Frequently Asked Questions

We hold a large amount of stock in our warehouse, which can be shipped out within a day.

It may be tempting to use the same stone flooring to cut slits or puncture holes and use them as a grate. However, they are a nightmare for maintenance as most are not strong enough even for human traffic. Some may overcompensate the strength with a much thicker slab, but that would only make the grate too heavy.

Due to the unique properties of the material, the heat absorption is better than most materials like metal and wood. Low water absorption and perforations on the benches also helps with quicker drying after the rain.

Yes, the aperture of 601 grate is 8mm.

Jonite is on a mission to lead the way towards a greener future. This is why everything Jonite does starts with sustainability in mind. All Jonite products are proudly made of at least 30% recycled materials. Unused products don’t go in the trash. Steel and stone that meet their strict requirements are recycled so they can be used again as raw materials.

Learn more here.

Jonite current standard models can sustain loads of up to 5KN, which is strictly for pedestrian application. However, Jonite can customize the tree grates’ design and the support frames for a specific load class. Please note that the support for the tree grates needs to be certified by a professional engineer to sustain the particular load class.

Yes. Curve grates are available in any radius & design through Jonite customisation service. All radius will also be consolidated from a full-scale CAD drawing to help minimise cost.

Trench drains are a common solution for sloped pavements. They are covered with grates that prevent debris from getting in the drain while also providing a surface for vehicles and pedestrians to travel over.

Driveway trench drains are easy to install, long-lasting, and suitable for almost any driveway. They can even be placed close to the building foundation to prevent water from running in.

Learn more here.

No

A 304 stainless steel drainage grate and a 316 stainless steel drainage grate differ primarily in their composition and corrosion resistance. 304 stainless steel is a versatile and commonly used grade known for its excellent corrosion resistance in various environments, making it suitable for many applications.

316 stainless steel contains higher levels of chromium and additional elements like molybdenum, which enhance its resistance to corrosion, particularly in harsher conditions such as marine environments or exposure to chloride-containing solutions.

Within a kilometre of breaking surf, 316 stainless is recommended to be utilised. Additional care will still need to be undertaken to prevent tea staining. See more about the maintenance of stainless steel here.

Polypropylene is a type of plastic that is derived from propylene monomers. It is known for its excellent physical properties, including high melting point, low coefficient of friction, and resistance to chemicals and UV radiation. These characteristics make polypropylene an ideal choice for outdoor drainage applications.

In addition to its exceptional durability, polypropylene is also a sustainable material, making it an environmentally friendly option for trench drain channels. Its recyclability and long lifespan contribute to reducing the overall environmental impact of drainage systems, aligning with modern sustainability practices.

Discover the advantages of polypropylene here.

High compressive load strength allows for sturdy horizontal installation for minimal pedestrian use. As for vertical installation, load-bearing requirements are usually not needed, but Jonite ventilation grates are rated for at least 5KN.

Remove any large pieces of debris. Drainage channels can be cleaned with a broom or shovel. Persistent dirt can be cleaned with a high pressure cleaner (jet pressure up to 120 bar), running the cleaning water along the entire length of channel. Ensure all sediment within the channel is loosened and rinsed down to the plumbing/sump pit. The discharge points must be cleaned & ensure pipework is draining effectively. 

More information here.

Yes, this is possible. However, the open area and design of the grate may be limited, similar to a customised trench grate.

The key distinction between 304 and 316 stainless steel lies in their chemical composition, which influences their corrosion resistance and suitability for specific environments. Both materials offer a sleek, polished finish. However, 316 grates may maintain their appearance better over time in corrosive environments, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

More information on the difference between 304 and 316 here.

Absolutely, Jonite is capable of tailoring a breeze block to match your unique open area needs. In contrast to other Jonite products, breeze blocks are less reliant on load requirements, giving us increased flexibility in open area customization.

The load rating of a grate is a specification of the amount of weight the grate can withstand.

Residential- Will withstand 1.5 ton wheel loading. Footpaths & driveways.

Class A – 330kg nominal wheel loading. Pedestrians, cyclists.

Class B – 2,670kg nominal wheel loading. Driveways (cars & light commercial vehicles)

Class C – 5,000kg nominal wheel loading. Areas with slow moving traffic (shopping centres). Heavy commercial vehicles.

Class D – 8,000kg nominal wheel loading. Highways & roads, lightly loaded forklift, warehouse

Class E – 13,700kg nominal wheel loading. Commercial heavy wheeled traffic, hard wheeled forklifts, construction/military/mining vehicles

Class F – 20,000 nominal wheel loading. Docks, wharves, airport taxiways

Class G – 30,000 nominal wheel loading. Extra heavy duty, airport runways, docks

View our guide to load class classifications here.

White vinegar is effective for helping remove or reduce tea staining from stainless steel.

Learn more about the process here.

