FRP Grating vs Steel Grating: Which One to Choose?

For many, steel is the grating material of choice due to its low upfront costs. But does it really offer the best value? Is there another material that is better than steel? In most aspects, fiberglass grating is superior to steel. In fact, when compared head to head against steel, fiberglass that is manufactured into the same structures as steel is not only lighter but also resistant to corrosion while retaining the same strength at a fraction of the price. That is just scratching the surface when it comes to the advantages that fiberglass grating has over steel. Read on to find out more details on how fiberglass grating stacks up to steel.

FRP Grating vs Steel Grating

Strength

In terms of strength, FRP grating is comparable to steel. Pultruded fiberglass grating does offer improved strength but with added benefits steel can’t match. For example, even though fiberglass grating is rigid, it is a more flexible material than steel. This flexibility gives it a higher impact resistance compared to steel. Where an impact might damage or dent steel, an impact of similar strength on fiberglass grating will not cause any damage whatsoever. This is due to a special gel coat that gives fiberglass variable degrees of hardness depending on the application it is being manufactured for. This gel coat comes with the added benefit that adds features such as corrosion resistance, increased traction, and other ISO standard needs.

Safety

In the workplace, safety is of the utmost importance. Fiberglass is a safer material than steel in several key aspects. First, the material is non-skid, meaning it is designed to prevent sliding or skidding. Furthermore, it can be textured to increase traction. Steel, being a metal, is much more likely to cause slipping or skidding in damp conditions.

Fiberglass grating is also safer than steel in that it does not conduct electricity. The fact that steel readily conducts electricity can be a major hazard for workers. Since FRP is non-conductive it does not need to be grounded so this makes it suitable for many electrical hazard workplaces such as electrical plants and other areas with high-voltage concerns.

As already mentioned, the flexible property of fiberglass also gives it another advantage over steel; it is softer underfoot. The rigidness of steel can cause foot and back problems for workers, especially those that must stand for long periods of time. Fiberglass is easier on the feet and can decrease worker fatigue and increase productivity.

Durability

The biggest advantage that fiberglass has over steel is its durability. This is especially true in chemical or aquatic applications. Steel rusts, aluminum is reactive, wood rots, and is susceptible to termites but FRP is corrosion resistant to the corrosive elements in water, corrosive chemicals, and insects. It should also be noted that steel requires additional costs for galvanizing or special coatings in order to be used in some environments which add to its overall cost and maintenance cost.

Fiberglass molded structures can also have color pigments added to them during fabrication making the color part of the material instead of just being painted on and then having to be repainted often. This comes in very handy in plants that color code their walkways and structures as part of a safety regimen and identifier within a large facility.

Cost

As far as costs, steel is less expensive upfront. However, that is only considering the cost of material and not installation. Because of its heavyweight, the installation of steel grating is costly. A structural steel foreman, special equipment, operators, and welders need to be calculated into the costs.

Fiberglass, is a lightweight material, is easier to work with. Therefore, installation requires less manpower and equipment. The installation costs of fiberglass grating can be less than half of steel. Not to mention, fiberglass is virtually maintenance-free. On the other hand, steel may have to be repainted as part of regular maintenance, adding to its long-term cost. In the end, fiberglass is often a better investment.