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NEWS & EVENTS

U-drain vs. Grated Drains

8/4/2017

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U-drain Floor Drainage vs Grated Drains
​When it comes to surface drainage, the most common type of drain seen in public applications is a grated drain. In contrast, U-drain is a trench drain with a single narrow “slot” intake that features no grates. The question is, which is the better option? In this article we examine three key factors that play into choosing a drainage system; durability, maintenance and aesthetics. Within each of these factors we will compare the grated vs. trench design.
DURABILITY
Grated Drains
  • Feature a wider intake where grates act as a “bridge” between the two sides and handle traffic over the intake void.
  • Grates must be built heavy enough to handle load over the intake void (this often translates to increased material costs).
  • Over time, grates can bend/warp under the pressure of regular traffic and must be removed and replaced.
  • Many grated drain systems feature trenches constructed out of cement or plastic, which can breakdown and/or damage easily.
U-Drain
  • Features a narrow 1” or ½” (Commercial or Residential) intake which minimizes intake void so that no “bridge” is needed.
  • Is designed with breaks in the trench body to allow for load transfer from the drain directly into the concrete floor surrounding it (U-drain is as strong as the concrete around it).
  • Sump Pit Lids are designed to exceed HS-20 weight load standards (16,000 lbs
  • Built with galvanized steel which provides exceptional structural rigidity and offers long-lasting rust protection in high moisture environments (stainless steel finish also available).

U-drain Structural Integrity
MAINTENANCE
Grated Drains
  • Debris is caught by the grate and eventually the grate is clogged at which point the grates must be removed and cleaned.

U-drain
  • No grates to clog up. Simply clean out the drain trench by inserting a cleaning paddle and dragging it along the drain to the sump pit.
  • A Flush Nozzle is available which allows you to connect a pressure washer line to the drain for an efficient flush clean.

AESTHETICS
Grated Drains
  • Grates have a large and more defined footprint
  • Grates can rust over time
  • Grates can collect debris and bacteria

U-drain
  • Narrow intake is low-profile and does not stand out
  • Drain edges are neutral and blend with the surface material
  • Galvanized or Stainless Steel finish prevents rust
When you take the factors of durability, ease-of-maintenance and aesthetics into consideration, which drainage system do you think is best? 
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  • Home
  • What is U-drain
  • Products
    • Commercial U-Drain
    • Residential U-Drain
  • Downloads
  • News & Events
  • Request A Quote