It might be a thing of the past, but from the beginning of the 1960s, FRP panels have been predominant. The FRP wallboard used to perform well and was relatively cheaper than other available options. However, the FRP wall panel showed early signs of wear and tear inside high-humid and high-traffic commercial applications. The grow rooms, dairy farms, Laundromats, shipping containers, marinas, and fisheries have often complained that the FRP wall panel peels off, delaminates, and rots within a few months. Regular maintenance is compulsory for the upkeep of the FRP wall panels. In contemporary times, instead of regularly repairing and repainting the FRP wall panels, businesses are choosing PVC products that offer better value and outperform FRP in more ways than one. Here are a few reasons why PVC outclass FRP and has emerged as the ideal wall and ceiling cladding solution.
100% waterproof wall material makes PVC ideal
With OSB wooden backers, crevices, and a rough surface, the FRP panels are not 100% water resistant. The moisture gets absorbed by the OSB board, and the liquids are trapped inside the fissures resulting in the FRP materials rotting, delaminating, peeling, and molding. The FRP panels can’t assure 100% water resistance, which makes them take a backseat. On the other end, the PVC wall material made from 100% virgin vinyl has no backers or rivets. The non-porous PVC panels with a smooth surface have moisture gliding down the surface. The PVC panels are 100% waterproof and do not trap or absorb moisture. The water-resistant PVC panels will never face issues like rotting, molding, delaminating, or peeling off, making Duramax PVC Panels ideal in the long run.
Durability and strength are the USPs of PVC
Did you know the FRP wallboard lasts only for 20 to 25 years, after which they need to get replaced? FRP panels will not last forever, but PVC does have the capacity to last for a lifetime. The vinyl panels ideally last 45 to 50 years post-installation with minimal upkeep. The lifecycle of a PVC product is 140 years or longer, and the material can get recycled 7x times. The highly durable PVC wall panels never need to get replaced as the ½-inch thick material supports attic insulation loads and offers exceptional strength to deal with heavy blows and high impacts. The fragile FRP panels might fall off the wall, but PVC stays strong for umpteen years and lasts 4x times longer than FRP.
Maintaining hygiene makes PVC a better bet
Commercial kitchens and other food facilities might need FDA-compliant, non-toxic wall panels to maintain optimal hygiene levels. Relying on moldy FRP panels is not ideal. The FRP panels are prone to absorbing moisture and can become susceptible to mold, mildew, microbes, and bacterial growth. The FRP wall panel can never assure optimal cleanliness, which is why PVC products are preferable. The high-quality vinyl wall material complies with CFIA, ASTM, and FDA quality parameters. The vinyl panels are non-toxic and do not mold, rot, or harbor mildew, bacteria, viruses, or microbes. The vinyl wall panels offer exceptional hygiene inside the facility and ensure biosecurity.
Affordable installation and low maintenance – Makes vinyl panels cost-effective
Installing PVC panels is more affordable and faster than setting up the FRP wallboard. The ordinary 4’x8′ PVC material might cost $83.58, but the installation requires no extra charges. You have to pay $5 to the laborer to install the PVC wallboard, which takes only 7 to 8 hours. On the other hand, the FRP 4’x8′ material might cost only $70, but the installation is double the initial material expense. The FRP installation costs more than $140 as you need to purchase additional materials, hire 2 skilled laborers, and spend money on panel trimming before the setup. The FRP panels might look initially cheaper than PVC, but the FRP installation is doubly expensive.
Likewise, the maintenance of FRP panels requires professional assistance as you need to deep-clean the moldy FRP that gets discolored within a few months. On the other hand, PVC panels are stain-free, fade-resistant, and don’t turn yellowish. The white PVC panels are washable with a pressure washer, or even wiping with a damp mop is enough to retain the pristine white look. The PVC panels are comparatively low maintenance and affordable in the long run, while FRP needs heavy-duty upkeep and intensive care.
Duramax Panels come with a money-back guarantee
The high-quality PVC wall panels from Duramax arrive in 2 weeks with a $25,000 money-back guarantee. The PVC panels are affordable at factory-direct rates and have a lifetime limited warranty. Get a quote now. Call us at 323-991-7507 for a free sample.