Replacing Concrete with Architectural Fiberglass
Although concrete has been the building material of choice for so many applications, when it comes to replacing that concrete, many contractors and architects are opting for an alternative material. This alternative material is architectural fiberglass, which is made from glass fibers, resin and other ingredients that form a composite that can be used for just about everything. Beyond that flexibility, though, are many more reasons why it makes sense to replace concrete with architectural fiberglass.
Working with Concrete
As the most widely used material, concrete is a known commodity in terms of how it can be used and what it takes to make something with it. There is a significant amount of preparation that goes into working with concrete, including the use of rebar and other structural support.
Concrete must also be transported and mixed, which makes it a time-consuming process, but this effort has just been accepted because of its strength and durability. However, concrete also has a significant impact on the environment, using natural resources and creating a higher level of emissions in the process of making and using it.
The Reasons Architectural Fiberglass is Better
Here’s our list of reasons why it might be a good idea to consider replacing concrete with architectural fiberglass on a restoration, remodeling, or even new construction project:
• Lightweight: The ingredients in architectural fiberglass are much lighter than traditional concrete, making it easier to handle, transport, and install. When used in a structure, it also reduces building load. When it comes to installation, the amount of time spent prepping the structure for the material is reduced, helping to complete construction or remodeling projects at a much faster rate.
• Greater Strength: Architectural fiberglass is stronger than concrete as well as steel and aluminum. Lab tests have confirmed that this greater strength helps it to withstand significantly more pressure than concrete.
• Design Flexibility: Concrete simply cannot be molded, curved, or contoured into various sizes and shapes like architectural fiberglass. Besides recreating patterns and designs, architectural fiberglass can also be made to look like just about any other material, including wood, natural stone, terra cotta and even traditional concrete.
• Resistant: Because it does not require rebar or other supports that can corrode, it can withstand water. It is also resistant to fire, chemicals, weather, and seismic activity.
• Economical: All of the above benefits listed help architectural fiberglass to reduce the overall project costs as well as future costs associated with restoration. Together, this makes architectural fiberglass a more value-added option in contrast to concrete.
• Environmentally Friendly: Architectural fiberglass can use recycled materials and does not rely on natural resources. Because it reduces transport and installation time as well as minimizes future restoration projects, the material is friendly to the environment.
• Maintenance-Free: Because it is so resistant to so many things, architectural fiberglass does not need regular maintenance to keep it from deteriorating. This also saves time and money over working with traditional concrete.
Learn More about Architectural Fiberglass
Stromberg Architectural has assisted on hundreds of restoration projects that involve a wide range of architectural features on a wide range of historical structures and architectural styles. To learn more about how architectural fiberglass can help with your restoration project and to get a free estimate, please fill in our online contact form or call our experienced team at 903-454-0904.
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