1. Worn or Damaged Metal Stair Treads

One of the most frequent problems with metal stair treads is wear and tear. Constant foot traffic on stairs causes the treads to wear out over time. In addition, factors such as improper installation and exposure to moisture or sunlight can contribute to the damage. Damaged treads are hazardous, causing slips, trips, and falls. If your metal stair treads are worn or damaged, replacing them as soon as possible is crucial.

Resolving this issue may include regular inspection of your stair treads for signs of damage. However, if the damage is extensive, it may require replacing the entire stair tread. You can also prevent this problem by using high-quality treads made from durable metals. Therefore, when replacing the treads, ensure you use high-quality metals and follow proper installation procedures.

2. Loose Metal Stair Treads

Metal stair treads can sometimes start to squeak or become loose over time. Factors like improper installation or wear and tear may cause loose treads. Loose treads are often caused by friction between the tread and the stringer or subfloor. Loose treads are hazardous, as they can shift or move when someone is walking on them, causing a trip or fall. If you notice that your metal stair treads are loose, it is vital to fix them immediately.

3. Uneven Metal Stair Treads

Uneven stair treads pose a serious safety hazard, as they can cause people to trip or stumble when walking up or down the stairs. This problem occurs under several factors, such as poor installation, structural issues, or wear and tear over time.

When resolving this problem, inspect your metal stair treads for any signs of unevenness. Use a level to determine the degree of inequality. Depending on the severity, professional help might be necessary to identify the root cause and fix the problem. Furthermore, you can measure the height of each stair tread to determine if they are all the same height. If you find any discrepancies, adjust the treads as needed.

4. Slippery Metal Stair Treads

In damp areas, like some food processing facilities, moisture may cause slippery steps. Often, this issue worsens with worn treads, additional water, or using the wrong metals for your facility on stair treads.

To fix this dilemma, inspect the treads for any signs of wear and tear or moisture. Use a product like a fiberglass tread cover to improve tread traction. Additionally, ensure that you regularly clean the treads to remove any buildup of dirt or debris. Direct Metals^® offers several types of metal stair tread solutions. Grip Strut stair treads, bar grating stair treads, and metal safety grating stair treads with serrated surfaces that grip the soles of work boots, reducing on-the-job accidents and making metal stairways safer for employees. We also supply slip-resistant fiberglass grating stair treads, a popular choice among amusement parks, water parks, and restaurants for pedestrian and customer safety.

5. Faded or Discolored Metal Stair Treads

Faded or discolored treads can occur when metal stair treads are exposed to sunlight, moisture, or improper cleaning methods. Discolored treads can affect the space's aesthetic appeal and may require replacement.

Consider troubleshooting this problem by inspecting the treads for any signs of fading or discoloration. If the problem is minor, you can use paint to restore the color. On the other hand, installing fiberglass stair tread covers can provide a cost-effective solution, depending on the severity of the problem. Covers are made from extruded fiberglass and have a grit surface. These tread covers have a safety yellow nosing that is integral to the tread cover, which means it cannot wear away. Our slip-resistant fiberglass stair tread covers are ideal for many industries due to their corrosion resistance and long product life.

Overall, metal stair treads are subjected to several common issues that have the potential to mar their appearance and create dangerous situations. Nonetheless, numerous solutions exist, from basic cleaning and upkeep to more complex repairs or installations. Consider the appropriate alternative for your requirements and budget and carefully evaluate all options to resolve the issue with your stairs.

As the best place to buy stair treads, you can expect outstanding quality for every slip-resistant metal stair tread product that Direct Metals^® provides. Our Safety Grating and Stair Tread products are available in various materials, sizes, and shapes to fit your specific applications. Ready to make your workplace safer? Request a quote for our slip-resistant metal stair treads today!

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Our stair treads come in a wide variety of materials such as carbon steel, galvanized, aluminum or stainless steel. As a leader in the industrial metal and fiberglass products industry, we also offer many options for tread widths and lengths. Such a variety of choices means that you will always find the perfect metal stair treads for your facility. However, choosing the right set of metal stair treads is only half of the process. After installation, maintaining your stair treads is a vital part of keeping your employees safe while on the job.

Although most materials are resistant to corrosion and rust, regular maintenance can ensure that your stair treads stand the test of time. This results in more bang for your buck! Request a quote today from Direct Metals^®, the best place to buy stair treads.

