We are deeply committed to delivering top-tier drainage products that are built to withstand the test of time. Ensuring that your drainage products maintain their pristine condition and perform flawlessly for years to come requires a meticulous approach to care and maintenance. This guide goes beyond the basics to provide you with insights into maintaining our channel grates and covers, including our Channels, Stainless Steel and Cast Iron variations.

1. Channel Maintenance
Our drainage channels are designed for minimal maintenance, but an attention to detail can significantly extend their lifespan and functionality:

Debris Management: Regularly inspect the channel for debris, including leaves, twigs, or pebbles, and use a broom, shovel, or dustpan to remove them. For stubborn debris, employ a drainage hook or a robust clothes hanger to ensure unobstructed water flow.

Thorough Flushing: Employ either a garden hose or a pressure washer to systematically flush out residual debris or silt from the channel. This step is instrumental in preventing blockages and ensuring efficient drainage.

2. Stainless Steel Covers
Stainless Steel covers are renowned for their durability and corrosion resistance. A comprehensive maintenance regimen ensures their long-lasting allure:

Lifting the Cover: Gently lift the drain cover from the drain unit, taking care not to damage any surrounding elements.

Cleaning Routine: Clean the drain cover meticulously, utilising only a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush soaked in mild, non-abrasive soap and lukewarm water. Steer clear of abrasive materials such as steel wool, which can mar the surface.

Polishing: Delicately polish the drain cover, following the brushed grain's direction. This practice preserves its exquisite finish and aesthetic appeal.

Combatting Lime Deposits: Should lime deposits surface, rely on common household descaling agents. Allow the product to work its magic for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing with clean water. Avoid commercial cleaning products containing corrosive chemicals or bleach.

Corrosion Management: Stainless steel's remarkable resistance to corrosion hinges on its protective chromium oxide layer. It is imperative to steer clear of potent acids or chemicals like iodine, chlorine, fluorine, or bromine, which can compromise this protective layer and induce corrosion. Consistent cleaning is the key to warding off rust.

Handling Etched Products: For items featuring laser etching, ensure that you clean in alignment with the grain to maintain their pristine appearance.

3: Cast Iron Covers
Cast Iron covers, while undergoing a natural oxidation process or rusting, can be preserved with a specific care regimen:

Understanding Oxidation: Cast Iron covers may exhibit some oxidation upon arrival. This initial stage initiates the creation of a protective Passivation Layer, which significantly slows further oxidation.

The Patina Formation: The Passivation Layer, often referred to as a Patina, imparts a distinctive chocolate brown hue to cast iron covers over time.

The Patina Evolution: The oxidation process evolves from a bright orange tint to a rich chocolate brown. Depending on environmental factors, this transformation may take approximately a year, culminating in covers that resemble traditional cast iron manhole covers.

Traffic-Induced Changes: Cast Iron covers in high-traffic areas may acquire a burnished appearance over time; however, unlike steel, they do not flake away, ensuring prolonged durability.

Protective Treatment: If your covers have been pre-rusted and treated by Lateral Design Studio, rest assured that the rusting process has been effectively halted, guaranteeing their timeless condition.

Maintaining your drainage covers and channels is an art form that requires precision and dedication. By meticulously adhering to these maintenance guidelines, you can relish your products for an extended period while preserving their aesthetics and functionality. Remember, overlooking maintenance can jeopardise the product's long-term integrity. For further inquiries or tailored support, please feel free to contact our dedicated customer service team.

In the realm of architectural innovation, there exists a German phenomenon known as the "Huf Haus." These stunning structures represent the perfect blend of contemporary design, sustainable living, and meticulous craftsmanship. To harmonise with the Huf Haus's unique construction requirements, Lateral Design Studio were tasked with a project to create and craft a custom-made stainless steel drainage grate and frame featuring our popular "Geo-Rectangular" pattern. A solution that would not only meet their strict perimeter building construction standards, but also provide easy access into the home, whilst enhance the aesthetic appeal of these exceptional homes.

What is a Huf Haus?

