Strongwell Grating Meets Virginia Graeme Baker Act UV Requirements

Strongwell’s DURADEK® and DURAGRID® pultruded fiberglass grating, including I-4000 and T-1800 which are typically used in the pool and spa market, have been tested and meet UV requirements mandated by the Virginia Graeme Baker Act (VGBA). The grating is the ideal solution for fabricating VGBA compliant drain systems.

Stork Materials Technology, an independent testing facility, tested Strongwell’s pultruded grating for tensile strength and impact strength after being subjected to ultraviolet (UV) radiation weathering. The independent testing was performed in accordance with ASTM D638 for tensile testing and ASTM D256 for Izod impact testing. The testing results indicate DURAGRID® grating has a K factor of 1.02 for AMSE A112.19.8.a – 2008, section 3.2.2.3, which is the testing protocol for grates and grating covering pool drains.

To read the full report, click here.

Strongwell’s grating has been successfully used to fabricate field or replacement drain systems for years because the benefits of DURADEK® and DURAGRID®:

  • Strength — DURADEK® and DURAGRID® are extremely strong and impact resistant
  • Low Maintenance — Corrosion resistant fiberglass with molded-in color will outlast aluminum or steel grating with virtually no maintenance, even when submerged under water.
  • Cost Effective — Strongwell’s pultruded grating is lightweight and, therefore, easily handled in installation, and cost less to ship than steel grating.
  • Safety — DURAGRID® grating is low in electrical and thermal conductivity and can have a non-skid grit surface.

NOTE: Strongwell’s fiberglass grating has been used in chlorinated, brominated, and salt water applications as well as many harsh outdoor exposure applications for many years. It has also been used (and is currently being used) in subsea applications. We are not aware of any product failures due to such water or ultraviolet radiation exposure for periods exceeding 20 years. If pool and spa fiberglass drains are properly maintained and not subjected to any abnormal use or damage, we therefore believe, but cannot guarantee, that the FRP grating should have a life expectancy of at least 20 years and likely much longer.