Fiberglass reinforced plastic stair treads offer a wide range of advantages for commercial and industrial projects. With impressive strength, long-term durability, and safety features, the range of FRP stair solutions available makes them a popular choice for many applications. Let&#;s look at FRP stair treads and how they can work for your project.
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Know Your Materials: Fiberglass and FRP
At Fibergrate, when we talk about fiberglass stair treads, we&#;re specifically referring to treads made from a carefully engineered composite called fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). This is lightweight material compared to metal and has a high strength-to-weight ratio. As a result, FRP stairs can stand up to heavy foot traffic while providing a safer, slip-resistant environment. FRP stairs are also corrosion and chemical resistant (and some products have a UV resistant coating). This means they can last longer than less robust stair solutions and require less maintenance.
Types of Fiberglass Stair Tread Solutions Available
- Stair Tread Covers are made to install over existing wood, concrete, or metal stairs, providing a cost-effective enhancement to safety and appearance.
FRP tread cover options
cover several functional applications across many architectural styles, including an optional glow-in-the-dark strip that increases the visibility of stairs in low-light areas.
- Covered Stair Treads provide a complete, ready-to-install solution and a welcome alternative to heavy concrete that can chip or metal treads that can rust and corrode.
Covered stair treads
have a durable surface with the color infused into the product, so they never need painting.
- Pultruded Stair Treads excel in heavy-duty applications that require high strength and durability across wider support spans.
Safe-T-Span® treads
feature a pultruded fiberglass construction, providing exceptional load-bearing capacity and resistance to wear and tear.
Applications for FRP Stair Treads
- Commercial: From offices and hospitality applications to retail stores and public facilities both indoors and out, FRP stairs&#; durability, slip resistance, and ease of maintenance make them ideal for high-traffic areas where both safety and aesthetics are crucial.
- Industrial/Manufacturing: Industrial facilities require robust stair treads that can withstand heavy loads, harsh chemical exposure, and severe working conditions. FRP stair treads excel in such environments, providing long-lasting performance while minimizing slip-and-fall accident risks.
- Marine: Marine environments demand stair treads that can withstand corrosive saltwater while maintaining a slip-resistant surface. Versatile FRP stair products deliver that, and may also include a coating that provides
resistance to UV rays
. This makes them an ideal solution for docks, ships, offshore platforms, and other marine-related applications. In addition, their relatively light weight makes them exponentially easier from a logistical standpoint.
- Oil & Gas: Where safety is of utmost importance, FRP stair treads have dependable slip and chemical resistance, as well as fire retardant properties. They offer added protection for high-risk, rugged environments like refineries, drilling platforms, and other oil and gas installations.
- Utilities: In utility plants, power stations, and water treatment facilities, high quality FRP treads provide a reliable, safety-conscious solution for areas prone to high humidity and electrical hazards (FRP is
non-conductive
).
- Food & Beverage: Here, hygiene and ease of cleaning are priorities, and FRP stair treads meet these requirements. You will find them in food processing plants, breweries, and other food-related facilities.
Case Study
One notable application for FRP stairs was for our client, Emmber Foods, in their meat processing plant. Their workers had significant leg and back fatigue from standing on concrete and steel platforms all day. We provided new FRP stairs, platforms, and stands that hold up to harsh cleaning chemicals and 180° water twice a day&#;all while enhancing safety and comfort for the company&#;s valuable workforce.
Benefits of Fiberglass Stair Treads
- Durability: long service life and minimal need for replacement
- Slip Resistance:
high friction factor
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, ensuring secure footing, even in challenging conditions such as icy or wet winter climates
- Chemical Resistance: ideal for environments where exposure to hazardous substances is common, such as industrial facilities or laboratories
- UV Resistance: withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without fading or degrading. Ideal for indoor or outdoor applications
- Easy, low-cost Maintenance: easily cleaned with standard cleaning agents or power-washed without the risk of damage or corrosion, translating to cost savings and reduced downtime
Get FRP Stairs for Durability, Safety, and Ease of Maintenance in Any Industry
With their high versatility, outstanding performance, and extensive safety benefits, Fibergrate FRP stairs are well-suited for a wide range of practical and cost-efficient applications.
Explore the full range of Fibergrate fiberglass stair products and find the perfect solution for your project today.
Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Fiberglass Stairs
Cement, metal, and wood remain somewhat popular for outdoor stairways, but, with all factors considered, fiberglass is one of the most advantageous materials. Durability is just one reason to consider installing fiberglass stairs. Here is a more comprehensive look at why more and more homeowners are choosing this option.
What Is Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a plastic material reinforced with glass fiber. The fibers can be arranged in many ways to achieve a desired result, whether randomly arranged, flattened in sheets, or woven to create a fabric; thermoset polymers or thermoplastic polymers may be produced as well. Often called glass-reinforced plastic or glass-fiber reinforced plastic, it is used for many applications, including fiberglass insulation, piping, storage tanks, auto body parts, and building materials, to name a few.
Benefits
The key benefits of fiberglass stairs and ladders include:
&#; Strength: By weight, it is stronger than many metals, including sheet metal. Being man-made, fiberglass is also stronger than wood. It withstands high tension and compression, as glass fiber is extremely stiff along its axis. Stairs made of the material, therefore, can withstand repeated use over the long term.
&#; Durability: Fiberglass is waterproof and resistant to rust and corrosion, so it is suited for locations near salt water. It also resists a variety of corrosive chemicals. This allows fiberglass stairs to be used in applications in which other materials could expose homeowners to risks of degradation. It&#;s also resistant to expansion and contraction due to temperature extremes and mechanical stress.
&#; Non-Conductive: Fiberglass does not conduct electricity. If a stairway is installed near a power source or electrical line, or electrically powered tools or appliances are used nearby, one need not worry about electrical currents transmitting through the material, as is the case with metal.
&#; Aesthetics: Fiberglass, although typically sporting a clean, classic look, can be molded into any shape. This allows infinite possibilities. Stairways can feature brand-specific elements or complement a home&#;s existing architecture. They can be crafted to suit virtually any design theme.
&#; Low Cost: Pricing is relatively stable compared to steel, including for production, installation, and maintenance. Since fiberglass is lightweight and strong, it costs less to ship and store.
&#; Eco-Friendly: Producing fiberglass is less energy-intensive than other materials. Fewer resources are required for maintenance while it&#;s also recyclable. The fibrous materials can be broken down and used for other applications when a product is no longer needed.
Order a Fiberglass Staircase from Capital Deck & Stair
We install long-lasting, waterproof, slip-resistant fiberglass stairs and provide warrantied fiberglass repair. Reach out to us and one of our professionals will explain options, make recommendations based on home design and available space, and give you a free estimate. In addition, we can waterproof your entire deck with the latest state-of-the-art solutions. Pool deck, walking deck, leisure deck, balcony, and garage door resurfacing and coating services are available as well. To ask questions and receive a free estimate, call (888) 508-.