FRP or fiber-reinforced plastic is a lightweight structure made from polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass. FRP panels were popular only until PVC panels appeared on the market. Vinyl panels act as a savior when businesses start realizing the downsides of FRP panels. PVC panels are giving tough competition to the other wall and ceiling covering materials. PVC or polyvinyl chloride is one of the most common polymers. It is white in color and brittle plastic. PVC panels are highly used in building and construction, mainly for commercial interiors. FRP vs PVC is a very common debate that gives you a deeper insight and helps to make a choice between the two. 

PVC panels are simple and easy to install

The vinyl panels are attached to the studs and there are hidden fasteners so the panels are reusable. The panels do not have backers so they do not absorb moisture and dampness. Duramax panels have interlocking tongues and grooves for faster installation. One experienced contractor can install the panels within 7-8 hours maximum inside a commercial unit. FRP panels have backers that absorb moisture into the walls and ceiling. The installation process is complex so two or more contractors are required to install the panels. The process is usually not completed in a single day and requires ample materials. Installing PVC panels is many times simpler than erecting FRP panels. 

PVC panels – easy and fast cleaning

FRP panels have rough surfaces that attract more impurities and accumulate bacteria. The panels are not easy to clean and require frequent maintenance. The cost of maintenance and cleaning increases when you install FRP panels. The PVC panels require simple cleaning and no regular maintenance. Wipe the panels with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning agent. Do not bleach or apply acids or abrasives. Wash the panels when needed without worrying about moisture seeping into the walls and ceiling. Duramax offers a yearly cleaning and maintenance service to the clients. 

The pricing factor explained

You might be lured toward the former if you analyze the FRP pricing versus PVC pricing. But you need to be aware of the pricing in detail. Initially, FRP panels cost less compared to PVC panels. A raw FRP panel costs only $70 while PVC panels cost $83.58. The installation of PVC panels costs only $5 extra so the cost totals $88.58. Installing FRP panels is extremely expensive as it costs $141 for the complete process.

FRP panels do not last for many years. Vinyl panels are a single-time investment or a lifetime solution. Once installed, the PVC panels do not require replacement. Vinyl panels are long-lasting and remain in good condition for almost 45-50 years or even more than a century. FRP panels are not as long-lasting as PVC panels. They warp, bend, crack and delaminate within a few years. 

Light-reflective PVC panels

Could you ever imagine that you would save more money in the long-term by investing in PVC panels? These panels are light-reflective and can equally distribute reflected light. This reduces your monthly energy bills because you require installing fewer LED lights or artificial lights. We recommend not installing ceiling-mounted bulbs and heat-emitting lights. You can invest the savings in other areas of your business. This is especially evident if you have a grow room facility or a warehouse. You have no such saving options if you install FRP panels.

PVC panels do not release any toxic elements like nitrous oxide upon burning. Vinyl panels are safe as they are non-reactive to chemical agents. PVC panels are available in only white color but it remains pristine without showing any yellowish tinge. FRP panels are available in different colors but fade out even more if exposed to sunlight.

Duramax – Certified PVC Panels

Duramax is a top brand in the US that has been designing premium PVC panels for more than 40 years. We are among the renowned PVC panel suppliers in the US. The panels are made from premium- quality virgin vinyl. This adds durability to the product. Vinyl panels are 100% waterproof, they do not absorb moisture or humidity. The panels are coated with antifungal or antibacterial coating to prevent mold or bacterial growth.

Duramax PVC panels are ASTM-certified, CFIA-certified and FDA-compliant. They have a Class A, 1-hour fire rating. Duramax panels are lightweight, non-porous and can be recycled 7 times more than FRP pPanels. The vinyl panels do not react to chemicals and keep odor under control. Duramax panels are ½- inch thick and can resist impacts of any kind. Duramax panels are industry-leading, combined with webbed inner truss design. You get immense rigidity and strength that supports attic insulation loads. 

Duramax’s $25,000 guarantee

After comparing FRP vs. PVC, deciding which material you wish to install is now easy. PVC panels cater to a wide range of commercial requirements. Business and building owners rely on Duramax because our panels pass the inspection. The popularity of vinyl panels is tremendous right now. This is why FRP pPanels are becoming a thing of the past. Now, you will not experience delamination, water infiltration or bad aesthetics. Duramax claims that the perfect panels do not require replacement. PVC panels are guaranteed to last 4x as long as FRP wall panels. Duramax’s $25,000 guarantee backs this. 

Get an expert solution- request a quote

Our experts customize vinyl panels based on your requirements. The PVC panels are crafted for a wide range of commercial sectors including car washes, commercial kitchens, restaurants, grow rooms, breweries, fisheries, wet rooms, shipping containers, riding stables, and more. The panels are designed and customized to outperform all other wall and ceiling covering materials. Please visit our website for more information on PVC panels. You can visit our store or order customized panels online. Duramax panels are shipped to your project site within 2 weeks directly from the factory. Book a free consultation with our experts. Invest in Duramax PVC sheets today. Ask for a free sample and request a quote.