Why FRP is The Smart Choice for Long-Lasting Industrial Stair Treads

In demanding industrial environments, selecting durable and safe industrial stair treads is not just a matter of functionality; it's a fundamental aspect of worker safety and operational efficiency. Stairways are integral to navigating these spaces, but they also present significant safety risks. Falls on stairs are a leading cause of injury in both industrial and commercial settings. Traditional materials like steel, while often perceived as strong, can fall short when faced with the corrosive elements and heavy usage common in many industrial applications. This is where fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) emerges as a superior alternative, offering exceptional longevity and performance benefits that address the inherent challenges of these environments. 

In this blog post, we will explore the compelling reasons why FRP stands out as the smart choice for durable industrial stair treads, emphasizing its intrinsic material benefits and its long-term cost efficiency.

The Demands Placed on Industrial Stair Treads

Manufacturing and commercial settings place considerable stress on stair treads. They endure heavy foot traffic, often from workers carrying tools, creating a significant load and potential damage. Exposure to chemicals, moisture, humidity, and extreme temperature fluctuations in outdoor or semi-enclosed facilities further contributes to material degradation.

Traditional materials like steel and aluminum, commonly used for industrial stair treads, struggle under these conditions. Steel is prone to corrosion and rust, weakening its structural integrity over time. Aluminum, while more corrosion-resistant, can still be affected by certain chemicals and may lack durability under heavy, continuous use. Both materials often require ongoing maintenance, leading to costly and disruptive replacements. 

The Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness of FRP Industrial Stair Treads

Choosing FRP for industrial stair treads offers significant long-term economic advantages. A major benefit is reduced replacement frequency due to FRP's superior durability and resistance to corrosion and wear. 

FRP also boasts significantly lower maintenance costs. Unlike steel, which requires regular scraping and painting to combat rust, FRP is lower maintenance. Our infographic "Don't Let Steel Steal From You" effectively illustrates the hidden costs associated with maintaining steel structures compared to the minimal upkeep required for FRP.

Safety is another area where FRP industrial stair treads offer long-term cost benefits. Their inherent slip-resistant surfaces provide safer footing for workers, even in wet or oily conditions. This reduced risk of slips and falls can decrease workplace accidents, potentially lowering liability costs, insurance premiums, and lost productivity.

Pulp and paper manufacturing industrial stair treads

Real-world Applications of Long-Lasting FRP Industrial Stair Treads

The long-lasting and high-performance characteristics of FRP industrial stair treads make them ideally suited for a wide range of demanding industries and settings.

Wastewater plant corrosion resistant stair treads

Consider the City of Wichita Water Treatment Plant, where Fibergrate FRP products were chosen to replace corroded metal gratings, railings, and stairways. FRP's resistance to highly corrosive solutions, like liquid chlorine and sodium hydroxide, provided a safe, long-term, and cost-effective solution.

FRP industrial stair treads for wine cellars

At Leelanau Wine Cellars, a family-owned winery, fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) platforms and stairs were installed to ensure safe access to large wine tanks. The winery's wet, corrosive environment demanded a material that was both slip-resistant and highly resistant to corrosion. Fibergrate's FRP industrial stair treads effectively met those needs. 

Beyond these specific examples, long-lasting FRP industrial stair treads are also highly beneficial in:

• Chemical processing plants
• Wastewater treatment facilities
• Offshore oil and gas platforms
• Food and beverage processing plants
• Manufacturing facilities
• Marine and coastal environments

Fibergrate: Your Partner for Durable Industrial Stair Tread Solutions

Water purification plant industrial stair treads

Fibergrate stands as a leading provider of high-quality FRP solutions for industrial stair treads. With extensive expertise in engineering and manufacturing durable FRP treads, specifically designed for demanding industrial applications, Fibergrate offers a comprehensive range of FRP grating options, surface textures, and custom fabrication capabilities to meet diverse needs. We are committed to providing solutions that not only enhance safety and reduce lifetime costs but also ensure long-term performance and reliability in the most challenging environments.

Contact Fibergrate today to discuss your specific industrial stair tread requirements and explore the numerous benefits that FRP offers. Our team of experts is ready to help you find the ideal FRP solution for your application.

Want to Keep Reading?

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