Cost-Saving Construction Concepts: A Construction and Contracting Blog

A heavy-duty drainage system, whether in a barn or commercial production facility, will need a grate to go over it. This will help to keep solid waste out of the drain and ensure safety for those driving or walking over the drain. You may not realize the options you have for a grate for a heavy-duty drainage system, and you need to understand that these grates are not all alike; choosing the right one for your drain is very important. Note a few tips on how to make the best choice for your garage, barn, or commercial facility.

Angled sides

A grate with angled sides can have a longer lifespan than one without, as the angular sides help to disperse the weight of anything driving over the grate. These angled sides can also keep out more solid matter. If your grate will be in a facility with heavy-duty vehicles or if it will be used where there may be solid matter in the area of the grate, such as in a barn with animal waste and feed on the barn floor, opt for an angle sided grate.

Serrated surface

A serrated surface of a grate will allow for more cleaning of tires that roll over the grate. They will help to scrape away any excess mud, dirt, and other debris on tires; this can keep a production facility floor or barn floor cleaner. Note, however, that a serrated surface might damage lightweight tires, so it may not be good for a residential garage or storage buildings for a small, residential lawnmower.

Box grates

Some grates are available in a box design with a hinge on one end. This can make cleaning the underside of the grate easier, as you can simply open it on the hinge and rinse the underside. You can also then more readily access the drain itself if there is a clog. However, box grates with a hinge are often very light so that they can be easily lifted. They may not hold up well under the weight of heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles.

Close mesh

A close mesh grate will have very small mesh openings; these are good for areas with actual pedestrian traffic, as it reduces the risk of a shoe heel getting caught in the grate. However, they may allow for more solid waste to get stuck around the grate opening rather than draining away and may also slow down the flow rate of the drain itself.