The Use and Benefits of Architectural Fiberglass Cladding Panels
In the last few decades, architectural GFRC panels have been used by architects, contractors, and building owners for a wide range of building types. With a range of finishes, faces, shapes, and sizes, Stromberg Architectural Products has the engineers and experience to deliver the GFRC cladding panels you need for your upcoming building project.
What are GFRC Panels?
GFRC cladding panels are panels made from a Portland concrete shell and aggregate that has been reinforced with alkali-resistant glass fibers, which add flexural, impact, and tensile strength. This combination of materials makes the GFRC panels both lightweight and strong.
The GFRC panels are then attached to a steel stud frame, which provides the necessary structure and facilitates connection to the frame, and delivered to the construction site.
Multiple Applications for GFRC Cladding Panels
Considered to be extraordinarily versatile in its use, there are numerous GFRC cladding panel applications:
- Healthcare facilities
- High-tech office buildings
- Hotels, resorts, and casinos
- Residential housing
- Public and government buildings
- Retail structures
- Stadiums and entertainment venues
- Custom applications for parking structures, artwork, and historic building restoration
Features of Architectural GFRC Cladding Panels
Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, there are actually very few limitations to the capabilities and design elements that can be included in GFRC panels. Some examples of what can be done with these types of cladding panels include:
- Sweeping curves
- Highly ornate historical recreations
- Window surrounds
- Cornices
The panel finish options include everything from cast stone or limestone and smooth concrete to brick, exposed aggregate, stucco and carved stone. Two or more finishes can be included on the same panel while color can be added to the finish or the cladding panels can be painted later on in the construction project.
GFRC Cladding Benefits: Freedom of Design and Faster Installation
Compared to other cladding methods for buildings, GFRC panels deliver more design freedom. In addition to this flexibility, there are a number of other benefits:
- Reduces the load on a building’s structure;
- Simplifies connections between construction components;
- Typically removes the need for scaffolding and tends to rely on the use of a crane for a faster installation process;
- Fast tracks the construction schedule because the GFRC panels can be pre-fabricated during the foundation and structure process;
- Provides a high-quality solution because each panel produced by Stromberg undergoes a 50-point quality inspection and is made to meet or exceed PCI design manual requirements;
- Does not rut or corrode when exposed to moisture or saltwater; and
- Withstands rot, termites, fire and most type of natural disasters, including holding up to Category 5 hurricanes and earthquakes.
In addition, GFRC cladding panels are noted for their aesthetic value, offering a high-quality and high-end appearance for both existing and new buildings.
The Stromberg Difference
The solutions-oriented engineers and architectural artists at Stromberg Architectural Products are with you through the entire GFRC cladding or GFRC re-cladding project, including development and detail planning to production and installation to after sales service and support. Our team of GFRC cladding panel specialists has over 25 years of experience and has completed more than 1,600 projects.
Contact them now to get started on your GFRC cladding project by calling (903) 454-0904 or fill in the online form to receive a free custom quote.
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