FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The twenty questions that make up most of our quotation traffic — answered the way our engineers answer them on email.
Which resin should I choose?
Default to ISO polyester for splash and outdoor duty; vinyl ester for strong acids, alkalis, solvents or immersion; phenolic only where fire and smoke drive the spec. Dry interiors can stay on ortho. See the resin guide.
What is the maximum span for 38 mm grating?
Around 900–1200 mm for walkway loads at L/180 depending on mesh and load. Check the exact case in the calculator.
Can I cut it on site?
Yes — molded panels cut anywhere with hand tools, no edge sealing. Pultruded cut ends need end-capping or resin sealing.
Does it need grounding like steel?
No — FRP is non-conductive, which removes the bonding work orders. In flammable-atmosphere zones a dissipative variant exists; see the anti-static article.
Is it slippery when wet?
Gritted surface: no — COF 0.7–0.8 wet. Meniscus: fine dry, step up to grit for wet service.
What colors are available?
Gray, green, yellow, orange, black standard; custom RAL on volume. Pigment runs through the full section — scratches don't show bare material.
What is the minimum order?
Small trial orders are accepted; efficient pricing starts around one pallet. Mixed panels within one product line can share a shipment.
What are lead times?
Stock panels 1–2 weeks; cut-to-schedule 3–5 weeks after drawing approval; add ocean transit to your port.
How is it fixed down?
316 stainless clips — C clips between panels, W clips at exposed edges, M clips at supports. Spacing in the fixings guide.
Will UV degrade it?
Pigment and UV stabilization run through the section. Surface may chalk cosmetically over years; structural capacity is unaffected.
Can it handle vehicles?
50 mm panels carry cart and light-vehicle wheel loads on appropriate spans. Forklifts need a case check — send the axle load.
Is it fire rated?
Fire-retardant vinyl ester and phenolic systems reach ASTM E84 Class 1; phenolic adds the low smoke case. Certificates issued per batch.
What documents come with an order?
Mill certificate, signed panel-specific load table, written chemical confirmation, packing list with panel numbering; third-party inspection report where commissioned.
How heavy is it?
38 mm molded: ~19 kg/m² — about 40–45 % lighter than the steel equivalent. A 1×3 m panel is a two-person lift.
How long does it last?
15–30+ years depending on resin and environment; the lifespan article breaks it down honestly.
Can you match my existing steel layout?
Yes — send the as-built layout or mark-up; we return a numbered panel kit with cut-outs pre-fabricated.
What about edge fall protection?
The matching FRP handrail system (1100 mm, EN ISO 14122 or OSHA geometry) and safety gates complete the deck.
Do you inspect before shipment?
Yes — SGS/BV or your nominated agency can witness sampling and load testing at the factory.
Can I get samples?
Yes — cut samples in your target depth and resin ship with your quote on request.
Why factory-direct rather than a distributor?
One accountable party for the load table, the resin confirmation and the warranty — and factory pricing on the same certificates.
Not answered here?
Email njlf.frp@gmail.com — engineering questions get engineering answers, usually the same day.