There’s a magic word in the the do-it-yourself (DIY) and sustainability corners of the internet: upcycling. Upcycling is where a thrifty and creative person “takes something that’s considered waste and repurposes it,” breathing new life and function into a once condemned item, according to Upcycle That.

If you’ve explored these spaces online before, perhaps you’ve been inspired to sand and restain that old pallet for reuse as a coffee table or turn a faded tacklebox into a funky planter.

We’re here to present an unconventional approach to upcycling on a larger scale with the idea of retrofitting. Like upcycling, retrofitting takes the old and makes it new again with enhancements or additions. Similarly to upcycling, retrofitting uses items already in place (such as the structure of your building) and updates a portion (for example, fitting a custom-made security grille into your opening to replace a worn-out one).

A Damaged Grille Means Danger

Keeping a parking garage in working order is a high priority. A damaged parking garage grille or gate means decreased function and operation – the grille may not cycle properly (or at all). This can pose a huge issue for the facility manager and patrons, and would also be cause for alarm from a security standpoint.

Some people think it isn’t possible to pull off a retrofit application in a parking garage. We say never say never. Of course, each retrofit project depends on your specific application. Luckily, our ADS Team and vast network of dealers can help.

Getting Started on a MicroCoil Grille Retrofit for Your Parking Garage

1. Reach Out

To get started on a retrofit project featuring our Extreme High Performance MicroCoil Grille – 500K Cycle, reach out to our ADS Team to make sure it’s right product for your retrofit project.
 
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To keep with our theme, let’s say that our application is a bustling parking garage where the security grille cycles many times per day. Sprinkle in previous difficulties with the former grille’s size (one not from CornellCookson), and you have a tricky situation on your hands.

Not to worry, with Cookson’s Extreme High Performance MicroCoil Grille – 500K Cycles, an opening with minimal space is not the enemy. It requires less than 14 inches of headroom space thanks to its reduced coil size – making a compact opening a nonissue. Designed to handle at least 500,000 cycles at operating speeds up to 24 inches per second (ips), the Extreme High Performance MicroCoil Grille is a trusty option for new construction, and thankfully, retrofit applications.

2. Research Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

We’ve done research on ADA compliance to provide a product that meets the requirements, because we know how difficult it can be to find the right one to meet your needs that is also in compliance. In the past, a parking grille retrofit could pose an issue because of its size –making it out of bounds with ADA standards.

There is good news on this front, too. The Extreme MicroCoil Grille easily fits in the required ~16” prescribed by ADA, allowing ADA vans to enter most existing parking garages with ease, and making access and parking for your patrons with disabilities easier.

3. Choose the Right Installer, If Needed

The Extreme High Performance MicroCoil Grille – 500K Cycles comes with a direct drive operator and the Apex SmartController control panel to create a stress-free installation process. Consulting an experience installer can also be a great option if you need just a little more assistance and want to make the installation and setup process even easier.

With nearly 50% headroom savings, Cookson’s Extreme High Performance MicroCoil Grille – 500K Cycles can be your ticket to an actually enjoyable retrofit experience. Our ADS Team, dealers, and other associates are here to help you upcycle your way to a more efficient, high performance grille option in your parking garage.

Key Takeaways:

• Never say never. Parking garage retrofits are easier than before with Cookson’s Extreme High Performance MicroCoil Grille – 500K Cycle
• The Extreme High Performance MicroCoil Grille – 500K Cycle requires nearly 50% less headroom as compared to other high-cycle grilles on the market.
• It meets ADA compliance, easily fitting into the ~16 inches prescribed by ADA.
• We’re here to help.

Contact our ADS Team

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