Modern-Day Materials Changing The Face Of Construction
- Written by Greg Rogers
Building and the construction industry as a whole have taken on a world of their own, and everything from materials to techniques to designs has significantly revolutionized in such a way that we cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Too often we see a new building site and think why are they taking so long to complete, or why did they choose certain colors or materials over others with the vast choices available on the market, it fundamentally comes down to a handful of factors. Costs, availability of product, and manpower to execute the task. Thankfully, we are seeing a new rise in how operations are being run that incorporates all of the above elements to work in the favor of the build, the owner of the project, and which can be finalized in less time.
Achieving the ultimate aesthetic to bring a project together is not about how much money you spend, but rather the materials you use. They could cost an arm and leg but still look cheap and not offer the longevity you need for buildings, not to mention residential buildings with a high traffic footprint. Until now. The world of FRP panels is taking the globe by storm and is the top choice for engineers and designers who want quality and quantity without breaking the bank.
What are FRP panels?
In simple terms, FRP stands for Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic and is quickly becoming the norm for homes, residential buildings, and bathrooms around the world. What makes them so highly sought-after is that despite their light weight they are completely versatile without compromising on strength. Builders and engineers opt for the FRP panels in builds because it maximizes efficiency as well as affordability, and we could all use a financial hand from time to time.
FRP ceiling and wall panels are commonly used in the construction and building materials industries, and in recent years have seen it move into residential uses with bathrooms being decked out in this reinforced polymer matrix material mixed with glass fibers.
So why the change?
As a developer creating homes and residential living spaces, you want the most ‘bang for your buck’ as the old saying goes, and when it comes to building materials this is one investment you don’t want to skimp on. Many project managers and construction engineers rave about FRP panels offering a whole host of positive attributes and improving a residential building both in quality and value.
Not only have the FRP panels shown to be stronger with a higher stiffness rating when compared to generic plastic, but are less succumb to fatigue making their longevity well worth the investment. And because they are completely 100% waterproof it is the ultimate material option for bathrooms, even more so than plastic.
So, if you are considering FRP panels for your next project let’s help solidify your decision-making process by showing you just a handful of benefits it will add to your residential build.
∙ Minimal environmental impact needing no sealant or preservatives to maintain the lifespan of the material. For this point alone we highly recommend frp panels for shower walls where moisture content and traffic are at their highest.
∙ Lightweight materials make installation that much quicker cutting on labor costs and it is more time-efficient.
∙ The panels offer durability, are low maintenance, and do not support or even encourage the growth of mould and mildew. We love FRP panels because even with multiple, if not thousands, of cleans daily there is no impact of deterioration.
∙ Manufacturing is essentially expedited with ease of processing, corrosion resistance, and long-term cost-saving advantages. All the elements you as a business owner and developer could hope to achieve during the build of your new residential skyscraper.
∙ More aesthetically appealing and cost-effective than tiles for a bathroom which can be significantly labor-intensive to install and complete.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, we have seen the construction world revolutionize with the implementation of FRP panels in residential buildings, bathrooms more specifically, and the engineering world as a whole. We love that FRP panels offer UV stability and are a material that has been shown to offer longevity, something that is a must for residential buildings. You can enjoy the perks of installing FRP panels for up to 20-25 years so there is no doubt they are the better and preferred alternative to PVC panels, tiles, and other generic materials that end up needing to be replaced within 5 years.
Make the right choice from the get-go with FRP panels and you won’t look back, you will only wish you had discovered them that much sooner. Cheers to many more great builds with FRP panels at the forefront.