Installing PVC Over FRP Wall Panels? Is it the right decision?

For commercial, industrial, and residential applications, the evaluation between FRP vs PVC panels is critical. Traditionally, FRP has been the go-to material for relatively high-moisture areas; however, while PVC panels often outperform FRP both in price and longevity, read this blog to learn why the former is preferred.

Can FRP Wall Panels Truly Withstand Water Over Time?

However, one more flaw exists here. FRP panels are usually marketed as moisture-resistant but have a wooden backing that acts as a sponge, absorbing water and promoting mold. This hidden imperfection causes compromises in hygiene at hospitals, kitchens, and laboratories, where sanitization is of utmost importance. 

This completely waterproof construction is what PVC panels boast against such issues. Being non-porous is not just its feature of being anti-water, but it actually repels moisture, consonant with FDA cleanroom standards. This renders PVC to be suitable for an area where hygiene cannot be compromised.

Fire Safety: The Unseen Dangers Beyond Ratings

When it comes to FRP vs PVC, as a matter of fact, you need to know both materials have Class A fire ratings; FRP increases dangerous acts with its toxic fumes released during its combustion. With combustion, FRP throws off sources for carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide with perils to life and hazards to escape.

Hence, PVC panels are constructed to reduce smoke and fumes for human safety. These also exhibit excellent flexural strength of 509,000 psi and maintain structural integrity when exposed to extreme temperatures, an edge that rarely surfaces during discussions of fire safety.

The True Cost of FRP’s Short-Term Savings

The first impression on the affordability of FRP is misleading. The cost of installing FRP, being labor-intensive (two workers, adhesives, backers), is actually $141.50 per 4'x8' panel. Following this, one will have to consider sealing and mold remediating the panels, which yields increasingly high costs in time. 

PVC, on the other hand, reduces costs by 38% ($88.58 per panel) with an installation that can be done by one person with zero adhesives. Their UV-resistant, no-maintenance design leaves little room for recurring expenses, making them far brighter monetary investments over the decades.

Duramax PVC Panels: The Modern Solution FRP Can’t Match

Forget old-fashioned FRP wall panels, as the Duramax PVC paneling is built to resist any modern challenges. Engineered to beat the efficacy of traditional FRP, these panels absorb no water at all, thus eliminating mold risks that usually infest areas having more moisture, such as kitchens, hospitals, and labs. Whereas the FRP system uses porous wooden backers, the waterproof Duramax PVC design does not allow for the hidden risk of water damage and microbial growth. 

Duramax's PVC panels come with a promise of durability for 50 years without maintenance—no resealing, repainting, or fading from UV rays. Neither backer boards nor specialized tools are needed, making it a budget-friendly option for every project.