CHEMICAL & CORROSION RESISTANT
Fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) panels remain virtually unaffected in many chemical environments. They will not rust, rot, scale or mildew. These panels are commonly specified for use as roofing and siding by industrial engineers. In many cases, they have replaced more conventional materials which have proved to be costly and ineffective in corrosive environments. FRP panels have superior long term resistance to chemical and other corrosive conditions.
HIGH STRENGTH
FRP panels are strong, durable, and shatter resistant. They have a high strength to modulus ratio and therefore offer maximum performance coupled with a natural resiliency. These panels are particularly effective in high impact conditions and repeated (cyclic) loadings associated with normal wind storms.
DIFFUSED LIGHT TRANSMISSION
Translucent panels that provide soft diffused transmitted light are available in Fire Rated and Non-Fire Rated material, as well as a number of colors. And, some of the 16 oz. translucent profiles not only let light in, but it’s strong enough to walk on.
FIRE RETARDANT
Several profiles and ounce types carry the Underwriters’ 25 Flame Spread Rating (ASTM E 84 / UL 723), and comply with Flammability ASTM D 635.
RESILIENT
FRP panels are naturally resistant and will withstand large deflections associated with normal load and impact conditions without suffering damage. They return to their original shape when the loading is removed. These resilient panels can withstand deflections well beyond those which will deform a metal panel.
FRP panels perform even in the most severe windstorms. Leaks and premature panel or fastener related failures are not a problem when panels are properly installed and limited by the L/D criteria established in ASTM D 3841.
GOOD WEATHERING CHARACTERISTICS
FRP panels have “built-in” ultra violet and weather protection. There is no need to apply costly coating or films. The combination of acrylic modification, quality resin components and C/W Barrier protection combine to yield a uniquely durable panel.
VERSATILE
Panels are available in both polyester and vinyl ester resin* formulations combined with a variety of glass fiber reinforcements. These materials and panel weights can be combined to meet various functional or structural requirements.
*Vinyl ester resins have good corrosion resistant qualities, in some environments better than polyester resins, and may perform satisfactory at slightly higher temperatures. Fire rated vinyl ester resin systems, however, have a major drawback; they have poor resistance to UV and will weather very quickly. It is not recommended for use as an exterior wall or roof panel since severe color change and UV degradation will occur.