Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? If so, have you ever been on the Grand Canyon Skywalk? This marvel of technology and ingenuity is something worth experiencing.
Suspended in Awe
The Grand Canyon Skywalk was a personal project of the entrepreneur, David Jinohipadhus—involving Mark Ross Johnson as the architect of the undertaking.  It was completed in 2007 as part of a plan to extend a walkway out over the edge of the Grand Canyon as a new and exciting tourist attraction for the area.
The transparent, u-shaped, cantilever bridge is an exciting way to experience the Grand Canyon’s magnificent height and expanse. Suspended over a five-hundred-plus, vertical cliff, the walkway allows visitors to view the massive canyon with as little restriction as possible.
Don’t Worry About Falling
The bridge is 70 ft. long and 65 ft. wide, constructed with four layers of a material known as Saint-Gobain SSG Diamant, low-iron glass, along with an interlayer of DuPont SentryGlas. If you’re likely to question the durability or weight-bearing characteristics of a glass walkway, then perhaps this next tidbit will rest your worries. The glass itself is created to support a 100 lbs per square inch load and was manufactured to withstand significant seismic activity. What’s more, the foundation of the Skywalk is said to be capable of holding the same weight load that 71 fully-loaded Boeing 747s would produce.
The Powerblanket Contribution
While Powerblanket didn’t have a hand in the original construction of the Skywalk, we do make a contribution to its proper maintenance on a regular basis. When most people think of the Grand Canyon and the state of Arizona, they think of extreme heat and dryness, but certain areas of the state can receive good amounts of precipitation—even snow—and the west region of the Canyon (where the Skywalk was built) happens to be one of those areas.
Snow Melting Mats 
Any time there’s snow in the forecast, the responsible crew of the Skywalk applies Powerblanket products, such as industrial snow melting mats, to the glass walkway. Not only would snow or frost embed the view of the canyon below, but it would also make for a very slippery situation. The main focus of the attraction is safety, and preventing falls due to snow and ice is paramount to that aim.
Thankfully, Powerblanket provides the even heat distribution necessary to keep the walkway operable during the cold weather stints it sees during certain times of the year. The mats heat the snow and ice, preventing the spread of water from freezing and allowing visitors to have a safe experience. So, thanks to great ingenuity of the designers of the Skywalk and the minds behind Powerblanket technology, this great attraction offers visitors a Grand experience year round.
See For Yourself
Snow melting mats aren’t only used in the Grand Canyon. Both homeowners and businesses across the globe rely on snow melting mats from Powerblanket to keep areas prone to ice buildup accessible. The mats are built to be walked on and even cover stairs without preventing access. To learn more about which snow melting mat fits your needs, call our temperature management engineers at 866.945.4203 or email us at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Grand Canyon Skywalk built?
The Grand Canyon Skywalk was constructed using a rod and plate method similar to that used in building the Egyptian pyramids, with support beams anchored deep into the red limestone bedrock to ensure stability.
Did the Grand Canyon Skywalk crack?
While the Grand Canyon Skywalk's non-glass protective coating has occasionally cracked, it is designed to do so without compromising the safety of visitors.
How was Skywalk built?
The Skywalk was assembled at the canyon's rim and rolled into place using ancient-inspired engineering techniques, ensuring a seamless and secure extension over the canyon.
Why are cameras not allowed on Grand Canyon Skywalk?
Cameras and cellphones are prohibited on the Skywalk to prevent scratches on the glass paneling, though visitors can purchase professional souvenir photos.
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