Architectual Fiberglass
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Product Uses
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP). Most commonly used for cornices, columns, and medallions. This product is also used in many other specialized decorative shape applications.
Design
Shop drawings are submitted for verification of profiles, dimensions, and surrounding construction of FRP units. Recommended attachment details are indicated on the shop drawings. Attachment methods shown on shop drawings are suggestions only. It is the responsibility of the installer to meet all local building codes, verify job conditions and adjust installation procedures accordingly. Some site cutting and/or grinding of parts may be required to suit job conditions. Field shimming may be required.
Material Characteristics
| Molded Exterior Surface | 3/4” |
| Back-Up Laminate | 8 to 8.5 lbs./sq. ft. |
| Fire Retardant | 2500 PSI |
| Fiberglass Reinforcement | E Type Fiberglass Random Chopped Glass Fibers Glass Content of 25-30%, 15% for field resin systems |
| Laminate Thickness | 3/16” nominal thickness |
Average Mechanical Properties:
| Tensile Strength | 12,000 PSI | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Strength | 20,000 PSI | ASTM D790 |
| Flexural Modulus | .09×10 6th PSI | ASTM D790 |
| Compressive Strength | 17,000 PSI | ASTM D695 |
| Bearing Strength: | 9,000 PSI | ASTM D638 |
| Thermal Expansion | 10×10 -6th (0° F) | |
| Specific Gravity | 1.5 |
Architectural Fiberglass – Section 06 80 00
PART 1 – GENERAL
1.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS
A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary
Conditions and Division 01 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
1.2 SUMMARY
A. Furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools and services required to fully complete all work as
is indicated on the drawings or specified herein.
B. Products Furnished and Installed Under This Section:
1. DESCRIPTION
C. Related Sections:
1.3 SUBMITTALS
A. Quality Assurance / Control: Furnish erection drawings to Architect for review.
1.4 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A. Store and protect fiberglass font panels and components until installation is complete.
1. Unload and inspect each panel and its component for imperfections or for damage
incurred during shipping and transit procedures.
2. Store in covered area, out of weather, direct sun, and other elements.
1.5 SCHEDULING
A. Coordination: Coordinate delivery of panels from Fiberglass Manufacturer.
PART 2 – PRODUCTS
2.1 MATERIALS
A. Resins:
1. Base resin for laminate shall be Brominated or Chlorinated polyester formulated by resin
manufacturer and shall not be modified by Fabricator except as specified. Physical
Characteristics of Laminate Resin:
a. Viscosity, Gardner-Holt at 25 deg C: 4.0 + 0.1 stokes.
b. Viscosity, Brookfield 25 deg C: 6 poises.
c. Specific Gravity at 25 deg C: 1.30.
d. Pounds per Gallon (Approx): 10.8.
e. Acid Number, base resin: less than 30.
B. Laminate:
1. Where separate layers such as mat are used, lap layers 100 mm minimum. Stagger laps
as much as possible.
2. Non-mold surface shall be smooth with no glass exposed.
C. Approved Fabricator:
1. Unlimited Designs, Salt Lake City, Utah (801) 355-3221.
2.2 FINISHES
A. Shop Finishing:
PART 3 – EXECUTION
3.1 EXAMINATION
A. Verify substrates and surfaces are ready to receive work and dimensions are as shown on shop
drawings.
3.2 INSTALLATION
A. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s specification and erection drawings.
3.3 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
A. Fiberglass Manufacturer shall:
1. Inspect beginning placement of each section of fiberglass panel.
2. Make inspection at completion of work of this section.
3.4 CLEANING
A. Clean fabrications of foreign material using cleaning methods recommended in writing by
Manufacturer.
3.5 PROTECTION
A. Protect finished installation as recommended by Manufacturer.
Calvary Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.
[need to setup]
Church Steeples
[need to setup]
Fiberglass Projects
[need to setup]
AF Cleaning & Maintenance Guidelines
Architectural fiberglass products must be properly cleaned to maintain visual and aesthetic clarity. Fiberglass products can be permanently damaged if improperly cleaned or left dirty. For example, concrete mortar or slurry can be especially damaging. Therefore, Unlimited Designs recommends strict compliance with the following procedures:
Before cleaning, make sure that your fiberglass is in a cool, clean environment, away from direct sunlight and airborne particulates. Afterwards, soak the fiberglass surfaces with clean water and soap solution to loosen dirt or debris. Using a mild, non-abrasive commercial washing solution, uniformly apply the solution to the fiberglass surfaces with a brush, strip washer or other non-abrasive applicator. Immediately following the application of the cleaning solution, remove all of the cleaning solution from the fiberglass surface. All water and cleaning solution residue should be dried from the fiberglass parts to avoid the potential for deterioration of these materials as the result of the cleaning process.
One month after installation, a high pressure washer, with pressure not exceeding 2500 PSI may be used. 90 days after installation, waxes and harsher detergents may be used, however, it is recommended that washers clean a small area, then stop and examine the surface for any damage to the fiberglass. When paint or other construction materials cannot be removed with normal cleaning procedures, a new 1 ” razor blade may be used with caution, being careful to scrape in a single direction. However, avoid using larger blades or metal scrapers, as their use carries a large probability for causing irreparable damage to the fiberglass surface.
DO
• Test clean small areas
• Clean fiberglass when dirty
• Clean from top to bottom
• Soak surface with water and soap first
• Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution
• Rinse thoroughly
• Dry thoroughly
DO NOT
• Clean in direct sunlight or high temperatures
• Leave it dirty
• Leave it wet
• Clean before washing off loose dirt
• Use harsh abrasive cleaning solutions or materials
• Scratch exterior with metal tool