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Performance Contracting Inc. (PCI) is one of the leading specialty contractors in the United States. They provide more than 25 different services and products to the industrial, commercial, and non-residential markets – from complex interior build-out services to large-scale insulation systems and scaffolding.

They also have over 30 years of experience building out cleanrooms with a focus on life sciences and pharmaceuticals and have recently entered the cannabis grow room industry.

Growing cannabis for both medicinal and recreational purposes is a fast-growing business in the United States. However, the main challenge businesses face is controlling the humidity and moisture levels. Building cannabis grow rooms can be time-intensive and expensive to make sure that the environment is constructed with the proper building materials that can support the precise environment that helps these plants thrive. Marijuana plants are highly susceptible to bacterial infestation and mold development within a too-moist grow room. Cannabis grow room walls need to control humidity and moisture levels in order to counteract the growth of bacteria, molds and microbes.

Jonathan, a contractor for Performance Contracting, was embarking on his first cannabis grow room project and noted that the architect had spec’d out PVC wall panels. This would be Jonathan’s first experience with PVC wall panels as he’d preferred using FRP in the past because they were readily available for many of his cleanroom projects. With two potential options for PVC wall panels, Jonathan found Duramax to be incredibly responsive as well as reasonably priced. Once they received the panels, he noted they were very straightforward and easy to install. The main thing that stands out when it comes to FRP versus PVC is that Duramax’s panels interlock seamlessly, which ensures that moisture is not absorbed at all. The PVC panels will never rot or have problems with mold or mildew, whereas FRP can eventually mold and rot due to moisture absorption.

“The panels all locked together so easily, and it was very quick to install and move from one side of the building to another,” said Jonathan Reale, Project Manager for Performance Contracting. “I liked that all we needed to do was adhere them directly to the studs without any backers such as drywall or plywood.”

According to MJBiz Daily, the combined U.S. medical and recreational cannabis sales could reach $33.6 billion by the end of 2023, an amount largely driven by the opening of new adult-use markets. In addition, new positive study results continue to drive the medical marijuana market forward due to its use as treatment for many chronic conditions, including chronic pain and nausea. More and more contractors are becoming aware of Duramax PVC panels for grow room projects due to their cannabis cultivating properties, including being water- and mold-resistant, light-reflective, and maintenance-free for life.

While FRP panels may be cheaper and initially a more convenient option, they are more expensive in the long run. FRP panels can mold, delaminate, crack, and peel off, and they need repairs or replacement every few years. In addition, the installation process and cost of labor end up making the panels as much, if not more expensive than PVC.