FRP vs. PVC Wall Cladding: Which is Better for Commercial Interiors?

When it comes to internal wall cladding in commercial interiors, FRP expanded as Fiber-Reinforced Plastic and PVC expanded as Polyvinyl Chloride are the two most sought-after choices among US businessmen. Both materials bring their own set of properties and advantages to the table, making them an ideal fit for hygiene-critical areas such as restaurants, office buildings, schools, and hospitals. 

Here, we will draw a comparison between FRP vs. PVC panels, zeroing in on their superior benefits, recyclability, durability, and limitations. So, let’s start. 

How Do FRP Panels Differ From PVC Panels? 

Made from a composite material, FRP panels consist of a polymer matrix, typically a thermoset resin like epoxy or polyester, reinforced with strong glass fibers. These fibers provide additional strength and durability to the FRP panels. 

On the other hand, PVC panels are made from rigid and robust polyvinyl chloride, which is nothing but a simple plastic material having exceptional durability, versatility and are quite easy to install as well. Although FRP has been in use for interior wall cladding for many years now, the advent of PVC panels has changed the entire picture. In the modern-day business world, PVC panels find wide application in hygiene-critical areas like commercial kitchens, bathrooms, operation theatres, and laboratories. Now, let’s take a look at some of the reasons that made PVC panels a far better alternative to FRP panels. 

Advantages of PVC Wall Panels 

Non-porous and Waterproof: PVC panels are non-porous and waterproof, which makes them 100% moisture-resistant. This makes them a good fit for high-humidity areas like commercial kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet spaces. Unlike FRP panels, PVC panels are backer-free and, thus, do not allow moisture seepage inside the panels. 

Effortless to Clean and Maintain: PVC panels have a seamless surface that makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze. They don’t attract bacteria or impurities, and regular cleaning with water and mild soap is enough to keep them as good as new. On the flip side, FRP panels have a coarse surface that calls for expensive and frequent maintenance to keep them pristine. 

Recyclability: PVC panels can be recycled more cost-effectively than FRP wall panels. You might be flabbergasted to know that these panels can be recycled up to seven times, thereby improving sustainability efforts and minimizing environmental impact as well. On the other hand, FRP panels comprise a complex composition of monomers and polymers, which makes separation and recycling quite hectic. 

Durability and Longevity: PVC panels have a much longer lifespan than FRP panels. They are impact-resistant, moisture-resistant and would never fade, thereby retaining their structural integrity and aesthetic look for many years. Moreover, while high-grade PVC panels come with a limited lifetime warranty, FRP panels come only with a warranty of around five years. 

Aesthetic Options: PVC panels are available in a wide array of color and finish options that allow for better customization and more design flexibility. On the flip side, FRP panels have a white color that fades over time. 

Final Take: 

So, by now, we can conclude that PVC wall panels’ waterproof nature, recyclability, ease of maintenance, antimicrobial properties, and availability in a wide variety of design options make them a better choice when compared to FRP wall panels for almost all commercial interiors, especially in spaces where longevity and hygiene are of paramount importance. You see, in the battle between FRP vs. PVC, PVC panels emerge as the unmatched warrior. Get them from a reputed and reliable PVC panel manufacturer, and feel the difference for yourself.