Like most metals, cast iron goes through a natural oxidation process, resulting in an outer protective coating known as rust.  This process is called Patina. Patina is a naturally occurring process and shouldn’t be confused with corrosive rust. 

The two conditions that cause cast iron to rust are:

• Moisture (Cast iron will begin to patina when the relative humidity exceeds about 64%.)
• Oxygen

Factors that accelerate rusting:

• Carbon Dioxide
• Acids
• Impurities

Like most metals, cast iron goes through a natural oxidation process, resulting in an outer protective coating known as rust. This process is called Patina.

Patina is a naturally occurring process and shouldn’t be confused with corrosive rust. Patina is good for iron as it provides a protective layer. A metals patina is a thin layer of oxides on the metal that acts to slow down further corrosion. Therefore patina on cast iron grates does not harm the structural integrity. This rust layer shields the cast iron from further oxidation. Think of rust as a corroded armour that protects against additional corrosion. This property allows iron to remain strong & intact for several decades. Unlike steel, cast iron is durable and will not flake. The patination of cast iron grates is predictable, and the duration of each stage depends on local moisture conditions, foot traffic, foreign substances etc.

Once the oxidation process begins, cast iron will turn a bright orange and then fade to a chocolate brown, similar to the colour of manhole covers.

Rust cannot be prevented but the process may be slowed by introducing a buffer material between the iron and atmosphere. Linseed oil can be applied to the grates prior to installation. Another common practice is to spray or powder coat the grates. This coating must be reapplied whenever there is chipping to maintain rust protection.

Yes, if you provide your required open area Jonite can customise the design based on those requirements. They can also work with several parameters together like open area, design and size, for example.

Polypropylene is a material with excellent mechanical, physical and chemical properties.

Some of the most significant properties of polypropylene are:

Chemical Resistance: Diluted bases and acids don’t react readily with polypropylene

Elasticity and Toughness: Polypropylene will act with elasticity over a certain range of deflection (like all materials), but it will also experience plastic deformation early on in the deformation process, so it is generally considered a “tough” material. Toughness is an engineering term which is defined as a material’s ability to deform (plastically, not elastically) without breaking..

Fatigue Resistance: Polypropylene retains its shape after a lot of torsion, bending, and/or flexing.

Insulation: polypropylene has a very high resistance to electricity.

Trench drain systems utilise a simple angled slope on both sides of a linear trench to move runoff into a channel. Liquids are then discharged at the end of the drainage channel into an underground pipe system or culvert. Trench drains generally require a shallower excavation than in-line pits with extensive underground piping.

Cast-in-situ systems are another type of trench drain design. This method uses extensive formwork and labour required. A form is built and concrete is poured around it to form the trench. Forming channels onsite drives project costs up dramatically due to labour time.

Jonite can be crushed and broken down into smaller aggregates as road base.

The cost of a drainage system depends on the materials used, and the size. A system with a wide stainless steel grate will be more expensive than the same size with a polypropylene system. Reducing the width of your grate will help reduce costs.

SABdrain channels have a greater flow rate (up to 18% faster), therefore reducing the size has less impact on efficiency.

Similar to the trench grate, the customisation process is the same.

Specified in projects all over the world including Dubai, Singapore and various states in the United States, Jonite has been used in the hottest, coldest and most humid places in the world with no known problems.

This will vary based on slopes, rainfall, weather patterns and location of the drain.

Use our partners tool here to design your system, or contact us for assistance.

Most SABdrain channels are sold in 1M lengths to be joined together. They are easily cut, allowing installers to achieve exactly how many metres they need.

Sizes above 200mm x 300mm are sold in 500mm pieces

The general life cycle of Jonite products is minimally 30 years or more

Yes, SABdrain drainage systems are an alternative supplier for drainage solutions. SABdrain utilises polypropylene channels over polymer. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer that offers numerous benefits, including high chemical resistance, durability, and flexibility. These qualities make it an ideal choice for drain channel applications in various industries, such as food processing, automotive, and pharmaceutical.

One of the key advantages of polypropylene trench drain channels is their ability to withstand harsh chemicals commonly found in industrial environments. This resistance to corrosion ensures a longer lifespan for the drainage system, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. Additionally, polypropylene channels are lightweight and easy to handle during installation, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Learn the SABdrain advantage here

When compared to metal drain channels, polypropylene offers several advantages. Metal channels are susceptible to corrosion, which can compromise their structural integrity over time. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is corrosion-resistant and does not require regular maintenance.

Additionally, polypropylene trench drain channels are highly resistant to chemicals, making them suitable for environments where exposure to harsh substances is common. This chemical resistance ensures the longevity of the drainage system and reduces the need for frequent replacements.

Concrete drain channels, while durable, can be heavy and challenging to install. Especially in hard to reach areas. Polypropylene trench drain channels are lightweight, making them easier to handle and reducing the risk of accidents during installation.

