Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Architectural GFRP
A versatile material used in the construction and architectural products industry is known as Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer, or GFRP. It’s one of the many architectural materials that we specialize in at Stromberg Architectural. Here is information on the history, applications, and advantages to using GFRP.

The History of GFRP
Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer was developed in the mid-1930s and is now a preferred construction material. The benefits of GFRP have been discovered throughout the years and this includes its incredible durability as seen in the attempted demolition of Disneyland’s “House of the Future” in 1967, when the wrecking ball simply bounced off the fiberglass walls of the structure. Now, millions of pounds of this material have been used to create all types of architectural products.

The Advantages of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer
The increased use of this architectural and construction material is due to its many advantages:

• Incredible strength offers durability and ability to withstand pressure, including its ability to endure a category 5 hurricane with no damage while other structures made from different materials were destroyed;
• Lightweight for less structural framing, lower transport costs, and faster installation;
• Highly resistant to most chemicals, saltwater, and other environmental elements;
• Construction innovation in terms of its seamless construction capability, including the ability to resin together domes and cupolas into a one-piece unit that offers a watertight feature;
• Versatility in handling complex shapes, including virtually any contour, form, or design; and
• Low maintenance means that it can stay looking great with little or no effort to keep it that way, including research that found that the material will not lose its laminate properties, even after 30 years.

Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Applications
Here’s where GFRP can be used for interior or exterior construction or remodeling projects for both commercial and residential structures:

• Domes
• Fountains
• Columns
• Balustrades
• Panels
• Sculptures
• Planters
• Signs
• Roofs
• Entryways
• Moldings
• Facades
• Porticos
• Cornices
• Cupolas

Making GFRP
Stromberg Architectural has been working with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer for decades and has a dedicated team of experts that understand how to work with the material. This includes an in-house design and drafting team that works with clients to create and manufacture the architectural products made from GFRP. Design consultation includes drawings followed by a carved model created to client specifications. The mold, constructed of fiberglass, steel, wood or rubber, is then filled with a mix of polyester or epoxy resin as well as alkali resistant glass fibers. Beyond design consultations, other advice can be offered in terms of how to incorporate this material in your construction or remodeling project.

Free Estimates for GFRP Projects
If you are looking to complete a project that uses GFRP or you want to learn more about this versatile material, Stromberg Architectural can help. You can reach our team of architectural experts through our online contact form or by phone at 903-454-0904.