STAIR TREAD MAINTENANCE

1. Clearing Debris

Over time, debris can build up on metal stair treads. Regularly clearing stair treads of debris will enhance traction, which increases safety and slip prevention.

2. Washing

When it comes to cleaning, metal stair treads are easily cleaned with soap and water. You can find a cleaning solution to remove dirt, grease, or oil at any store, whether it be regular dish soap or floor cleaner. It’s important to be sure to dry them completely after washing to prevent accidental slippage.

3. Applying Primers or Coatings

Covering metal stair treads with paint or coatings not only preserves the life of your stair treads, but they can also make your facility more aesthetically pleasing. Before painting, be sure to remove any excess rust from the material to ensure optimal coverage.

4. Installing Protectors

We offer easy to install fiberglass stair nosings, fiberglass stair tread covers, molded fiberglass stair treads, and pultruded stair treads to form highly visible and durable edges at the primary point of contact on stairs and landings. Protectors can shield exposed edges that are prone to chipping and cracking to improve slip and corrosion resistance.

At Direct Metals^®, we provide safe and slip resistant metal and safety grating for industrial and commercial applications. By using metal stair treads with features that increase slip resistance (holes and perforated buttons) you can prevent work injuries and keep your workers safe.

We focus on providing our customers with high quality metal products to meet the standards of your facility. You can find a wide range of Stair Treads and Safety Grating on our website in various materials and sizes. We also offer a broad range of floor covering materials to enhance the safety of your stair treads. Request your quote today!

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Bar Grating Stair Treads

Serrated bar grating stair treads are engineered specifically to offer protection against slips in areas such as outdoor stairways and outdoor sports facilities, such as stadiums. Rain, snow, ice, or spills can cause stairways at these venues to become slippery and dangerous for spectators. Bar grating slip resistant stair treads are often used to make these venues a safer place for fans where they can enjoy the game and easily make it to their seats.

Features:

• Versatile & durable
• Custom sizes available
• Standard checker plate nosing which provides increased slip resistance
• End plates with bolting holes so they can be welded to the ends of stair treads

Fiberglass Grating Stair Treads

This type of slip resistant stair tread is commonly used at amusement parks and water parks, as well as hotels and resorts. Their corrosion resistant properties allow them to be used in applications where they are consistently exposed to water and chlorine. You may see these stair treads used for a staircase to get to the top of a water slide.

Features:

• Corrosion resistant
• Slip resistant stair treads with high impact resistance
• Fire retardant
• Non-conductive
• Easy to install

Safety Grating Stair Treads

Safety grating slip resistant stair treads are the top choice for many food processing, chemical processing and water/wastewater treatment facilities to reduce accident rates. These metal stair treads provide a safer walking-working area with a serrated surface that provides maximum slip protection in all conditions and in every direction.

Metal Stair Tread Features:

• Open diamond pattern, this allows for the drainage of fluids through the grating
• Available in galvanized steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum
• Range of widths from 4-3/4" to 36"

Request a quote today for your slip resistant stair tread application! As the best place to buy stair treads, our specialty metal experts are equipped to help you determine which stair tread type is the best fit.

References

1. “How Does Slip Resistance and Tread Covering Effect The Safety of a Stair Nosing on a Stairway”

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One of the advantages of installing slip-resistant stair treads is it significantly improves safety in the workplace. According to NAAMM, National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers, metal stair treads have a high percentage of open area to allow for excellent drainage and the free passing of debris, creating a virtually maintenance-free product (1). They also can have a high load-bearing capacity which offers increased structural integrity.

Metal stair treads can be easily cleaned without damaging their durability because they are made from rust-free, non-corrosive metals including stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel and fiberglass. Metal stair treads are an excellent option for your applications because they add strength and resistance to corrosion from environmental factors, allowing them to have a long lifespan. Overall, this translates into you saving money due to fewer repairs or replacements.

Another advantage of slip-resistant stair treads is their functionality. They add an element of texture and design to any structure. Metal stair treads can create a clean, contemporary design to stairways, or you can customize them to complement the aesthetics of any facility or environment. We offer three diverse types of slip-resistant stair treads:  Bar Grating, Fiberglass Grating, and Safety Grating.

