Replacing worn steel stair treads
An illustrative maintenance scenario: the chequer plate treads of an external access stair have worn smooth and started to corrode, and GRP stair treads are considered for the refit. This example concerns pedestrian access stairs.
The maintenance problem
On an external stair the raised pattern of a chequer plate tread wears flat along the walking line, and the flat surface then holds rainwater. Corrosion usually starts at the tread edges, at the bolted connections to the stringer and wherever the coating has been damaged. Inspect the stringers and the fixings as well as the treads before deciding what has to be renewed.
The illustration compares worn steel chequer plate treads with moulded GRP treads that carry a yellow anti-slip nosing. It is a visual selection scenario, not a documented customer installation or a measured before-and-after result.
Illustrative stair tread comparison; not a documented customer installation.
A GRP stair tread option
Moulded GRP stair treads carry a gritted surface over the whole top face and are usually supplied with a coloured nosing along the front edge. The open mesh lets rainwater and washdown pass through instead of standing on the tread. The glass-fibre and resin body does not develop iron rust; the stringers, clips and bolts still have to be selected for the environment.
Specify the complete stair
Treat the stair as an assembled system. Tread depth, the clear span between the stringers, panel height, mesh and fixing method all belong to the same decision. Matching the outline of an old steel tread does not establish equivalent performance.
Confirm the required tread loading, the deflection limit, the nosing colour and the slip class with the responsible project designer. Check the top and bottom landings, the handrail connections and any tread that has to remain removable. No load rating, compliance certificate or service-life figure is claimed for the pictured illustration.
Discuss your stair project
Send the number of treads, the tread dimensions, the clear span between the stringers, the existing fixing type and photographs of the stair. Include the nosing colour, the quantities and the delivery destination. NA-ME can review the tread options and the information needed to prepare a quotation.