Galvanized Metal Gratings: Complete Benefits & Applications Guide

Metal gratings made of galvanized steel are grids made of steel which have been coated with zinc. Originally designed to be used in industrial settings, galvanized steel grating provides an extremely strong surface that is resistant to corrosion and provides structural strength and durability even in harsh environments where other steel products would fail.

What Are Galvanized Metal Gratings?

The process of hot-dip galvanizing gives the gratings a metallurgical bond of zinc and iron that provides a corrosion barrier for the steel used in making these gratings, while at the same time, providing the additional benefit of slip resistance.

The corrosion protection provided by the hot-dip galvanizing process will outlast paint and provide 20-30 years of service life, depending on the application. With the projected growth of the global steel grating industry due to the need for a durable finish for high-load applications, there will be substantial growth in this market.

Manufacturing and Features

In hot-dip galvanization, steel gratings are dipped into molten zinc (~850°F), which coats and bonds with the steel, creating a hard, self-healing surface. This process prevents rust and damage even in corrosive settings like chemical plants or marine environments.​

Galvanized Metal Gratings vs Other Materials

Galvanized gratings offer a cost-effective mix of strength and corrosion resistance compared to stainless steel or fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP).

Material	Corrosion Resistance	Cost	Weight	Typical Use
Galvanized Steel	Excellent (20-30+ yrs)	Moderate	Heavy	Outdoor platforms, oil & gas, industrial
Stainless Steel	Superior	High	Heavy	Food/pharma, harsh chemical applications
FRP	Best (non-metallic)	Medium	Light	Electrical, corrosive, marine environments

Galvanized steel is typically 30-50% less expensive than stainless yet meets industrial load and safety standards, making it the preferred choice for heavy-duty applications.​

Key Applications of Galvanized Metal Gratings

There are many different uses for galvanized (zinc-coated) steel, and they can be used in a variety of environments, including:

• Oil & Gas industry: Galvanized steel has excellent resistance to corrosion due to salt water; therefore, it is well-suited for offshore platforms where the weight of materials is critical.
  
• Construction/Building: Galvanized steel is used extensively in ramps, stairs and walkways due to the open mesh or diamond-shaped construction which allows rainwater to drain away from walkways and prevent slip hazards.
  
• Water Treatment Plants/Wastewater Treatment Facilities: The combination of chemical resistance and drainage properties makes these products ideal for preventing potential pooling or damaging structural components.
  
• Manufacturing/Warehousing/Fulfillment Centers: In many manufacturing & warehouses there is a high volume of foot traffic, constant handling of chemicals and oils, and constant wear and tear on flooring surfaces from heavy machinery. 

Galvanized steel gratings provide a durable and slip resistant surface that can handle the toll that foot traffic and contact with chemicals and oils will take on them.

The continuous demand for galvanized steel gratings is indicative of their versatility and lifespan and suitability for a wide range of industrial applications.

Advantages and DisAdvantages of Galvanized Steel Grating

Galvanized steel grating provides strength, longevity, easy maintenance, and slip resistance, however, it tends to be heavier and not as resistant to chemicals compared with some other types of grating.

Advantages:

• Galvanized steel’s corrosion resistance gives it a lifespan of 20 or more years thus, providing a longer replacement life and lower maintenance costs.
  
• Galvanized steel has a high level of strength allowing for safe use under heavy industrial loads.
  
• The open design of the grating provides improved water drainage, air circulation, and natural light.
  
• For the price of stainless steel this type of grating provides a lower cost option, while retaining the majority of the qualities of steel.
  
• The galvanizing process, which is non-toxic, is environmentally friendly and can be safely recycled.

Disadvantages:

• Heavier than some other types of grating (such as fiberglass reinforced plastic), zinc-coated steel grating requires more substantial structural support during installation.
  
• The zinc coating has the potential to wear off in extremely corrosive or abrasive conditions, leaving the underlying steel open to potential corrosion.
  
• The galvanizing process adds both time and expense to the total cost of steel when compared with steel that is uncoated.

Compliance and Safety Standards for Galvanized Gratings

The galvanized gratings must be built in compliance with OSHA, ANSI, ASTM, and ISO regulations, including those pertaining to load capability, slip resistance, and protection coatings.

Generally, galvanized grates are designed and constructed in accordance with OSHA 1910.28 standards concerning safe working surfaces for walking and working, and ANSI A1264.1 regarding Criteria for the Resistance of Surfaces to Slipping. Additionally, galianized gratings are governed by the following ASTM standards: ASTM A123 and ASTM A653, which specify the required thickness and quality of the galvanizing material. International regulations, such as EN ISO 14122, set design standards for platforms and stairs to reduce slip and fall hazards.

Regular inspections and maintenance enable galianized grates to operate safely throughout their expected lifespan.

How to Choose the Right Galvanized Metal Grating

To ensure optimal performance, select the correct load class, environmental conditions, bar spacing, serration, and grating manufacturer‘s certifications.

• Determine the expected load by using ANSI classifications (Light Duty through Extra Heavy Duty).
  
• When the intended use of the galvanized grates is in wet/oily areas, use serrated bars for their anti-slip qualities.
  
•  For the spacing of the bars, consider the size of debris to be filtered and the required drainage (generally 1-2 inches).
  
• Ensure that the galvanizing of galvanized gratings meets ASTM A653 thickness and uniformity requirements.
  
• Recognized manufacturers such as EarthTech Engineering Works are recommended for high-quality certified products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Normally, how long does galvanized steel grating last? 

Under normal conditions, 20-30 years, though under favourable conditions, 50+ years are possible with regular maintenance. 

Are galvanized gratings suitable for chemical plants? 

Yes, however, only for medium levels of chemical exposure. In cases of extremely corrosive acids, it is recommended to use stainless steel or FRP The corrosion resistance of zinc-coated steel decreases and is not suitable for long-term use. 

How often should galvanized gratings be inspected and cleaned? 

It is recommended that all galvanized gratings are inspected at least quarterly and that debris is removed from all surfaces quarterly as well. The zinc coating can repair minor damage to the galvanized coating, thus reducing the likelihood of rust forming. 

Do manufacturers provide custom-made galvanized gratings? 

Yes, all manufacturers provide custom-sized products with various shapes, sizes and load ratings for specific applications. 

Which industries use the most galvanized metal gratings? 

The most common industries using galvanized metal gratings are oil and gas, building and construction, all other industrial manufacturing companies, and both the municipal and commercial wastewater treatment and wastewater collection systems as a result of the durability and compliance of the products.

Ready to enhance your industrial sites with durable galvanized metal gratings? Contact EarthTech Engineering for expert advice and tailored solutions that meet your safety, compliance, and budget requirements.