FRP vs. Basic Materials
Requests for information on fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) products come for many reasons. The best opportunities for an application with FRP exist when two or more of its differentiating properties are very beneficial or required for a given application. FRP is least suitable for an application where the primary concern is cost and otherwise there are no advantages to choosing FRP. One advantage can leave the application up to the purchaser – FRP will provide an advantage over traditional materials but is it worth the increased cost?
Cost defined here is upfront costs at the time of purchasing. In virtually any application FRP will have a lower life cycle cost and is to be valued for that reason. FRP offers numerous advantages in applications starting with the fact that it will not rot or rust. This makes is much longer lasting than traditional materials. FRP also has intrinsic chemical resistance and is lighter in weight than any other option making installation quick and easy.
Specific advantages versus wood are due to longevity. Wood is biological, and it will eventually degrade, split, rot, etc. FRP will do none of these things, and is significantly stronger than wood all around. Metals are heavier, may rust, and conduct electricity. FRP is non-conductive and is also available in fire retardant forms (to match an advantage metal is considered to have). In addition, FRP is a very poor conductor of heat. So in a fire, metal grating may conduct heat readily while FRP grating would not.
In summary, FRP offers substantial advantages and cost-saving benefits over traditional competitive materials. For assistance with your FRP project, contact us today.