Stair treads at apartment complexes that are exposed to the elements must be able to withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh environmental conditions. The DEFI Fiberglass team replaced deteriorating concrete stair treads with FRP stair treads at multiple apartment complexes. FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) provides the durability, added safety features, and longevity required for such a project.
FRP Stair Treads Project Details
With an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet and an average snowfall of around 100 inches per year, Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of the snowiest cities in the US. With this level of snowfall comes freeze and thaw cycles, high usage of road salts, and moisture levels that make surfaces slippery and dangerous. The environmental conditions were deteriorating the concrete stair treads and creating safety hazards for the apartment residents. Our team replaced the original stair treads with custom FRP stair treads using a 2-inch thick molded grating base with a 1/8-inch plate thermally bonded to the surface and finished with a slip-resistant grit top.
Why FRP is Right for the Job
FRP in Extreme Weather Conditions – FRP is a great option for environments with extreme temperatures, whether it is hot or cold. The resin that FRP is constructed with is not porous, unlike concrete or wood, so it doesn’t absorb moisture. This makes it freeze-resistant and able to withstand the repeated freeze-thaw cycles in Flagstaff.
Salt & Corrosion Resistant – The resin that FRP is constructed with is what also gives it the noncorrosion properties. In regions where road salt is common and traditional materials see a faster deterioration rate, FRP is able to withstand exposure to the salt and moisture without corrosion. This is because the salt, moisture, or other corrosive elements cannot penetrate or chemically react with the FRP.
Slip-Resistant – The slip-resistant grit top is built into the FRP stair treads. Unlike traditional materials that have to be resurfaced or retaped to keep their slip-resistant properties, FRP is inherently slip-resistant.
Low Maintenance – FRP is virtually maintenance-free. Because the FRP stairs treads are impact-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and resistant to the snowy environmental factors of their region, these apartment complexes will have reduced maintenance demands while increasing safety.
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Our team can create customized fiberglass structures to fit your exact specifications. Contact us today to discuss your project and whether FRP is the right material for the job.
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