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The Untold Limitations of FRP in Marina Applications

Marinas offer a safe sanctuary to moor or anchor yachts or boats. Marinas reside near harbors or basins, offering easy accessibility to large water bodies. The proximity to water makes marinas vulnerable to high tides and water splashes. The lack of preventive measures intensifies high humidity, visible through crumbling marina walls. 


Choosing FRP panels for marinas cannot assure safe and sound marinas for a lifetime. Once dominating cladding materials, FRPs lost their prominence for various reasons. We laid out the key challenges and drawbacks of FRP you must know before purchasing. Let’s get started. 




  1. High Potential for Water Absorption 


FRP, or fiber-reinforced plastics, forms crevices on marine walls. Water seeps through these surfaces, weakening, swelling, or blistering them. This is especially common in marinas exposed to saltwater. 


2. Encourage Mold and Mildew Growth 


Traditional FRP boards are highly susceptible to moisture. Since FRP absorbs moisture, it triggers mildew formation on marine walls. Bacteria infestations cause blemishes, staining, and discoloration of marine walls. This leads to pricey repairs and refinishing of FRPs. Therefore, you must look for better FRP alternatives for mold-free marina interiors.


3. High Chemical Sensitivity 


Strong chemical agents and fuels are commonly used in marine environments. Prolonged exposure to chemicals degrades FRP surfaces and reduces lifespan. 


4. Heavy-Duty Maintenance 


Maintaining FRP cleanliness and functionality is a huge challenge. FRP warps, corrodes, flakes, and chips when subjected to heavy or sharp impacts. This increases multiple repairs and replacement issues. Furthermore, FRP requires extensive scrubbing or cleaning. Scrubbing FRP surfaces with cleaning solutions may damage the plastic completely. 


5. Environmental Degradation 


The manufacturing process of FRP involves resins and esters, having environmental implications. Moreover, disposing of them can be challenging since they are not recyclable. 


6. Complex Installation 


FRP requires inter-panel trimming to get accurate dimensions. However, this makes FRP vulnerable to water vapor penetration. Besides, it requires wooden backers for support. 


Integrating wooden backers requires surface fasteners like adhesives. A large team of professionals is needed to ensure a smooth installation process. 


Duramax PVC Panels- Affordable FRP Alternatives You Must Install 


Looking for durable and cost-efficient FRP alternatives? Look no further and install Duramax PVC Panels. We offer vinyl marine wall panels that meet FDA and CFIA standards. Our PVC panels are easy to maintain and remain impact-free of mold growth and moisture. 


Easy Installation 


Lightweight Duramax PVC panels ease the installation process. The tongue-and-groove interlocking mechanism allows the panels to attach to the studs. Duramax offers 50% labor savings and 40% less material costs. 


Final Words-Conclusion 


Embrace long-lasting marine wall protection with Duramax PVC panels. Our US-made PVC panels will arrive at your location in two weeks. We dispatch them to you at manufacturer-direct pricing—no middleman. Check out our comprehensive blog featuring FRP vs. PVC for a better understanding. Request a free consultation to learn more.


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On all VINYL WALL PANELS.



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