that need ventilation.
Steel grating probably has the widest range of applications. Given its strength and heat resistance, any non-corrosive or oxidizing environment is ideal for steel grating use. Animal cages, security doors, drainage grates and filtration systems are among the many common applications for this strong and long-lasting material.
Unlike fiberglass and plastic, steel handles extremely high and low temperatures beyond standard tolerances, but is less resistant to weathering and corrosive materials, somewhat limiting its industrial application in some cases. However, being one of the strongest types of grating, it’s one of the most versatile from a construction standpoint.
Bar grating is an affordable solution to similar applications for which steel grating is often used. Commonly seen in many industrial applications for use as catwalk flooring and scaffold, bar grating is incredibly strong, durable and long lasting, but often at a lower cost than steel grating.
One of the benefits of bar grating, especially when used as a walking surface, is the traction it provides that plastics, fiberglass and steel do not, making it incredibly safe for use in this application. Galvanized bar grating also often offers resistance to corrosive environments and weathering similar to fiberglass and plastic grating, with nearly the strength of steel grating. It’s less common to use this form of grating with drainage or other such applications, but it can indeed work for these as well.