Creating the safest possible learning environments is always a priority in educational establishments. To achieve this, Gradus provides an assortment of interior products that not only enhance the aesthetic of any space but also help safeguard staff and students alike.

Whether it’s stair edgings, barrier matting, LED lighting, or wall protection, Gradus has a broad range of interior solutions, designed to make social areas both attractive and safe. Whether it's a new build or remodelling an existing building, their products can be tailored to each specific educational establishment.

Added benefit - being able to select multiple products for your project, from one manufacturer that you can trust.

Stair edgings
The XT range of stair edgings from Gradus provides the ultimate solution in reducing slips, trips, and falls on stairs and supports the recommendations in the latest building legislation and standards. There is no equal!

Featuring an unrivalled insert design that extends around the full leading edge of the step to ensure that foot contact is always made with the slip-resistant element of the stair edging, XT provides maximum safety underfoot and minimises the risk of slips.

With a comprehensive choice of profile configurations available across Aluminium and PVC-u formats, Gradus XT features a unique locking mechanism that secures the slip-resistant insert in place on both the tread and the riser, making these an ideal choice for education applications. This removes the need for an adhesive bond between insert and channel, resulting in a more hygienic solution and improved performance where more intensive cleaning is required.

XT stair edgings can be installed as an adhesive only fixing using Gradus Grip GG290. Aesthetically, this creates a neater overall finish, whilst also eliminating the need for a mechanical fixing which can sometimes contribute towards moisture ingress or the build-up of dirt and bacteria in the gaps between the screw head cover plugs and screw holes.

Barrier matting
Gradus is also one of the leading manufacturers of barrier matting solutions that help to remove and retain the dirt and moisture that gets tracked into buildings from outside. Designed with traffic, typically found in Education, Esplanade 6000, is constructed from either ECONYL® regenerated solution dyed nylon wipers from the Boulevard 6000 range or black Pvc scraper wipers.

These are supported with an aluminium base with Pvc bridging strips that provide additional strength and are combined with Pvc linking strips. The ECONYL® regenerated solution dyed nylon wipers provide excellent soil and moisture retention and are available in a choice of eight colours, to suit your buildings design. There is always a risk that some residual moisture will be carried beyond the primary matting system – to your educational buildings internal flooring, which is why Gradus also manufactures secondary barrier matting systems for internal areas. This essential for busy circulation areas, such as canteens, corridors and entrances typically found within schools, colleges and universities.

The company also offers a 5 day matting manufacturing service* on selected ranges, meaning you can have them installed within a week of deciding on the right mat for you. *This service applies to primary barrier mats up to 20m2 where no shaping is required*.

LED lighting
Another key element in the company’s offering is LED lighting, featuring a series of LED lighting systems that can be combined with step lighting profiles, architectural lighting profiles, as well as a range of solutions more suited towards auditoria applications such as Aisle & Floor lighting, Wall Lighting System and Step Row Indicators.

Ideal for lecture theatres, the company’s LED step lighting offers a range of Aluminium and PVC-u step profiles that when combined with a suitable lighting system, can create both a safe environment and a decorative lighting solution.

They have been specifically designed to suit interior environments, where light is required for safety but should not detract from the primary function of the installation. Gradus’s architectural lighting profiles, meanwhile, provide the ability to transform an environment with subtle accents or striking features and are geared towards those looking for a mood lighting solution that creates a true wow factor or can stimulate moods, behaviours, or even productivity.

The range features an incredibly versatile range of surface mounted, recessed and plaster-in aluminium profiles that are suitable for accommodating their Gradus Impression LED tapes across a wide choice of colour, brightness and functionality options, helping you to create the desired lighting effect to suit your specific project needs.

Wall protection
The company’s wall protection solutions keep interior spaces looking good for longer and reduce the need for frequent repairs and repainting – especially in higher-traffic areas.

Gradus wall cladding will resist most direct impact damage, as well as the many scuffs and scrapes caused by the constant flow of traffic, typically found within the education sector. A solution that is through coloured like Gradus SureProtect Endure will also conceal the effects of impact and abrasion by minimising the appearance of any surface damage that may occur.

Equally important to a comprehensive wall protection system are corner guards and wall guards. Corners are the most vulnerable part of a building, so benefit greatly from targeted protection. Wall guards should be installed in the areas of the wall that receive the most contact, such as busy corridors, where they will provide robust protection through a combination of PVC-u covers and aluminium or PVC-u retainers that absorb and dissipate impact.

For more information on any of the products or services featured above, contact Gradus Technical Support on 01625 428 922, or visit their website www.gradus.com