The damp and mold-ridden FRP boards serve as a wake-up call to choose a superior and reliable solution for your spaces. Installing FRP in residential or commercial spaces leads to expensive and time-consuming upkeep, making it impractical. Alternatively, there are vinyl panels that are leading the paneling industry with their practicality and affordability. While FRP panels remain vulnerable to moisture and various other factors, vinyl panels are more durable and long-lasting. As a result, builders and homeowners consider vinyl panels as a better alternative to the high-maintenance FRP panels.

Here’s how vinyl panels outshine FRP wallboard in different aspects of wall paneling.

Choose vinyl panels over FRP! Here’s why?

Many factors contribute to establishing vinyl panels as a better solution compared to FRP. From durability to affordability, vinyl panels outperform FRP panels and emerge as a reliable choice. Learn all about them:

FRP panels absorb moisture; Vinyl panels repel moisture

FRP panels require wooden boards to support them. These boards absorb moisture from the environment, which can lead to rotting and dampness. Thus, installing FRP can cause damp patches in the walls and ceilings, resulting in an unpleasant interior.

On the contrary, vinyl panels are inherently moisture-resistant. Their non-porous surface prevents moisture absorption, eliminating the chances for dampness and other related issues. Hence, choosing vinyl panels over FRP is particularly effective in facilities with humid conditions.

FRP panels are high maintenance; Vinyl panels have minimal upkeep needs

FRP wall panel are vulnerable to moisture and promote mold and mildew growth over the years. They rot, mold, dampen, crack, or peel off. All this adds to time-consuming, regular, and expensive upkeep needs. This also consumes a significant amount of time and disrupts the normal operating schedule.

Vinyl panels, on the other hand, are ½” thick with a unique inner webbed truss design. Hence, they are extremely durable and sturdy. These panels do not damage or deteriorate even in challenging conditions, ensuring low maintenance. Thus, they save significantly on the overhead expenses, efforts, and time.

FRP panels have a complicated installation; Vinyl panels are easy to install

FRP panels require wooden backer boards, face-mounted rivets, and adhesives for installation. The complexity of the process requires more than one person for the installation. As a result, they have higher material and labor costs as compared to vinyl paneling.

The lightweight and interlocking design of vinyl panels offers a privilege during installation. These panels join using the tongue-and-groove method, making the process fast and simple. Further, these panels do not need additional backer boards to support them and directly fit the walls using studs and fasteners. Thus, these panels save up to 40% on material and 50% on labor expenses.

From Frustration to Satisfaction: How One Commercial Facility Transformed with Duramax Vinyl Panels

For years, the management team at John’s CleanWorks, a busy commercial laundry facility, battled a constant stream of maintenance issues caused by their FRP wall panels. At first, the FRP panels seemed like the ideal choice, cost-effective, and durable. But as the years went on, their shortcomings became impossible to ignore.

The challenges faced with FRP panels

The first signs of trouble were cosmetic, like bubbling, warping, and discoloration in high-moisture areas. These flaws made even their cleanest spaces look worn and poorly maintained. Then came the bigger problems. Mold began to grow behind panels where moisture had seeped through cracked seams. Frequent cleaning with industrial-strength cleaners caused the surface to degrade further. Employees complained about musty odors, and management was forced to schedule repeated, costly patchwork repairs.

According to the facility’s manager, they were spending excessively on maintenance and repair works. Since they were constantly reacting to new issues, they thought of exploring other options.

How was switching to Duramax vinyl panels a turning point?

After researching alternatives, the team decided to opt for Duramax vinyl wall panels in a renovated section of the facility. The results were immediate and impressive.

The installation was fast, and the difference was night and day compared to FRP panels. The vinyl panels looked cleaner, brighter, and more professional. Even better, they were completely waterproof and seamless, eliminating the issues faced with FRP.

Encouraged by the success, John’s CleanWorks replaced FRP panels throughout the entire facility. The vinyl panels not only withstood the constant humidity and cleaning chemicals but also improved the overall air quality by eliminating mold-prone gaps. Their smooth surface made routine sanitation faster and more effective. This was an essential upgrade for an environment handling high volumes of linens and uniforms daily.

Staff noticed that there was no more peeling or grime buildup in the corners, and it was also easier to clean. The staff appreciated the chance and felt as if they were working in a newer and healthier environment.

The outcome of installing vinyl panels

Since making the switch, the company has seen a significant decrease in wall-related maintenance costs and has not received any complaints related to wall damage or mold. They’ve even passed their last two inspections without a single note on wall conditions, an unheard-of result under their old FRP setup.

Switching to vinyl panels wasn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it was a strategic decision that paid off efficiently. The company reported that they are no longer wasting resources on constant repairs.
For John’s CleanWorks, vinyl wall panels provided the reliability that FRP panel never could. It’s a change they wish they’d made years earlier, and one they now recommend to every facility manager they know.

Wrapping Up

Just like the management in John’s Cleanworks, you can also make the right choice by embracing Duramax vinyl panels for your commercial or residential space. Duramax panels are ASTM-certified for quality and adhere to the FDA standards for hygiene. Plus, these panels are class-1 fire-resistant, ensuring a safe interior space. Duramax panels have a shelf life of 100 years, backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Make the switch today from FRP boards to vinyl panels at factory-direct pricing from Duramax. Ask for a free sample now!