How FRP Compares
Wood rots. Steel rusts. Aluminum dents. Fiberglass reinforced plastic lasts. Traditional building materials have their place. But for harsh, corrosive environments, Bedford fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) is a smart choice.
FRP vs Steel
Bedford’s fiberglass reinforced plastic is highly corrosion resistant. So unlike steel, it won’t rust when it’s exposed to harsh weather and chemicals. It’s also nonconductive and impact resistant. Pound for pound, our FRP structural members are stronger than many steels in the lengthwise direction, and weigh up to 75% less. Compared to steel, Bedford FRP offers these advantages:
- The strength of steel at 1/4 the weight
- Simple fabrication with standard tools — no welders or cutting torches
- Molded-in color and resin options, including fire retardant
FRP vs Aluminum
Bedford’s PROForms® fiberglass shapes won’t corrode and are non-conductive. Unlike aluminum, an advantage of FRP is its low thermal conductivity, making it a good insulator. And FRP pultrusions won’t deform under impact.
FRP vs Wood
When it comes to structural applications, Bedford’s fiberglass reinforced plastic offers significant advantages compared to timber. Unlike wood, our fiberglass shapes won’t warp, rot or decay from exposure to moisture. They’re resistant to corrosion, insects, mold and mildew. Best of all, they don’t need environmentally hazardous coatings or preservatives to deliver exceptional durability.