I wanted to share a great product that I’ve used on occasion siding and roofing on greenhouses, carports, ag buildings, etc. The panel is a fully structural FRP product, offered in several profiles (i.e. rib corrugations). Outstanding UV resistance (doesn’t yellow or get brittle), offered in several opaque and translucent colors, and get this – will easily support a persons’ weight.
The strength in these panels is due to the fact that there are three independent planes of continuous glass strings running end to end, side to side, end to end – something like plywood. These panels contain upwards of 48% glass BY WEIGHT per square foot! Resin is non-fire retardant with a flame spread of 25 or less.
The product is sold factory direct, no middleman.
If anyone has an application, shoot me a response with your e-mail address and I can give you the particulars. I work through an Area Manager out of TN. Very helpful guy, direct employe of the company.
Almost forgot to mention – these panels are corrosion resistant. So no problem with rust, etc. in wet or acidic areas.
Edited 3/11/2004 2:31 pm ET by Tom
Edited 3/11/2004 2:33 pm ET by Tom
Replies
Sounds interesting.
"fully structural" means what? Could this be used instead of Struct #1 plywood for shearwalls? What's the weight? What standard sizes are available?
How do you cut it? How do you drill holes it it? Does it make that nasty itchy fiberglass dust?
How do you fasten it? Nail up with stainless nails? What adhesives work and which ones just peel off? Do you have to allow for expansion/contraction?
Could it be put directly on wood framing and with some sort of seam detail make a watertight wall? If so, what about window and other penetration details?
How about fillers and coatings? Is it paintable? Perhaps Texcote-able?
Being in earthquake country, I'm looking for a strong light weight long lasting substitute for stucco. Texcote over MDO is one thing I was considering, perhaps this would be better.
Thanks --
-- J.S.
John,
The panels fasten with SS self-sealing #14 fasteners with epdm bonded washers. Sidelaps are fastened with grommet type fasteners. Fastening system is exposed head. Aren't designed to be a substitute for plywood shearwalls. Panels are anywhere from 42" to 46.8" wide, depending on the rib design. Weight runs from 8oz/sf to 16oz/sf, depending on whether it's a siding or roofing application. Company will run any length panel you need (up to 40 ft) at no upcharge. Product is UL listed.
Stuff cuts EASILY with an abrasive wheel on your circular saw, or a very thin metal cutting wheel on an angle grinder. Some dust, but the MSDS only recommends general pupose paper mask. I used a resirator mask with cartridges, but I always try to go the extra distance with safety gear. No problem drilling through it with carbide sheeter's bits.
Coeff. of thermal expansion is only 8X10 -6 in/in deg F, so you don't have to allow for expansion. It's a thermal set resin, not a thermal plastic resin like PVC. Thermal set resins do not sag or deform when exposed to elevated temps. Thermal plastic resins do!
Can be fastened to wood or steel girts or purlins, and is made watertight with available flashings and sealants that are also offered.
They don't recommend filling, coating or painting the panel.
Looks like this could be a very useful product. So why not just post the company contact information?
Trying to route the contacts through you and the Tennessee Area Manager suggests that you might have or be seeking a financial interest in any sales to Breaktimers. If that's the case, this post violates the Breaktime usage rules.
Good call....
Now there's one over in the tool forum... Go get 'em Unc....
Here fishy fishy....
I am going to do a bit searching to dig up this company.
Google or Thomas Register....