Fiberglass is corrosive resistant to many chemicals and most often, fiberglass is preferred in environments where salt water or fresh water exists, or any place corrosive chemicals are used. Fiberglass is also lighter in weight and easy to install because it requires less heavy equipment. Some of the environments best suited for fiberglass include:
Waste Water Treatment Facilities
Water T
reatment Plants
Chemical Plants
Food & Beverage Plants
Fertilizer and Dairy Processing Plants
Paper Mills
Coastal Areas
Industrial Plants
Points to Consider:
Fiberglass is less than half the price of stainless steel
Fiberglass requires less maintenance. Steel will oxidize and corrode unless galvanized or painted. Fiberglass is lighter in weight, less expensive to ship and easier to install. Fiberglass structures are easily taken apart and moved. Welded steel structures cannot be unassembled easily. CORROSION RESISTANCE
Fiberglass materials are corrosive resistant to many chemicals, ideal in applications where wood will rot and metals will rust. WEIGHT
Structural fiberglass materials typically weigh only 25% of their steel counterparts. STRENGTH
Fiberglass structural shapes contain a high strength-to-weight ratio, distributes impact loads that prevent surface damage – even in cold temperatures, and does not permanently deform under impact. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY
Fiberglass is non-conductive to electricity and can provide a safe option for such environments. THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
Fiberglass is very low in thermal conductivity and does not expand or contract with temperature changes, unlike metal and wood. EMI/RFI TRANSMISSIONS
Fiberglass is transparent to both radar and radio waves and is often used in cellular or antenna shielding. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Fiberglass consumes less energy and emits less greenhouse gas reducing its environmental impact. LIFECYCLE COSTS
Fiberglass materials will typically have a longer lifespan that steel with little maintenance required. In some cases, it will cost more initially, but will be less expensive than steel for the life of the product.