Discover the advantage here

It is essential to complete regular stormwater drain maintenance to ensure a safe environment on your property. When drainage systems overflow, it creates unsafe conditions and potentially costly damage. Here’s a guide to maintaining & the upkeep of stormwater drains.

Certainly! Jonite Breeze Blocks aren’t merely appropriate for exterior use, but they thrive under these conditions. Their special material makeup allows them to resist even the most severe weather and temperature conditions. They also feature self cleaning properties, making them significantly more durable than traditional concrete breeze blocks.

SABdrain channel’s are manufactured from polypropylene. Grates are available in a range of materials.

Jonite commits to environmentally sustainable practices. We actively manage our energy, water, and waste with the future in mind. They use at least 30% recycled aggregates, which reduces carbon emissions by up to 80%.

Jonite products are also Singapore Green Building Product (SGBP) certified (4 ticks, leader). This means that designers can score additional points under the Functional Systems Criteria (Flooring, Ceiling, Roof, External Wall, Internal Wall and Door systems) and/or Singular Sustainable Products outside of Functional Systems Criteria. This ensures that sustainability is integrated throughout the design and manufacturing process of green building products.

Remove any large pieces of debris. Drainage channels can be cleaned with a broom or shovel. Persistent dirt can be cleaned with a high pressure cleaner (jet pressure up to 120 bar), running the cleaning water along the entire length of channel. Ensure all sediment within the channel is loosened and rinsed down to the plumbing/sump pit. The discharge points must be cleaned & ensure pipework is draining effectively. 

More information here.

All our measurements are internal measurements

The difference between standard antislip and 5-star antislip grates lies in the slip resistance level: while regular antislip grates provide basic traction, 5-star antislip grates feature specially designed nodules that enhance grip significantly, offering maximum slip resistance ideal for high-risk, wet, or high-traffic areas. Below image shows 922 (5 Star) on the left and 952 on the right.

Modular trench drainage channels are typically manufactured in metre or half-metre lengths for easy transport to the job site, on-site handling, and versatile configurations. Modular channels usually start at 100mm wide. These narrower widths use smaller grates, significantly reducing overall project costs. Wider systems can be supplied if required by hydraulics or application.

This depends on several factors such as gradient and drainage requirements of a site. For certain cases which requires a massive dispersion of water from a wider area, linear drains might be more suitable. Sump covers can also be used in conjunction with trench grates for more drainage.

Jonite products are made from reconstituted stone. Created from 95% natural aggregates and advanced hybrid polymers, Jonite products provide a finish which is both luxurious and natural to the touch.

The technical specification of the core material used is: 95% agglomeration of natural stone substrates & mineral oxides formed under a proprietary vacuum and compression process. Composed of a proprietary structural polymer hybrid system of a heterogeneous blend’ 

The core material is made of 95% natural aggregates like crushed natural granite etc. 5% comprises of a hybrid blend of epoxy resins.

Reinforcements within products are flat steel bars of varying thickness. They are welded into frames and treated with a coat of protection before being incorporated.

Yes, you can unless they are within 3 metres of your pool, which Jonite would then recommend Jonite pool grates instead. The main difference is the reinforcements, which for pool grates are a non-ferrous composite material.

The nominal wheel loading refers to the weight of 1 wheel of the vehicle.

For example, if you estimate the heaviest vehicle that will be driving over the drain weighs 2215kg. The nominal wheel loading is 553.7 kg (2215 ÷ 4 = 553.75). Therefore you will require a Class B rated grate (Class B nominal wheel loading is 2670kg).

13mm

The SABdrain system is up to 40% quicker to install than standard polymer channels. With an installation time of 10M per hour, compared to just 6M per hour. CPB Contractors used just 60% of their allocated installation time when installing SABdrain on Northern Road Stage 5.

Jonite pool grates are slip resistant. We have conducted Pendulum and Ramp tests on our products to make sure they meet industry standards for slip resistance. With a class V on the Pendulum test and an R10 on the Ramp test, Jonite can handle most locations and applications.

Some of our models are ADA compliant. Should you prefer a particular design, Jonite can modify and customize the grates to be ADA compliant.

No. Jonite is more than happy to customize one set of tree grates.

This depends on a lot of factors such as desired aesthetic, what load class you need & where is it being installed. Check how much water the area will receive, has it got a slope? Is it near your pool? Do you live near saltwater?

Use our handy product finder or contact us.

Standing or ponding water in and around buildings or on roads can cause severe structural damage to foundations, building materials and other structures so it’s important to utilise surface drainage solutions to divert it quickly and efficiently. Surface drainage is also crucial to help prevent hydroplaning on roads, highways, bridges and airport runways.

Effective handling and transporting away stormwater during, and after storms is a vital element in facility and road construction planning.

Discover the SABdrain advantages – click here