Lots of people have been confused over the years between GRP and Fibreglass, so here at DPR we have decided to explain what GRP is and how it can be used on your roofs.
GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) is a fibre reinforced polymer, which is made of a plastic matrix. It is then reinforced by fine fibres of glass. It is the same as fibreglass.
Fibreglass is a very lightweight and robust material, with extremely high levels of strength. It is also less brittle than other products such as carbon fibre and the raw materials are less expensive. It can also be easily formed into different shapes using moulding processes. This is because it is light weight, has inherent strength and offers a weather-resistant finish and variety of surface textures.
Fibreglass is used for many different tings aside from roofing, such as aircraft gliders, boats, bath tubs, septic tanks, pipes and surfboards. It is strong and stiff in tension and compression but an individual fibre could buckle. Thus this is why all roofing projects feature a multiple layering system across differing grains. This not only ensures the quality and strength of the fibre, but allows the materials overall stiffness and strength to be controlled effectively and in the most economical of ways.
Our roofers like using the product because when complete, it becomes one large roofing section with copious amounts of strength and support. It is also popular with homeowners because it is less susceptible to weather conditions and damage.
If you are still slightly confused about what GRP is and how it can be applied to your roof, you can always call one of our team on the number at the top of the page.