When it comes to setting up the interior walls in any residential or commercial building facilities, the use of wall panels is considered to be the most convenient option. Wall panels are available in several different materials like plastic, tile, metal or wood. For buildings that have wet environments and high humidity, the most common solution is to use plastic wall panels thanks to its durability and water resistance. To get your project measured and quoted, give us a call at 323-352-9279!

In this blog, we will be comparing two top-rated and common plastic wall panel solutions – FRP (fiber reinforced plastics) and vinyl panels. You will know why Duramax’s vinyl, also known as PVC panels, is considered to be the wall panel of choice.

Installation

To install FRP panels, you need a pre-installed backer, which can be drywall, plywood, or any similar substrate. Once the backer is ready, the adhesive must be applied carefully to the panel and added to the wall, which is not possible without two trained laborers. Between each FRP panel, there must be gaps so that trims can be added. Also, rivets and fasteners must be added to secure the adhesive. So, you can see that the installation process is not just lengthy and demands skill, but also expensive.

On the other hand, installation of vinyl panels is easy and simple. Installation can be done mechanically with screws into the studs instead of adhesives. To guide the spacing between screws, the panels come with perforated flanges. Once you have successfully screwed in the 1st side of the panel, the other hand smoothly interlocks with the next. There is no need for a backer or adhesive, and only one person can install the panels.

​Waterproof

It is crucial to select a waterproof material for paneling. Thanks to its interlocking technology, vinyl panels are considered to be the ideal option for wet environments. Even though an FRP wallboard also comes with waterproof features, water vapor is able to penetrate the trim between the FRP panels easily.

Moisture resistance

The FRP wall boards feature a porous OSB, which means that they tend to absorb the excess humidity and moisture that is outside. This can pose a threat as too much humidity results in the growth of mold, and you wouldn’t want to mold growing inside your home, restaurant kitchen, or any other building facility. Since the PVC panels are resistant to moisture, they are a perfect choice for paneling.

Cost

Cost is one of the most important considerations when it comes to paneling. You wouldn’t want the prices to be exorbitantly high. However, as mentioned before, FRP panels require two laborers, along with added materials for successful installation and that leads to the prices were steep. PVC panels from Duramax, overall do not cost as much as FRP in the long run. After a few years FRP would peel and need replacement while vinyl stays on. So, there is no doubt that PVC panels are a better alternative to FRP panels. If you want to know more or get a free sample, get in touch. To get your project measured and quoted, give us a call at 323-352-9279!