Fiberglass reinforced panels (FRPs) or fiberglass reinforced plywood are flexible panels made of strong polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass. FRPs have a good surface texture and high durability, making them a perfect choice for covering walls and ceilings of commercial and industrial facilities.
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This article explains the important features and the ways to use FRPs on various wall surfaces.
Features of Fiberglass Reinforced Panels
An FRP system includes Fiberglass reinforced panels and trim molding to create a continuous surface. Some of the features of fiberglass reinforced panels are:
- They are lightweight, flexible, and durable
- They provide maximum sanitation protection
- FRPs have improved chemical and high impact resistance
- They are strong and scratch-resistant
- The growth of mold or chances of rusting is very low
- Simple installation using glue or fasteners
- FRPs can be cleaned easily using high-pressure washers, detergents, or even steam
FRPs are available in the market in sizes of 4 feet width and standard lengths of 8, 9,10, and 12 feet. They have a thickness of 0.09 inches and weigh 12 ounces per square foot.
Applications of Fiberglass Reinforced Panels
FRPs are ideal for:
- Hospital rooms, cooling towers, recreational areas, medical facilities, classrooms, restrooms, offices, and other commercial facilities.
- In residential buildings for kitchens, restrooms, dining rooms, etc.
- To cover old or damaged wall and ceiling surfaces.
How to Use Fiberglass Reinforced Panels?
FRP installation for any surface requires few tools to perform clean and deliver quality work. The tools needed for FRP installation are:
- Electric shears to cut and sand the edges of the panels
- Aviation snips or a miter saw to cut the moldings
- Electric stapler to install the molding on the drywall
- A drill and hammer to install rivets
- Notched trowel to apply adhesive
FRPs can be installed on almost any dry and stable surface. However, once installed, the panels won't allow the surface to dry. So, the substrate must be free of moisture before installing the panels.
Installation of FRP Over Drywall Surface
A standard water-based mastic adhesive is used to install FRP over the bare drywall. After this, the panels can also be secured using fasteners, if necessary. Next, metal staples are used to install trim molding pieces between the panels, inside and outside the corners, to get a continuous surface. Finally, silicone caulk can be used to seal all the trim joints.Â
Installation of FRP Over Non-Drywall Surface
FRPs can be installed over painted drywall or wood surfaces using a water-based mastic adhesive. An oil-based adhesive is used to install over the substrates that are glossy, rough, or non-flat surfaces like concrete block or ceramic tile. Rivet fasteners are not necessary if the adhesive provides a good bond. Trim moldings can be glued or installed using hardened steel nails for substrates like tile or block.
FAQs
Fiberglass reinforced panels or fiberglass reinforced plywood (FRPs) panels are flexible panels made of strong polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass. FRPs have excellent surfaces and high durability, making them a perfect choice for covering walls and ceilings of commercial and industrial facilities.
FRPs are available in the market in sizes of 4 feet width and standard length of 8, 9,10, and 12 feet. They have a thickness of 0.09 inches and weigh 12 ounces per square foot.
FRPs can be installed on almost any dry and stable surface. However, once installed, the panels won't allow the surface to dry. So, the substrate must be free of moisture before installing the panels.
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