Although FRP cost is low, it has miserably failed to protect commercial units from moisture damage. FRP panels rot, peel off, degrade, and delaminate just after a few months post-installation. If you are looking for sturdy, water-resistant wall paneling materials, you should definitely opt for PVC panels over FRP panels. These panels emerge as unmatched warriors regarding FRP vs. PVC. Now, let’s take a look at the major differences between Duramax vinyl wall panels and FRP panels.Â
Installation ComparisonÂ
A 4’ by 8’ FRP panel will cost you around $70, and the installation is almost double that. You will need to spend 40$ on OSB backers, $20 on labor charges, $6 on adhesives, and $5.50 on panel trimming, taking the total cost to almost $141.50. At least two laborers are needed for installation, which would take at least two days. The FRP panel installation is a daunting, time-consuming, and costly affair. The initial FRP pricing might be on the lower side, but the laborious installation pushes up the expenses significantly. In such a scenario, you should consider switching from FRP to PVC wall panels. These panels cost only $83.58, and installation does not require adhesives, backers, or panel trimming. A single contractor can complete the installation within a day, and the charges won’t exceed more than 5$. The total cost of installing PVC panels can go up to $88.58, thereby establishing the fact that PVC panels are more cost-effective than FRP in the long run. If you choose to install Duramax PVC wall panels, you can save 40% on material expenses and 50% on labor charges, thereby reinforcing the fact that PVC panels are an economical choice in the long run. Â
The Maintenance AspectÂ
FRP vs PVC will have vinyl as the ultimate winner as they are easy to maintain and economical in the long run. Vinyl panels have a seamless, crevice-free surface that would never stain, fade, rot, rust, turn yellow, or get discolored. Also, PVC panel installation is not something that should be performed regularly. Occasional washes with a pressure washer followed by a gentle wipe with a moist cloth are enough to ensure optimal cleanliness for years. These pristine white panels can retain their shine without much effort.Â
On the flip side, FRP panels sport a rough surface that is highly prone to rotting, fading, peeling off, and getting discolored. These are high-maintenance paneling materials that demand professional care to maintain their strength and boost their longevity. Why break the bank on maintaining FRP panels when you can replace the wall paneling materials with low-maintenance PVC panels? Duramax PVC Wall Panels’ supremely engineered vinyl panels are extremely durable, can easily last anywhere between 45-50 years with minimal upkeep, and come with a limited lifetime warranty.Â
Durability TestÂ
FRP panels are not 100% impervious to water, which puts their durability in question. These panels have OSB backers that attract and peel off with time. They are not well-suited for wet environments and call for frequent repairs every now and then. Rather than installing FRP panels, you should consider installing PVC ceiling and wall panels made from 100% virgin vinyl. These panels are backer-free and have a non-porous surface that can shed off excess moisture, thereby ensuring superb durability and resilience. PVC panels can last 45-50 years and can be recycled several times, thereby increasing their lifespan further.Â
Final Take:Â
So, you see, the aforementioned pointers clearly ascertain the fact that Duramax PVC panels are certainly a far better option compared to FRP panels. The initial FRP cost might be low, but the fact that they are not water-resistant and cannot stand the test of time makes installing vinyl panels the right thing to do. Visit our website to place your order for customized PVC panels and get them delivered directly from our factory within two weeks. Reach out to us at (323) 612-1674 to request a free estimate and book a no-cost consultation session with our PVC paneling experts.