Benefits of Fibreglass Construction

Durability and Reparability

Two of the most important factors in any construction or product for that matter are durability and reparability. We all would like things to last a lifetime but just as important, if it breaks as eventually everything will, you want to repair it with minimum problems.

Fibreglass gives you outstanding durability and reparability compared to other materials in the general construction environment but for the marine application it is the best. If built properly fibreglass can and will last a lifetime or more, but when damaged it can be repaired.

Fibreglass fibre was first created in 1932/1933 by Russell Games Slayter of the Owens-Corning company as a material to be used as thermal building insulation. It quickly progressed from this into the composite materials we now broadly call fibreglass laminate. Apparently those first things made by fibreglass laminate over 80 years ago are still going strong.

The variety of composites available, give excellent resistance to chemical and environmental attack. These include sea water, chemical pollution, wind abrasion, and sun damage.  The shapes that can be constructed in fibreglass and the methods they are constructed by give superior structural strength and outstanding endurance when withstanding extreme rough physical conditions.

Yet when it does get damaged, fibreglass can be repaired to its original condition. If required, it can be made even stronger to prevent the same damage happening again. In broad terms a repair is a simple process of grinding the damaged area clean, applying the new fibreglass laminate, making the finished work look pretty and job is done.

Light Weight

Fibreglass composites are lightweight in comparison to other building methods. This is very important in many applications such as the marine, automobile and aircraft industries. In yacht construction lighter weight is better. Minimising the weight in one area of a yacht allows greater scope for other areas to be improved. This means there is greater opportunity for overall improvement without exceeding weight limits or adversely affecting the yachts performance and handling.

High Strength

Even though fibreglass is lighter this doesn’t mean it isn’t strong. Fibreglass composites can be designed to be much stronger than metal. They are orthotropic which means they can be designed to be strongest in any required direction whereas metals are isotropic which means they have the same stiffness in all directions. Fibreglass composites can be tailor made to individually meet the strength requirements of any structure built.

Excellent Strength to Weight Ratio

Strength-to-weight ratio is the measure of how strong a material is in relation to how much it weighs. Steel is very strong but it is also very heavy. Composite materials can be designed to be both strong and light and have the highest strength-to-weight ratios in the building industry at present.

Corrosion Resistance

Fibreglass composites have very high resistance to chemical and corrosive damage that other materials would suffer badly from. In the marine environment a hull is under constant attack from the sea water as well as any chemical pollution in the water and even the damaging UV rays from the sun.

To give an indication of how corrosion resistant fibreglass is, industrial acid tanks that hold highly concentrated hydrochloric acid are made from metal. But the metal can’t with stand the acid so they are lined with fibreglass. After a year of constant emersion in acid only the surface resin of the fibreglass is eaten away but the actual fibres and deeper layers of resin are still intact. That’s tough.

High-Impact Strength

Fibreglass composites can be designed for high impact resistance. They can be bullet and explosion proof and still be very lightweight. By simply adding the correct fibres in the correct way, incredibly light but super strong structures can be built. Basic woven rovings or fabric can be incredibly impact resistant but using carbon fibre, Kevlar or Basalt fibre makes the laminate stronger than anything else available.

Design Flexibility

Fibreglass composites can be easily moulded into complex shapes far better than most other materials. This provides a great opportunity for creating new ideas and designs or for recreating old things normally built by wood or metal into stylish, stronger and longer lasting items. Need a stylish kitchen benchtop that won’t eventually rot or maybe the entire kitchen cupboards. Fibreglass provides the opportunity to create items with stylish shapes and curves, unique colour designs, interesting textures and mirror gloss finishes. Only the imagination is the limiting factor.

Dimensional Stability

Fibreglass composites do not change in shape when subjected to conditions such as hot or cold, wet or dry or change in altitude. Metal expands and contracts, wood swells and warps, but fibreglass stays the same. You won’t need to worry about sticking, leaking, jamming or warping, and you won’t need expansion joints to handle any expansion or movement. Once built, fibreglass stays the same. It doesn’t shrink, warp, swell, expand or anything.

Perfect for electrical use

• Non-conductive

Fibreglass composites do not conduct electricity. This characteristic combined with the many other features of fibreglass composites makes it an excellent choice for building electrical componentry. If on the other hand, electrical conductivity is required in a fibreglass component, it is possible to modify some of them.

• Non-magnetic

Fibreglass composites contain no metals and are therefore not magnetic. They are perfect for use around sensitive electronic equipment.

• Radar Transparent

Fibreglass composites allow radar signals to pass through them unaltered.

• Low Thermal Conductivity

Fibreglass composites are good insulators as they do not easily conduct heat or cold.

Conclusion

Fibreglass construction offers exceptional benefits, combining strength, durability, and versatility in a lightweight material.

Resistant to corrosion, it excels in harsh environments like marine and industrial settings, while its ability to be moulded into custom shapes makes it ideal for tailored solutions.

Fibreglass is low-maintenance, cost-effective, and provides excellent thermal and electrical insulation, adding to its versatility across industries.

Whether used for structures, vehicles, or creative projects, fibreglass delivers long-lasting, efficient performance, making it a preferred choice for innovative and reliable construction.

We are Custom Fibreglassing, your trusted partner for all things fibreglass. With decades of experience, we specialize in custom fabrication, repairs, pattern and mould making, and project consultation. Our portfolio showcases diverse projects, including marine components, industrial equipment, and unique bespoke designs, completed for satisfied clients across various industries. From small repairs to large-scale custom builds, we’re proud to have delivered quality solutions to individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Now operating in the Philippines, we bring our expertise and exceptional customer service to this dynamic market. Whether you need local fabrication, repairs, or consultancy services, we’re here to help you achieve your project goals with skill and care.

Visit our website, customfibreglassing.com, to explore our past projects, learn more about our services, and get in touch. Let us know how we can assist with your fibreglass needs—custom solutions and professional guidance are just a click away!

Let’s Create Your Custom Fibreglass Solution!

Ready to bring your fibreglass project to life? Contact Custom Fibreglassing today for expert craftsmanship, tailored solutions, and exceptional service. Whether it’s custom moulding, specialised fabrication, repairs, or consultation, we’re here to make your vision a reality. Let’s discuss your needs and create something truly remarkable—reach out now!

Email: contact@customfibreglassing.com