Fiberglass has been rising in popularity within the architecture and construction industries for several years now, and it’s with good reason. Traditional materials, including concrete, timber, and different metals have merit, but fiberglass can remove associated problems. With this in mind, we look at the benefits of using fiberglass in architecture.
Image source: homestratosphere.com
Saves Money
The cost of fiberglass fluctuates depending on the intended use. However, it still comes in cheaper than alternatives. As well as being cheaper, the value of the product is improved because of how long it lasts. This is why fiberglass is being used for data cable infrastructures, which need to last well into the future. You can explore this further by visiting FRE conduit.
Easy to Work With
Fiberglass is easy to work with because it doesn’t typically need assembling on site. Instead, fiberglass is manipulated into an almost finished piece within a controlled warehouse. Then, it’s transported and fixed into place. Usually, there’s no need to use any special tools for fiberglass assembly on site. Being faster to assemble equates to fewer construction costs and a higher value for the material.
Corrosion Resistant
As mentioned previously, fiberglass is incredibly durable, which is one of the reasons it’s rising in popularity. When up against the majority of acids, salts, corrosive materials, oxidizing agents, sulfur, and adverse weather, fiberglass holds its own and will last much longer than the likes of timber and metal.
Lightweight
While being super resistant, fiberglass benefits from being extremely lightweight - only aluminum and a handful of other construction materials are lighter. Being lightweight, fiberglass is easy to transport, which helps to reduce costs and increase its value even more.
Sustainable
Fiberglass is non-biodegradable, which can put people off from using it. However, it’s a great material that can have high benefits for the environment. For example, the overall harmful emissions released during a construction product are reduced because fiberglass saves time.
Versatile Uses
Fiberglass can be manipulated into almost anything, which makes it an architect's greatest asset. For example, everything from building columns to external aesthetics can be achieved using fiberglass. The reason for fiberglass’s versatility is that it’s a plastic polymer. This makes it much less palatable than other materials that would cost much more to turn into architectural designs.
Waterproof
Fiberglass won’t absorb water, which makes it perfect for outdoor uses. This property makes fiberglass perfect for architectural applications including roofing and additional external features. Further, fiberglass can be used in bathrooms to protect walls and ceilings from water damage, which can be costly for homeowners to repair when other materials are used.
Electric and Heat Insulation
Fiberglass is non-conductive, which makes it the perfect material for earthing electrical circuits because it eliminates some of the risks associated with traditional earthing methods. Further, fiberglass distributes heat excellently and can reduce the damage caused by electrical faults.
Fiberglass is a strong and versatile material that’s perfect for adding insulation finishes to other materials, including metals. Further, fiberglass requires much less maintenance and replacements, which only makes it more appealing.
