There are many options for interior walling when it comes to building facilities. One of the most convenient is using wall panels. Wall panels come in various materials, such as metal, plastic, wood, or tile. Plastics are a common solution for buildings with high humidity and wet environments due to their water resistance and durability.
Today, we will be comparing two popular plastic wall panel solutions: Vinyl panels and FRP panels.
Ask for a free sample by visiting the website. Call 323-991-7507 for more information!
Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP) have been a dated walling solution since the 1930s. The material was designed to provide water resistance in kitchens, warehouses, lunchrooms, and more applications. As technology advanced, new innovative materials, such as vinyl panels, were created. The main difference between vinyl panels and FRP panels can be described in the installation process.
Installing FRP panels first requires a backer pre-installed. This can be plywood, drywall, or any similar substrate. After you factor in the backer’s material and labor costs, you can realize that FRP panels cost a lot more than you think. Once a backer is ready, carefully apply adhesive to the panel and add it to the wall. This requires the careful precision of two trained laborers. Leave gaps between each FRP panel so you can add trim between every panel. Also, apply fasteners and rivets to the panels to secure the adhesive. As you can see, installation is extensive and requires skill.
Vinyl panel installation, on the other hand, is simple and easy. Instead of adhesive, installation is mechanically done with screws directly into the studs. Each panel comes with perforated flanges to guide the spacing between screws. Once the first side of the panel is screwed in, the other side interlocks with the next panel. The interlocking technology allows the installer to only screw in one side of each panel. With no adhesive or backer, these 16-inch panels are lightweight and can be installed with just one person. Trim is only applied around the edges of the walls instead of between each panel, like FRP.
Perfect for wet environments, vinyl panels are seamless due to interlocking. On the other hand, FRP panels have gaps between each panel that are covered with trim. Water vapor can’t penetrate vinyl panels but can bypass the trim between FRP panels. Pick vinyl panels as your walling solution; installation will be less costly, have fewer headaches, and take less time.
Ask for a free sample by visiting the website. Call 323-991-7507 for more information!
Our panels are ASTM certified and FDA compliant; also quality checked. We ensured Kevin that the kitchen would be free from the fire outbreak. The panels have a -hour fire grade also chemical resistant.
Duramax is a top wall panel supplier in the USA. Visit our website for a free sample, get a free consultation and request a quote.