Panels made of fiberglass reinforced, commonly referred to as FRP, are thin and flexible plastic panels constructed of sturdy polyester resin that is which is reinforced by fiberglass. They are installed on ceilings and walls and are able to be put directly over wood, drywall, and concrete blocks as well as many other solid materials. FRP systems incorporate trim molding made of plastic to provide an all-time solid, scratch-resistant, and durable surface that is easy to maintain and is stain and mold-proof. The panels can be cleaned with a hose. These attributes make FRP an excellent choice to cover ceilings and walls in restaurants’ kitchens as well as public bathrooms, medical establishments, food processing areas, and many other areas that require frequent deep-cleaning.
Fiberglass Reinforced Panels Advantages
FPR is a cost-effective and easy-to-install system that transforms the drywall or any other surface into super walls.:
- A tough, scratch-resistant material
- Cleans easily with ordinary detergents, high-pressure washers and even steam
- A lightweight, flexible, and light-weight panel that is simple to set up
- It can be fixed with glue or fasteners or both.
- Maximum sanitation protection
- Increased resistance to chemicals
- Installs over many materials employing basic techniques.
- High impact resistance to scratching and shattering
- Superb flexibility
- Cost savings when compared to other building materials
- Aids in preventing the development of mold. It does not rust or corrodes.
- It is ideal for covering old or damaged ceiling or wall surfaces
FRP Applications
FRP wall panels work well to be used in kitchens toilets offices, dining areas and classrooms, hospital room corridors, cooling towers as well as recreational areas, and other spaces that require a second floor. One of the primary advantages that can be made use of FRP panels is they are able to be erected over drywall that is already in place or to fix damaged surfaces.
FRP FAQ
Q Do fiber-reinforced panels be positioned over the majority of substrates?
A Fiber-reinforced panel can be used on almost any substrate provided that the substrate is stable and dry. The panel system does not let the surface dry, therefore FRP shouldn’t be used on surfaces where water must escape the surface.
Q How do you install FRP on the drywall?
A: The most common method of installing FRP on the drywall surface is to use an adhesive that is water-based. If you want to use fasteners the panels could be fixed with pop rivets made of a plastic set at the intervals recommended. These trim pieces in between panels as well as at the exterior and inside corners generally are secured with staples made of metal. To prevent water damage, the panels should be sealed around the trim joints using silicone caulk.
Q How do you apply FRP to non-drywall material?
A: FRP is able to be put on any substrate with the use of rivets and adhesive. Mastic adhesive that is water-based is suitable for painted drywall and wood surfaces. If the substrate is rough, glossy, or isn’t perfectly flat like ceramic tile or concrete block an oil-based adhesive is suggested. Fasteners using rivets require pilot holes through the material. Fasteners are typically not needed in the event that the adhesive bonds effectively. When working with hard substrates, like blocks or tile trimming moldings can be adhered to the substrate, or fabricated using hardened steel nails.
Q What tools are needed in order to set up FRP?
A: The most effective instrument for cutting FRP is an electric shear. FRP can also be cut using a jigsaw or circular saw however, saws produce greater dust than shears. To make installation easier it is helpful to smooth the edges of PRP panels before they go into the trim molding that was previously installed. A single-pass using the hand-sanding block, followed by fine sandpaper will bump the edges enough for the panel to fit through the mold channel with ease. Moldings can be cut using miter or aviation snips saw. An electric stapler speedily speeds the process of installing molding on the wall. Drills and hammers are essential for the installation of rivets. Panel adhesive can be applied using an unnotched trowel (included in certain glues) or a homemade trowel that has been notched from a piece of FRP.
Q What size is FRP produced?
A: FRP is available as 4-foot-wide panels as well as standard lengths of 8,9 10 or 12 feet. Trim moldings are available in 9-, 10-lengths, and 12 feet. FRP panels measure about 0.09 millimeters thick and weigh approximately 12 ounces for each square foot. The skid that contains 100 panels measuring 4 by 8 feet weighs about 2500 pounds.
