Aluminum Manhole Cover FAQs

The measurements are typically in millimeters.

To get the correct size, take measurements of the clear opening, rather than the size of the cover.

The clear opening size is the size of the manhole itself.

You take the measurements from the inside walls of the manhole from one side to the other.

If the hole is not circular but a square or a rectangle, take measurements of both the height and width from inside the walls of the frame.

Take measurements of the height of the frame too.

You need to also take measurement of the depth of the brickwork. This is where the cover will be sitting in and is referred to as frame depth.

By taking the above measurements, you will get the accurate size of the manhole cover.

You should not make the mistake of assuming the size based on the previous manhole cover.

Knowing the weight loading you need is a very important factor.

The weight loading of an aluminum manhole cover depends on where you will install the cover.

The weight load of the cover will affect its service lifespan.

To determine the weight loading, you need to think about the traffic that will pass through the aluminum manhole cover.

It can be a highway or pedestrian area among many others.

If it is a busy area with heavy-weight vehicles you need a heavy-duty manhole cover.

Recessed covers have a cut-out in the tray to allow for cement or brick paving to blend with the surroundings.

Recessed aluminum access cover

 Only the outline of the cover on the ground is visible.

These types of covers are common in swimming pools, pedestrian areas, and gardens among many other places.

On the other hand, solid covers are made to be very visible. They are the standard everyday manhole covers.

solid top cover

They have several markings and information on them such as the manufacturer.

There are three types of seals for the aluminum manhole cover.

The type of seal you choose will depend on where you will use the manhole cover.

The seal options include;

• Unsealed/no seal cover. Just as the name states, this type of cover does not have a seal.

Instead, the cover just slots into the frame. This type of cover cannot contain air within the manhole because of the lack of a seal.

This kind of cover is not suitable for manholes with bad smells.

• Single seal covers. These kinds of covers have a tongue and groove joint.

The two make a very airtight seal between the cover and the frame. The airtight seal ensures any odors are kept inside the manhole.

• Double seal covers.

These types of covers are almost similar to single covers. The main difference is these have a double tongue and groove joint.

The double seal covers are better at ensuring odors stay in the manhole. These types of covers are common in buildings.

Yes, there is.

• 5 tonnes for only pedestrian use
• 5 tonnes for domestic driveways
• 10 tonnes for service areas
• 17 tonnes for small rigid commercial vehicles

Both aluminum manhole covers and steel have properties that make them suitable for manhole covers.

The aluminum cover is lightweight compared to the steel cover, but even though it is lightweight, aluminum has a better strength-to-weight ratio.

aluminum manhole cover

Steel manhole cover has very much resistance to heat compared to aluminum. Aluminum manhole cover has an advantage over steel in cold temperatures.

steel manhole cover

Regarding corrosion resistance, both aluminum and steel are corrosion resistant.

They do not rust easily unless exposed to certain conditions.

To be specific on the aluminum access cover make sure you mention the following;

• The type of aluminum access cover you want, there are several types and the kind you choose depends on the area of application.
• The standard size.

There are several sizes available to choose from but you should choose one according to the size of the opening area.

• The load type. Be specific on the weight you want; it can either be light, medium, or heavy duty.
• The thickness should be according to the traffic in the area where the manhole is.
• The material.

There are several aluminum types with different properties. Choose one that will best suit you.

• The recess depth.
• The type of seal you want. As you specify this make sure it will be appropriate for where you will use it.
• The finish type. You can be specific on the type of finish you want depending on where you will use the access cover.