Tag Archives: cast iron grates

Foundry Grates: Comparing Brands and Quality

Highway-Install

The year 1975 is significant.  That was about the time that modular polymer concrete channels entered the U.S. trench drain market.  Prior to that, only the frame and grate systems and cast-iron channel body products were available in the trench drain marketplace.  These products were made by iron foundries. Over the past 50 years, there […]

What Is the Difference Between Gray and Ductile Cast Iron Drain Grates?

Cast Iron-Ductile Grates -w Mini

When selecting the right heavy-duty drainage grate, casted iron is often a top contender due to its strength and versatility. Both gray and ductile iron are forms of cast iron. However, each of these iron alloys have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different uses. Understanding these differences along with the pros and cons […]

How Fast Does Cast Iron Rust?

Elmore, Ohio Bridge Project

GRATES AT A BRIDGE PROJECT – ELMORE, OHIO Customers often ask us how long it takes for cast iron to mellow out to the brown patina typically seen in most parking lots. We are fortunate enough to be aware of a project that was completed in 2020. A bridge was replaced in the village of […]

Replacing Broken Trench Drain Grates

broken trench drain

Replacing broken trench drain grates is important. A damaged system causes multiple issues throughout an application. There are several questions to ask and steps that should be taken when considering changing out broken grate covers. Replacing Broken Trench Grates Several reasons cause grates to need replacing, age and improper specification are among the most common. […]

Do You Have Rust On Your Cast Iron?

RAW - RUST - BoOF Interlaken

Rust and Cast Iron Cast iron grates are ideal for many situations and are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They are durable and have multiple decorative options. Raw cast iron grates do not retain their natural silver color. In fact, they quickly turn orange with rust when exposed to any form […]

Name that Grate! A Replacement Grate Guide

Trench Drain Grates

We are often asked to help customers find replacement grates for their systems. If you find yourself in this situation, below are some ways that you can get the information you need that will help us to identify the grate. Keep in mind, you don’t need to have answers for every category but the more […]

Major Flooding? FP1200 to the Rescue!

FP1200 - Bank-Parking Lot

The First National Bank of Bellevue, Ohio had been feeling the brunt of Mother Nature’s wrath in the form of flooding. Standing water caused customers to make wide paths around the deep puddles or power through, only to end up with soggy shoes for a quick escape from the weather. Unfortunately, the problem became more […]

7 Facts About The FP Series Trench Drain

Highway-Install

The FP Series trench drain is a large flow, transportation drainage product developed by Hubbell POLYCAST® in 2010. TDS purchased and then redesigned this drain in 2016. At the time of its introduction to the market, it filled a void for high-volume pre-sloped systems for heavy load stormwater applications. 1: Trench Drain Systems purchased this […]

Universal Ductile Iron Trench Drain Grate (TDS 461D)

TDS-461D-in-Various-Trench-Drains

Previous articles I’ve written have discussed the evolution of the polymer concrete trench drain channel and how it came to the U.S. Market. The big takeaway is that the rise of modular trench drain started in Europe and migrated to the United States, bringing with them metric dimensional standards (channel length and width) which rendered […]

How to Replace 1-Inch Thick Grates

1 in Thick Bar Grate

Over time expected loads have increased, and the 1″ thick grate has become a rarity. New construction projects often specify current standard sizes of 3/4″, 1.5″, or 2″ thick grates. However, there are applications where frames are incorporated to help raise the Load Class of the 3/4″ drainage grates. The thicker 1.5″ and 2″ grates […]