If your property has a walkway made of metal grating, it is important to properly maintain the walkway to ensure the safety of everyone who uses it. Over time, exposure to harsh weather conditions and frequent foot traffic can cause damage to steel gratings.
Regular Metal Grating Walkway Inspections & Repairs
Regular inspections should be conducted at least once a year to check for any signs of wear or deterioration that may have occurred due to extreme weather conditions, environmental factors, or high traffic. Any signs of corrosion or other damage should be addressed immediately by replacing any damaged sections with new ones if necessary. It is also important to inspect the surrounding area for debris such as leaves, twigs, and other organic material that may have accumulated on the grating. This debris can create slip and fall hazards.
Cleaning & Maintenance to Keep Your Metal Walkways Looking Great
To keep your metal grating walkway looking its best, clean it regularly with a mild detergent solution mixed with warm water and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush. This will help remove dirt or grime that may have built up on the surface of the grating. It is also important to rinse off any soap residue after scrubbing to prevent staining and discoloration from occurring over time. Remove all loose debris such as stones and other objects from the walkway as they can be hazardous for pedestrians.
Consider Using Protective Coatings & Sealants
Metal gratings are generally treated with some type of protective coating. This may provide additional protection against corrosion and rusting caused by exposure to harsh weather elements such as rain and snow. Additionally, sealants can be applied in order to provide an extra layer of protection against moisture infiltration. Moisture can lead to premature deterioration of the metal grating over time. Sealants will need to be reapplied periodically to remain effective in protecting your metal grating walkways from wear and tear caused by exposure to extreme weather conditions or heavy foot traffic.
Alternatives to Metal Grating Walkways
FRP, or fiberglass reinforced plastic, is becoming an increasingly popular material for walkways and other applications where metal gratings were once the norm. Unlike metal gratings, FRP gratings are lightweight, durable, and require very little maintenance. They are also non-conductive and heat resistant making them an ideal choice for areas where electrical wiring or high-temperature hazards are present.
Download the PDF to see Safe-T-Span® Pedestrian Grating Details, an ideal walkway solution.
In addition, FRP gratings are available in a variety of colors and can be customized to meet specific design requirements. Overall, FRP gratings offer a cost-effective and versatile alternative to traditional metal gratings in a variety of applications.
See a full list of the benefits of FRP below.
