Advantages of Fiberglass Decking
Durability and Performance
Fiberglass — a composite material made from layered glass fibers and reinforced plastic — is as lightweight as aluminum, 40% as heavy as steel and only 20% as heavy as concrete. Despite this, it has a high level of impact resistance and is suitable for many of the same applications as these other materials. Fiberglass also holds up well against extreme climatic conditions and thus makes an excellent decking material. Its durability, water resistance and low maintenance requirements make it a practical choice for residential and commercial projects.
Understanding fiberglass decking’s key features, benefits, and long-term value can help you elevate your construction projects and avoid potential issues that may arise during installation.
The ability to withstand tough conditions makes fiberglass particularly useful in wet environments such as docks, jetties and marinas. Fiberglass decking is immune to corrosion, which can affect metal decking. It also cannot warp or crack like wooden decking and is highly resistant to salt and algae.
Maintenance and Care
Compared to other materials, fiberglass has very little need for maintenance. There is no need to seal or reseal it as there is with wooden decking, and it cannot build up algae the way steel decking can. Plus, the grating does not rust like steel.
This means the only real maintenance required is simply sweeping and cleaning with standard household cleaning products.
Safety Features
The natural impact resistance of fiberglass decking increases its stability and safety for users. The large, flat panels won’t twist or warp that can cause users to trip or lose their footing. It is also much more resistant to fire than other materials and achieves a Class A Fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84-2018.
Many fiberglass grating products are supplied with a gritted surface finish to increase friction underfoot. These anti-slip properties make fiberglass floor grating an excellent material for boardwalks, bridge decks, poolsides and other applications where water may be present.
Integration With Other Materials
Fiberglass is highly versatile and can be used alongside many other materials in projects. For example, fiberglass panels can be installed over wood, metal or concrete substructures to provide a durable slip-resistant surface.
Archatrak’s SpanTrak Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) grating panels are supplied in a number of styles and sizes. One key consideration is the size of the mesh, which can vary depending on the project’s requirements — for example where the open spaces must be small enough so that small wheels or objects cannot get stuck or fall through the grating.
Cost and Value Analysis
Although fiberglass typically costs more initially than materials such as wood or concrete, choosing fiberglass decking can save money in the long term due to the significantly lower maintenance requirements after the project is completed. It’s unlikely to need repair or replacement, as it is highly resistant to impact and weather conditions.
Fiberglass’ comparative ease of installation can reduce labor costs. The growing awareness of the benefits of fiberglass decking can also boost the resale value of a construction project.
Eco-Friendly Aspects
Fiberglass production only uses half the energy required to produce many other materials like steel or cement. This makes fiberglass a sustainable choice and can help construction industry professionals reduce the carbon footprint of their projects.
Longevity and Environmental Benefits
Because fiberglass cannot rot or warp and doesn’t require sealing or staining, decking made from fiberglass has an inherent longevity that other materials lack. Fiberglass deck grating can also have environmental benefits — the open spaces can let light and moisture through to the vegetation underneath, enabling plants to grow and ecosystems to flourish.
Installation Considerations
Substrate and Preparation
While many fiberglass grating systems are used for projects involving raised walkways or decks supported by joists or pedestals, other projects may involve placing fiberglass panels directly over an existing surface, for example in resurfacing bridges along pathways.
If this is the case, ensure the substrate is properly prepared for the installation. Inspect it for any signs of damage (e.g., rot in wood, rust on metal or cracks in concrete), and repair or replace any areas that would impact on the structural integrity, if needed.
Make sure the substrate is level with no depressions or high points that could affect the installation of the fiberglass grating.
Installation Techniques
When installing fiberglass decking, make sure that you observe safety precautions such as wearing protective gloves, masks and eyewear.
Fiberglass decking is usually installed in full panels, typically 8” x 4’. If you need to cut fiberglass grating products, use tools such as circular saws or angle grinders — as long as they have masonry or diamond-embedded blades.
Cut with a steady pressure, then sand any cut edges down smoothly before coating them with UV-stable two-part resin or urethane spray coating.
To attach panels to bearers, use clip fasteners placed at a maximum span of 48 inches and at least four clips per panel. Make sure not to install clips less than 1 ½ inches from the edges. Install C clips every 2 feet to 3 feet to connect adjacent panels and reduce the risk of tripping where the panels join..
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Addressing Installation Challenges
Many installation challenges can be prevented by adequate preparation at the start of a project. You should also aim to carry out the installation in stable weather conditions for best results.
Make sure you use fasteners compatible with any fiberglass products you choose. Most providers of fiberglass panels also provide the correct fasteners. Archatrak’s Spansafe FRP panels have a variety of clips and fasteners available — your sales rep can advise which options best suit your project and application.
Long-Term Maintenance and Repairs
Fiberglass is known for its low maintenance requirements. Simple sweeping of debris is often all that is needed, as fiberglass does not need to be sealed or resealed.
Removing debris stuck in gaps is one possible maintenance requirement with some fiberglass grating systems — particularly those with smaller gaps.
If fiberglass decking needs to be repaired, contact the provider of your specific fiberglass products if possible.
Top Quality Fiberglass Decking Products From Archatrak
At Archatrak, we provide fiberglass grating products in varying thicknesses and mesh sizes. The resins, fillers and additives used in our fiberglass products were chosen for their quality, durability and fire resistance. All our grating panels are supplied with an anti-slip grit surface for safety as standard.
For more information, take a look at our product range or contact our team to learn more.