What Is Fibreglass Used For?

The growing commercial success of fibreglass as a multipurpose production material is somewhat inconspicuous. Nonetheless, it has a ubiquitous presence in numerous domestic, commercial and industrial applications. Transcending earlier applications like circuit boards, glass-reinforced plastic, or GRP has become a standard insulation material. It is the preferred choice for buyers seeking the best value in composite materials. 

Common Uses of Fibreglass 

As a highly malleable material, reinforced fibreglass plastic can tolerate concentrated manipulation. Manufacturers often adhere it to compatible materials after rearranging and flattening the organic glass fibres. In some food processing plants, it is a functional safety element that prevents corrosion and slip accidents. Trench drains in beverage and brew houses, for instance, feature fibreglass grates because it has high-temperature resistance. The material can also withstand acidic properties, which makes cleaning spilled liquids easier. 

Reinforced fibreglass extends the life cycle of marinas and docks by adding an extra layer of protection against corrosive environmental elements. The salt in seawater, for instance, promotes rust, and the fluctuating temperatures also cause corrosion. 

Slip safety-conscious industries such as plating plants, cooling towers, chemical giants, product manufacturing and pulp/paper producers need fibreglass grating. It fundamentally reduces the incidence of avoidable accidents on slippery surfaces. 

Another common use for fibreglass is in the manufacture of boats and boating equipment, as it is known for being extremely lightweight but also robust enough to withstand what some other materials cannot. Common for their knowledge and experience with fibreglass, companies like Cranks Carbon & Fibreglass, specialise in manipulating it into boats, aquatic facilities and many other structures.

When it comes to a specialist in this field, they are the people to trust if you’re in the Brisbane or Gold Coast region. 

Many aerospace and military defence products, including enclosures, ducting and test equipment, also feature reinforced fibreglass. Manufacturers prefer this material because it is durable, lightweight and has high-impact resistance. In aquariums and fountains, fibreglass grates are an essential resource in water filtration and circulation. 

Exposure to excess water and moisture will not damage or degrade this composite, wherein it protects marine life and even humans. Mining and metal exploration sites also install fibreglass flooring to reduce chemical corrosion during the electronic refining process. 

Benefits of using fibreglass 

A cost-efficient, sustainable alternative to less favourable traditional options such as timber, aluminium, concrete and steel, reinforced fibreglass offers numerous opportunities. As far as sustainability goes, fibreglass-reinforced plastic is energy-efficient and green. Reinforcement doesn’t require any additional materials, so transportation cost is economically low. Despite being lightweight, fibreglass windows, roofs and doors have the physical strength to last years. Remodelers, homeowners, builders, commercial property managers, contractors, architects and designers prefer this product because of its incredible value. 

  • Corrosion-free. Reinforced fibreglass materials have high resistance quality against aggressive liquids and chemicals. Places prone to corrosion like swimming pools, construction sites, wastewater treatment facilities and cooling plants need this innovation to be safer.
  • Effortless installation. Reinforced fibreglass installation is a painless, frustration-free experience. One of the favourable qualities is that it fits different types of materials as well. 
  • Sustainable. Another outstanding characteristic is that fibreglass reinforcements optimises energy efficiency and requires minimal maintenance. Even after replacements, for whatever reason, it is possible to repurpose fibreglass reinforcements as needed. The durability index of reinforced fibreglass outlasts concrete. 
  • Low maintenance. Although things made out of fibreglass require some cleaning and care, maintenance requirements are desirably undemanding. Its unrivalled durability makes it hard-wearing and sustainable even in rigorous environments.
  • Lightweight. Finished GRP construction has a low weight index and offers lots of cost savings opportunities. Despite rivalling dense materials such as steel in strength, reinforced fibreglass has low density.  It has a streamlined design that reduces weight on the structural foundation, cuts installation costs and eliminates high-powered equipment costs. 
  • High durability. A core feature of fibreglass reinforcements is their rigidity and strength. Despite having low weights, it has stable, durable properties that make it an ideal construction material. It absorbs water at a lower rate because of its high fibre composition. With this, degradation is never a concern, and it provides lifetime benefits. 
  • Safe electrical insulation. A sustainable, future-proof electrical insulation product, fibreglass eliminates the need for complex earthing techniques. It essentially reduces investments in resources and installation costs. High traffic platforms connecting stairs, railways, footbridges and similar sites designed with reinforced fibreglass provide lifetime strength. Achieving cost-efficiency goals to reduce labour, equipment rentals, installation time, and construction costs are feasible. 
  • Innovative thermal insulation. GRP is highly insulating and compact, which adds energy-efficient benefits to construction. Not only that, it has appreciable U-Values that improves heat transfer throughout the building for sustainability and maximises indoor comfort.

Fibreglass is non-conducive, wherein it distorts or acts as a barrier to disrupt wireless signals. Power generators, including scrubbers and tank farms, use and benefit from fibreglass insulation to increase energy production efficiency. It extends similar benefits in the home setting, wherein fibreglass reinforcements promote energy conservation. With this eco-friendly alternative, homeowners spend less on annual residential energy bills. Fibreglass roofing has fire retardant properties and weatherproofing capabilities. 

It also improves water drainage and protects the roof against dangerous storms, heavy rainfall or turbulent winds. As the multi-purpose material that fibreglass is, not many people know of it’s uses and how popular it really is. Now when you see boats, towers and many other constructions, you’ll understand where it all came from!