Why Use Fiberglass?

People couldn't believe that something with the word plastic on it could be as strong as steel.

You see, before FRP was invented, steel had enjoyed a head start for nearly a century. That was a lot of time to build industry and get a foothold in the American Industrial Revolution. However, steel is not an outdated material either – its extremely high tensile strength has made it the king of structural materials since the 1920s.

Steel still has its place in construction and structural design, but it also has some drawbacks. Fiberglass, on the other hand, has the same qualities as steel but without some of its weaknesses. Many industrial warehouses, oil rigs, water parks, and other harsh-condition workplaces choose FRP over steel because of its properties. It all comes down to getting the same performance without the weaknesses of steel and greater durability. Our high quality Fiberglass Gratings for sale, feel free to contact our sales experts.

The main weakness of steel compared to FRP

Let’s be honest, steel has many specific weaknesses in certain work environments. Rather than highlighting every situation, we'll just look at the most common issues.

Corrosives wreak havoc on steel

Steel is great for structures such as skyscrapers and general buildings, but it doesn't perform well in all environments. Take chemical plants and oil drilling platforms as examples. The biggest safety hazard in these two environments is corrosiveness. Any plant manager in either industry will tell you that while steel is strong, it simply cannot withstand corrosion without consequences.

Thinking about oil rigs, both salt water and petroleum products are highly corrosive to steel and cause rust. Of course, rust is bad for steel because it eats away at the carbon layer and causes the steel to weaken. Weak steel is a liability that can cause serious accidents in the workplace. Corrosive substances such as sulfuric acid and chloride are cruel even to stainless steel. FRP, on the other hand, does not react with any corrosive agents and cannot be damaged by harsh chemicals or salt water. FRP is so resilient in these types of environments that it has become the material of choice for these types of workplace structures. Not to mention, fiberglass will last longer because it won’t corrode or weaken over time. Over time, corroded steel can reduce its load-carrying capacity and crack, resulting in serious or even fatal accidents.

Steel costs more than fiberglass

Although steel prices recovered slightly after tariffs were imposed on foreign steel in 2018, steel is still quite expensive. Despite this, it is still the most expensive building material, and always has been. If you have a large chemical plant or water park and need floor grating - it can get expensive.

The problem is not only the cost of materials, but also the cost of transporting and installing the steel structure. Steel is very heavy and the erection of the structure requires very expensive equipment to move this much weight. Remember, all of this extra cost is for materials that may corrode you and require frequent repairs.

Now, let’s look at fiberglass. We’re not hiding the fact that fiberglass may cost more upfront than steel, but that’s not the end of the story. You see, although FRP costs more in materials, installation costs are only a fraction of steel. Most fiberglass structures can be shipped via traditional shipping channels and installed using hand tools.

How can this be? Because while FRP is as strong as steel, it weighs only 1/4 of steel, which means savings on shipping costs. This means savings on installation costs – no big cranes required, no need for reinforced foundations, none of that. When you consider that FRP does not corrode and requires almost no maintenance, it does cost less overall than steel. Contact us to get the lowest price on Fiberglass Ladders.

Additionally, when you factor in indirect savings, the savings are even higher. You also reduce the risk of employees getting injured on the job and having accident-related lawsuits. When you analyze the long-term impact, it can really save a lot of costs.

Steel is heavy and hard, but inflexible

Steel's molecular structure is very hard and very heavy - but that's part of its appeal. However, it also raises a rather compelling question. While stiffness is helpful for durability under pressure, this stiffness does not provide for flex. This means that in the workplace, steel can easily be dented by severe impacts.

In contrast, fiberglass is not only strong and durable, but also has significant flexibility, making it less susceptible to severe impacts. It doesn't dent, and since it's somewhat stretchy, it's easier on the worker's feet and back.

The installation of FRP does not require special facilities or reinforcement. It can be installed with only regular manpower and no machinery. This makes FRP a smart choice for railings, platforms and aisles in factories and warehouse facilities.

Steel is highly conductive, FRP is not

Everyone knows that metal is a very efficient conductor of electricity, but this is a serious hazard in the workplace. In an environment where there is already a shock hazard, do you want to augment it with a bunch of metal grilles? Fiberglass is needed in power plants, water parks, or anywhere a lot of electrical work is done. Since FRP does not conduct electricity at all, the choice of material in these environments is a no-brainer.

Reduce risk, reduce overhead and increase value with FRP

Fiberglass products are quickly becoming the material of choice for everything from park playgrounds to wellhead decks. Now, when you invest in our FRP gratings and other structural shapes, you'll get a better ROI. Why? Because our products are more durable, pose no safety risks, and are easier to install. What industry does your business fall into? We have the potential to save you money and reduce risk in industries such as:

Water Parks – Water park structures are often exposed to moisture and have a higher risk of injury due to increased foot traffic. FRP can handle anything you throw at it with ease

Municipal Parks – Structures such as playgrounds, pedestrian bridges and pavilions are constantly exposed to the elements. Fiberglass provides durability and safety to protect and serve residents without requiring maintenance. Imagine the impact this would have on your city's budget.

Oil rigs – Wellhead platforms and offshore drilling rigs are subject to some of the harshest abuse. Steel platforms must be constantly repaired, reinforced or replaced. These costs add up, yet the FRP you build will last at least 20-30 years without needing to be replaced.