When installing slip-resistant safety grating stair treads, we follow NAAMM’s general installation requirements (2):

1. Unpack grating and inspect for damage
2. Grating shall be installed with cross bars or anti-slip surface on top
3. Primarily install all grating into area per layout drawing
4. Adjust spacing between panels to allow for proper pack out and equal spacing between panels and between supports.
5. Verify that all grating is adequately supported. Notching bearing bars at supports or interrupting bearing bars with cutouts shall only occur when the system has been designed for such modification and is specified by the design engineer and indicated on the plans.
6. Securely fasten all grating as specified for project or per NAAMM recommendations.

Following these installation requirements, warrants your slip-resistant bar grating stair treads will stay in place and may last you a lifetime.

At Direct Metals^®, you can expect outstanding quality for every slip-resistant stair tread product we provide. If you are interested in our metal stair tread products, please contact us at 1.800.711.4939 or email us at info@directmetals.com for a quote.

References:

1. NAAMM, 2021, Metal Bar Grating, 08 April 2021 [https://www.naamm.org/division/8]
2. NAAMM, 2017, Metal Bar Grating Manual 531-17, Eighth Edition, National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers (p.15),
   [https://www.naamm.org/content/uploads/products/mbg_531_2017.pdf]

The post Advantages of Slip-Resistant Stair Treads appeared first on Direct Metals Company.

Slip resistant stair treads from Direct Metals^® can help you prevent workplace accidents since they are ideal for industrial facilities or outdoor sites where slippery conditions may exist. Our Grip Strut stair treads and metal safety grating are used to manufacture metal walkways, steel safety flooring, and slip resistant stair treads. These metal stair treads have serrated surfaces that grip the soles of work boots which reduces on the job accidents and makes metal stairways safer for employees.

We also offer serrated bar grating stair treads that are specifically designed to offer protection against slips in areas prone to oil or other hazardous elements. The stair treads are available with metal nosing types including checker plate, cast abrasive, or aluminum grooved nosing for increased slip resistance.

In addition to making your workplace safer, we also supply slip resistant fiberglass grating stair treads that are often used in applications at amusement parks, water parks, and restaurants for pedestrian and customer safety. Our fiberglass stair treads can still be used for workplace safety, such as stairways in chemical plants, food processing facilities, or wastewater treatment facilities. If your manufacturing plant has older stairs, we offer slip resistant fiberglass stair tread covers that are an excellent retro fit solution. Many industries utilize fiberglass stair treads because they are corrosion resistant and have a long product life.

Ready to make your workplace safer? Request a quote for our slip resistant stair treads today!

The post How Slip Resistant Stair Treads Can Make Your Workplace Safer appeared first on Direct Metals Company.

Bar grating stair treads are the perfect solution for many industrial applications. Our serrated stair treads are specifically designed to offer protection against slips due to oil spills or other hazards. Bar grating stair treads are fabricated from bar grating panels and have a nosing on the front edge that increases slip resistance. Due to their versatility and durability, slip resistant stair treads are the perfect choice for outdoor or industrial facilities where slippery conditions exist.

Fiberglass stair treads and covers from Direct Metals^® are lightweight, easy to install, and slip resistant. Two of the outstanding features with this product are durability and safety which makes them the preferred components for stairs and landings. As a quality fiberglass grating supplier, Direct Metals^® provides maximum pedestrian safety in high traffic areas such as amusement and water parks, outdoor stairways, restaurants, and chemical processing plants. The fiberglass nosing provides a highly visible and durable edge at the merge point on stairs and landings. The stair treads also provide a cost-effective surface for metal, concrete, and wooden steps. The slip resistant covers are an excellent fit for older stairs.

Grip Strut safety grating and stair treads are a great preventative safety measure that can decrease industrial accidents caused by slipping or tripping over debris and spills. Our Grip Strut safety metal grating has a serrated surface to assist with maximum slip protection in all conditions and directions. These metal grating planks have a high strength-to-weight performance, which can ensure they are capable of high load capacity and long life.

As the best place to buy stair treads, you can expect outstanding quality in every stair tread product from Direct Metals^®. If you are interested in stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, or fiberglass grating stair products, please contact us at 1.800.711.4939 or email us at info@directmetals.com for a quote.

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