A Huf Haus is a type of prefabricated house of German origin, characterised by its distinctive post-and-beam construction and floor-to-ceiling glass facades. These remarkable homes are often built in harmony with nature, embracing energy-efficient design principles and sustainable materials. Each Huf Haus is a testament to precision engineering, and they are renowned for their modern aesthetics and minimalistic elegance.

Meeting Strict Perimeter Building Requirements

Huf Haus designs are not only aesthetically impressive but also known for their stringent Huf Haus building code. These codes often include specific requirements for continuous clear drainage troughs around the perimeter of the house, which is where our beautiful custom-made stainless steel drainage grates and frames come into play.

The "Geo-Rectangular" pattern on our drainage grate was specifically designed to complement the clean lines and geometric precision that are hallmarks of Huf Haus architecture. This pattern, characterised by a series of rectangles and shapes, adds an extra layer of sophistication to the exterior of these already striking homes.

 

One of the primary challenges faced during the construction of Huf Haus homes is ensuring that the construction drainage detailing seamlessly integrates with the architectural design. The wider and more intricate "Geo-Rectangular" pattern of our custom-made stainless steel drainage grate was created to not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also to efficiently manage rainwater flow while providing easy access. This wider grille provides a more substantial surface area for water to pass through, reducing the risk of blockages and overflow during heavy rain, a common issue in regions with high precipitation.

The Benefits of Our Stainless Steel Drainage Grates

Aesthetic Appeal: The "Geo-Rectangular" pattern is a visually appealing addition to the exterior of Huf Haus homes, blending seamlessly with their architectural style.

Compliance with Regulations: Our drainage grates meet and exceed their strict perimeter building requirements, ensuring that water is efficiently managed without compromising the structural integrity of the house.

Durability: Crafted from stainless steel, this drainage grate is built to last, with a resistance to corrosion and wear, making it an excellent long-term investment for homeowners.

Efficient Drainage: The wider design of the grate allows for effective water drainage, reducing the risk of water accumulation, which can lead to structural damage over time.

Customisation: Each drainage grate is custom-made to fit the specific requirements of each Huf Haus project, ensuring a perfect fit and function and can have special powder coating finishes applied if required.

 

Cast iron grates are renowned for their durability and resistance to corrosion, starting off with a grey hue that undergoes a transformation upon exposure to water. The initial contact leads to the formation of a bright orange oxide layer, commonly referred to as "rust," which possesses a loose adherence. Over time, this initial layer washes or wears away, giving rise to a more tightly adhering oxide coating that actually serves to protect the grate from further corrosion. The end result is a distinguished, rich, chocolate brown patina reminiscent of the manhole covers found on city streets.

The Duration of the Oxidation Process

The duration of the oxidation process is influenced by the environmental conditions to which the grates are exposed. Generally, this process can last anywhere from a few months to a year. It is essential to bear in mind that the pace of transformation is accelerated in areas with higher traffic and greater exposure to various weather elements.

Longevity and Durability of Cast Iron Grates

Cast iron has stood the test of time, having been employed for centuries in the fabrication of items that require exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. Notably, cast iron has been the material of choice for manufacturing ship anchors traditionally used by the Navy. In a raw state, our grates, like those anchors, boast a lifespan of several decades.

Alternative Options to Avoid the Orange Oxidation Phase

While we generally advocate allowing our grates to age naturally and develop their distinct patina, we understand that some individuals may prefer to bypass the bright orange oxidation phase of raw iron. For such cases, we offer an eco-friendly Baked-On-Oil Finish that utilises recycled vegetable oil. It is an aesthetic treatment that creates an aged look. As the oil wears off it will provide a smooth,
graceful transition from installation to final patina.

Alternatively we can provide a powder coating service, a metal finishing process that allows the product to be textured in almost any RAL colour or shade you require. This long-lasting, highly durable and economical finish will be more resistant against scratches, chipping, wear, and fading.

Preventing Staining of Surrounding Areas

The issue of rust staining the surrounding area can be mitigated if your grates are installed in a pre-formed drain body or our custom frames. These drain bodies and frames incorporate materials such as plastic, metallic, or polymer edges, as well as steel edges in the case of our frames. Consequently, this prevents direct contact between the iron grates and the surrounding surface. As long as the drain functions correctly, any rust particles will be efficiently channeled down the drain with the water flow.