Here’s How FRP Wall Panels Differ From PVC Wall Panels

FRP wall panels and PVC panels are two of the most important paneling materials for commercial units. These panels are widely used in commercial facilities with hot, humid, and wet environments, like public bathrooms, meat packaging units, dairy farms, kennel interiors, public bathrooms, indoor cannabis grow rooms, and others.

But if you compare FRP vs. PVC, you will find that PVC panels are a far superior option to FRP panels. This can be advocated to the fact that FRP panels have long been in use since the 1930s and are, therefore, less supremely engineered or innovative than vinyl panels. Today, we will take a look at the different pointers upon which PVC panels differ from FRP panels, which will help you make a learned decision. So, let’s start. 

Easy Vs. Tedious Installation Process 

One can notice a major difference between PVC and FRP panels right at the time of their installation. While vinyl panels are easier to install, do not need additional backer or adhesive, and can be installed by a single contractor due to their lightweight nature, installing FRP panels can turn out to be a daunting proposition. 

Before installing FRP panels, you have to install a plywood backer, OSB, or drywall. These panels need adhesives and face-mounted rivets. Since the installation process demands surface fasteners and glues, you might have to avail the services of professional laborers to execute the task. 

Economical Vs. Expensive 

Since there is no additional material and labor cost with vinyl panels, they turn out to be a cost-effective paneling solution in the long run. On the contrary, the initial upfront cost of FRP panels might seem to be lower than PVC panels. But if you factor in the material and labor costs, it is witnessed that the total costs balloon significantly, and PVC panels are actually an economical option, not FRP. 

Completely vs. Slightly Non-Porous 

Good-quality vinyl panels have a seamless surface and interlocking feature that prevents moisture absorption significantly. This, in turn, prevents the rotting of the panels or turning into a hotbed for mold and mildew growth. On the other end of the spectrum, FRP wall panels aren’t well-suited to avert moisture ingress and thus rot and mold with water ingress. 

One- Man Vs. Two- Man Job 

As aforementioned, there is quite a bit of a difference between installing FRP panels and PVC panels. PVC panels are extremely lightweight and thus can be installed by a single person. You can also undertake it DIY, as all you need to do is place the screws in the right flanges, and the opposite side of the panels will automatically get interlocked. FRP panels, on the flip side, cannot protect your commercial space completely from moisture absorption. Installation calls for a high degree of precision and accuracy and thus cannot be undertaken DIY. 

Final Take: 

So, you see, on comparing FRP vs. PVC, it is witnessed that FRP wall panels are not 100% water-resistant, do not have a seamless, pores-free, and crevice-free panel surface, and cannot be installed effortlessly. Also, FRP panels call for heavy maintenance, while PVC panels can last a lifetime if you simply wipe the panels with a moist fabric at regular intervals. If you are worried about moist and wet environments in your commercial interiors, PVC wall panels might just be the one for you. Get them from a reputed PVC panel manufacturer in the US and feel the difference for yourself.