The majority of soil, dust and contaminants enter facilities through visitor entrances. Entrance grilles offer a lasting solution by creating a safe and orderly entrance. Grilles can be made in a variety of designs and materials, but in this issue, we will be specifically discussing the use and care of profile bar grilles.
Specifying
Profile Bar entrance grilles work well in applications that require flat surfaces and high strength, to withstand loads from pedestrians to many types of vehicles. Profile Bar entrance grilles are manufactured to be ADA compliant, made of stainless steel materials that are resistant to corrosion, and offer the ability to include additional slip-resistance options.
Hendrick offers a range of profile types that start at a bar width of 0.14-inch up to 0.25 inches and are delivered fully assembled. Depending on site conditions, grilles can be designed to withstand specified weight loads. Support systems, or the inclusion of insert bars welded in place, can be engineered to maximize the weight capacity. Anti-slip coated bars and carpet inserts are optional, increasing the coefficient of friction.
Grilles that are properly fastened eliminate the chance of any part of the grille raising above floor level and causing a trip hazard, as well as minimizing the opportunity for grilles to be easily lifted out of the recess and removed from the facility. There are a few different mounting options that are offered for entrance grilles, including mated reclosable fasteners (industrial strength), hidden mounting tabs (concealed under the grille surface), or a surface block mounting system (incorporated into the top surface).
Installation
Careful site preparation, along with additional clearance at the perimeter of the recess, can yield a more effective installation. Attention to detail within the surrounding concrete work will allow the entrance grating to seamlessly fit within the recess. It is important to test fit all grilles within their recess before final installation. At that point, fastener locations can be marked in the grout and any issues can be resolved.
Warranty
Warranties typically cover defects in material and workmanship for a period up to 1 year, after buyer’s receipt of material. Extended warranties may also be an option.
Care and maintenance
Grilles should be covered with steel plates or plywood when work is being done on surrounding areas or machinery needs to pass over, and only in cases where grilles are properly supported within the recess. Cleaning products and equipment could pose a risk of contaminating Profile Bar entrance grilles, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Profile Bar entrance grilles at Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch, located in St. Louis, is an iconic landmark that features a Profile Bar entrance grille, along with additional interior and exterior Hendrick products. This project called for creating complex designs with products that integrate and coordinate with the overall design of the facility. Hendrick Architectural products that were installed at this landmark include wall panels, entrance grilles, trench grilles, air diffuser grilles and guardrails.
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Carissa Dau is a product manager at Hendrick Architectural, Carbondale, Pa. To learn more, visit www.hendrickcorp.com/architectural/.