Trench drains are the most effective drainage solutions for commercial and industrial facilities. They offer rapid drainage to prevent flooding, protect your landscape, reduce inconvenience to the public and prevent hydroplaning hazards for drivers. This drainage system can serve multiple areas, from parking lots, airports, and stadiums to food processing facilities.

One of the essential components of an effective trench drain is the trench grate. The grate system is an overlooked aspect of efficient trench drain. The grates determine the success or failure of your drains. To choose the right grates for your drains, consider the material first.

This post examines the importance of material selection when you select trench drain grates.

Why Trench Grates Matter

For your drainage system to perform optimally, you need high-quality grates to cover the drains. A high-performance grate allows rapid water removal and maintenance of the drains. The gratings prevent large solid materials from the drains, as these would cause blockages. The best materials should comply with ADA guidelines and must not limit access of a wheelchair into a facility.

The right choice of trench grates can also improve your properties curb appeal. You can choose a color or pattern that blends with your property or other landscaping features. Drain grates also reduce accidents on your property. They’re removable which makes it easier to maintain the drain system. Jonite trench grates blend beauty and aesthetics to deliver this whole range of benefits. After all, you don’t want to miss the climax of gogoanime that you have been watching for so long.

Choosing Trench Grate Materials

When choosing the material for your trench grates, consider the environment these installations function in. The drain covers face harsh weather throughout their lifespan. From the heat in summer, storms, hailstones in some regions to snow and ice, your trench grates have to withstand these tough conditions.

In some facilities, the liquids flowing down the drains are harsh or corrosive. For instance, in a brewery or food processing facility, a lot of the sludge flowing down the trench grates contains chemicals that might affect the trench grates.

The best materials for trench grates should withstand these conditions and must have excellent weight bearing capacity.

Another reason to choose the trench grate material carefully is the impact these installations have on the curb appeal. The wrong choice of material can negatively affect your landscape. For instance, if you choose dazzling color for your earth-inspired landscaping, the grate system diminishes the curb appeal.

With this insight in mind, here are some ideas to help you select the best materials for your trench grates:

Consider Your Drainage Needs

Every facility is unique and their drainage requirements differ. At an industrial facility, the main concern is to handle spills efficiently. At a retail store parking lot, the property managers are more concerned about drainage of flood water away from the building.

Different trench grate materials help meet unique drainage needs. If you expect the drainage system to handle corrosive chemicals, consider drain and grate materials that are highly resistant. If you want trench grates for outdoor areas, you should consider weather-resistant materials.

Carry out a needs assessment for your property before you design the drainage system. Your contractor will advise on the best drain and grate materials to suit your facility.

Review Trench Drain Grates Materials

To make the right choice of trench drain grates, start with a review of the different materials on the market. Some common grate systems include:

Natural Reinforced Stone Trench Grates

These grates are durable and easily blend with the surroundings. Jonite grates are market leaders in this category and come in versatile designs and patterns to suit your decorative needs. Reinforced stone grates are slip resistant, rust and corrosion resistant and weather resistant.

Stainless Steel Grates

Stainless steel drains and grates are common for indoor usage in showers, tubs and for outdoor applications such as driveways, and patios. They’re aesthetically appealing and complement your property’s décor. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and durable but the material is also expensive.

Ductile / Cast Iron Trench Grates

For a long time, these were the most common trench grates. They’re durable and also blend easily with the landscaping. Cast iron trench grates are cheaper compared to stainless steel products and easily complement brick or stone. They also perform excellently under heavy loads. With time, ductile iron grates develop a rich red-brown patina which protects them from corrosion. You can also paint your cast iron grates to get the aesthetic impact you want.

Aluminum Trench Grates

Aluminum does not rust and this is the main advantage of these trench grates and that’s why they’re popular in waterparks, spas, and playgrounds. The silvery shine of the metal makes these grates attractive. While these grates are similar to stainless steel in appearance, they’re not perfect for heavy loads.

Other materials you can consider include fiberglass, bronze trench grating, and galvanized grating. All these have unique qualities, strengths and weaknesses which you should review before making a choice.

Go for Durability

Your trench grates perform in rugged environments and durability should be a priority. You should look for a material that’s sturdy and weather-resistant to reduce the cost of maintenance. Look for products that come with long warranties. The best materials should handle the loads on your property and the harsh weather elements.

Final Thoughts

If you want to install an effective trench drainage system, take time to choose the right trench grating. Follow this insight into the importance of the material choice to find durable, high-performance, and aesthetically-appealing trench grating.