The Pros

Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) is an extremely useful material within a number of different and varied industries. Ranging from hotels to construction, marine docks to education, GRP is very versatile and can be easily fitted to any location within any industry.

GRP products are growing in their use and popularity, and that is down to the long list of advantages that GRP offers to any application. The innate qualities of GRP make it a highly desired material for use.

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio

This means that GRP is a lightweight material that is also strong and can bear heavy loads. Pound for pound GRP can be stronger than steel. Due to being so light, this makes it easy to transport and install, requiring less man power than if steel was used instead.

Low Maintenance

GRP has virtually no maintenance, or maintenance cost, involved.

Different coloured grp grating

It is a hardy material which can withstand conditions outside with very little wear and tear. Many GRP products including gratings, handrails, gates and fencing are all commonly installed outside in areas of high footfall or with greater volumes of daily traffic. Colours used within GRP go through a process of pigmentation, meaning that there is no fade or discolouration regardless of where the product is used. This means that no spray painting or colour topping up is necessary.

Affordable

Often materials used in or for construction can be expensive. But, with GRP, you get great value for money. Not only is GRP affordable, but it also requires next to no maintenance or upkeep, so this saves on additional costs. On top of this, GRP lasts for a long time and this means that there is no need to spend more money replacing this product on a regular basis.

Versatile

As a result of the moulding process that GRP is subjected to, it can take the shape of any container. This ensures that all GRP products are made to an exact size to guarantee the perfect fit. Not only this, but it allows GRP the flexibility to be moulded to any specification. This makes it an extremely versatile material to use.

Corrosion Resistant

The resins used in GRP offer corrosion resistance over a wide pH range. Although GRP is corrosion resistant to a number of different chemicals, you can request test results on all chemicals if required.

UV Stability

GRP products are manufactured with a high-quality UV inhibitor to prevent any UV degradation from taking place.

Durability

All GRP products are extremely durable. They are all able to withstand any wear and tear, pressure or damage. This means that all GRP products are long lasting and remain in good condition. Unlike other materials that may deteriorate, GRP products are designed to be durable regardless of the environment they are installed in.

Weathers Well

The unique properties of GRP mean that the condition of the product hardly deteriorates when exposed to the elements. GRP can be outside, regardless of rain or shine, and remain undamaged and unaffected by the environment.

Anti-Slip Finish

GRP can be manufactured with a variety of different finishes. One of the most popular is the anti-slip surface which provides grip and stability, even when wet. Unlike steel, which can become hazardous when wet, GRP remains a safe and secure product to use in any wet or damp conditions.

Low Residual Value

GRP has low residual value in construction, unlike copper and steel, which means your GRP products are unlikely to be stolen and sold on.

The Cons

Cons of GRP often centre around repair. This is because the materials required to repair GRP often need to be transported in a refrigerated vehicle and do not last very long. Additionally, specialist equipment is required to carry out the repairs, which can present difficulties. However, fortunately, because of GRP’s durability, repairs are not a common requirement.

Another unique disadvantage to consider is that GRP hasn’t been around very long, so we do not know its true lifespan.

As is evident here, the advantages for GRP far outweigh the disadvantages. However, like every material, there are always things to consider when it comes to making a decision about whether it is the right material for your particular application. Make sure you fully understand your needs and requirements, and research the product and material you are considering using.

If you would like to know more about GRP, check out our GRP FAQs page for more information, or get in touch with us today and we will happily answer any of your questions