Friday, April 29, 2011

Factors To Consider When Installing Driveway Gratings

By Kenneth Walken


Having a thorough understanding of the purposes that driveway gratings serve is crucial in choosing and installing this particular landscape accessory. Architects and landscape designers provide help in this aspect by identifying the essential elements needed to accomplish an entirely efficient driveway drainage channel.

Loading strength should be taken into account when designing a drainage system. Heavy duty gratings need to adhere to the international standard specifications for building materials. BS EN 124:1994 is among the world-recognized standards for ditch tops and manhole covers. Holding this type of certification means that a building material is sturdy enough to hold enormous pedestrian and vehicular traffic. For building manufacturers, acquiring this particular international standard for their building products provides several advantages over their competitors.

There are other functions of driveway grates that need proper consideration, aside from having sturdy gratings. Energy-efficiency, sustainability and aesthetic value are among these. Moreover, architects and landscape designers should not also fail to take into account that, aside from cars, there are other vehicles that might pass over the grating. Hence, thin wheels of bicycles and wheelchairs must be able to pass over and not get stuck in as well. Another thing to consider is the safety of young children and pets who might wander around the area.

The ideal openings of gratings should be less than 13 mm. This is according to the international standards. Adhering to this standard is important since it is a way of keeping pedestrians safe. Homeowners with disabled family members can also prevent unnecessary accidents when they install grates with a gap that is not larger than 13 mm. A toddler's little feet might also get stuck when this standard measurement is neglected.

There are actually many selections available for people in selecting grate system for driveways. Conforming to the BS EN 124:1994 standard is one. Considering custom-made grating system is another. The said standard is amenable, after all. Thus, drain grates can be custom manufactured to be able to hold and carry vehicular weight that exceeds 40 tonnes.




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