Blog
Corrugated Fiberglass Panel FAQ
2/25/2015
by Anthony ZAZO
Sequentia Corrugated Panel Questions:
Can I use your corrugated or greenhouse panels on interior application?
Corrugated panels are designed for exterior use and therefore do not have a fire rating. Local Building codes should be checked prior to using the panels in an interior application. That said many designers are using these panels for partitions and lighting diffusers.
Are your entire greenhouse or corrugated panels the same and does it really make a difference what type we use?
Our greenhouse panels come in different weights and thicknesses. This is something you should consider before you buy panels. If you live in a northern climate with heavy snowfall or in areas that tend to get high winds, you should take this into consideration before buying your panels. Don't forget to calculate the OVERLAP to make a watertight seal in heavy wind areas. If you are unsure about your area or the application you want the panels for, please contact our inside sales office. These are NOT the same as you find at the big box hardware stores which are 2-3oz/sqft. We stock and sell only commercial grade fiberglass panels. The Super 600 is a 6oz/SqFt manufacture. We also stock and sell an 8oz panel which is 25% stronger. We have even thicker at our factory - 12oz and panels thick enough you can walk on them.
Do you recommend using a sealant when installing Sequentia Corrugated panels, and if so what type is recommended?
When installing Sequentia Corrugated panels, the use of sealant is recommended at the seams between panels and also where the panels meet the flashings. An exterior rated mildew resistant 100% silicone caulk is recommended.
How much snow will your corrugated panels support?
Our panels can support up to 40 lbs. per square foot when using our Super600 panels and the supports are placed at least 24 inches apart. For further information, refer to our corrugated fiberglass installation guide.
What type of fastener do you recommend when installation Sequentia Corrugated panels?
We recommend the use of Sequentia Aluminum nails 1-3/4" screw nails with neoprene washer. Most installs need a nail (having pre-drilled a hole in the fiberglass) about every 8" (6" if high winds are common, 12" if no wind issues). In the event these fasteners are not readily available exterior grade fasteners (screws or rink-shanked nails) of at least 1-3/4" length with a gasketed screwable washer under the head. See the installation drawing with each product page in this section of the site. The wood strips and aluminum nails are really helpful - if not necessary. Download the brochure (manufacturer's literature) from the panel page you are looking at. Remember, these panels last over 20 years. Do it right today and use the accessories.
Light transmission - what can I expect from Clear, White and Green?
First, keep in mind that a sheet of clear Plexiglass (Plexiglas) acrylic sheet is perfectly clear and is rated at 92%. You lose 4% from reflected light off the first (top) surface and another 4% off the bottom (inside) surface. Polycarbonate is worse - 88% for 1/8" and much less for 1/2". Glass? We don't sell glass but we know it's less than 92%! Now with fiberglass, you have the resin and then the fiberglass - even in clear panels, the strands of fiberglass will reflect back light. No way you can get 92% like Plexiglass. So: Our CLEAR fiberglass panels allow 85-90% of visible light in. Our WHITE fiberglass panels allow 70-75% of visible light in. Our GREEN fiberglass panels allow 35-40% of visible light in.
Glasteel FAQ'sFrequently Asked Questions
Corrugated FRP translucent Panels
Yes the wood adds support to the panels allowing you to use nails or screws in the high point of the corrugation. This also gives the screws or nails something to pull against to get a better seal with the neoprene washer.
Do I have to install it with the textured side out what if I want to have the smooth surface up?
The panel’s side-lap is designed to function in a down position to prevent water from working in between the panels. In addition, the textured side is designed to give you maximum panel life by having a resin rich surface it also helps to lessen the marking of the panel by ice, snow and debris.
What is the snow load capacity of these panels?
The load capacity of the panels depends on the supporting structure. Please follow the installation guidelines available from the dealer as to support spacing and slope. They may also be able to supply a load span table to use with your local building code.
Are these panels fire rated?
No these are a general purpose resin blend and are not fire rated
Will the panels will yellow and crack?
All panels will experience normal color shift over time, but with the high quality UV stabilized resins now used in the industry you will have many years of service from the panels.
Will these panels change shape over time?
FRP is a thermal set product when the hardener is added to the resin the final panel is not effected buy heat or cold they will not change shape. PVC and polycarbonate panels are thermal plastics and are formed by heat and do experience physical changes due to temperature fluctuations hot or cold.
Is it safe to be under these panels on high sun days?
These panels have UV screening agents built into each panel they will screen out and reduce the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Will these panels stand up to chemicals?
General Purpose day-lighting panels remain essentially unaffected by many industrial chemical environments at normal temperatures they will not rot, rust or mildew. We have available special resin systems for more aggressive atmospheres. Please refer to our chemical technical guides for your needs.
What is the light transmission of these products?
Our panels will allow a soft diffused light free from glare, shafts or hot spots from 90% for clear to 65% for opal/ white. Also 97% of solar ultraviolet radiation is blocked. The diffusive nature of the panel automatically provides excellent screening and privacy.
Will these panels crack in the cold?
The panels will retain its structural integrity and shatter resistance over a very wide temperature range from -40 Celsius to 100 + Celsius or -40 F to 212 F.
Can you walk on these panels?
DO NOT WALK IN THE PANELS. It is not recommended to walk on these panels. Please refer to our load span tables for the particular profile and panel weight and construction to assist you in designing the supporting structure to meet the loads carrying requirements in your area.
Do I need any special tools to install these panels?
A) All FRP panels are installed in the same manner as other types of corrugated sheeting. Cutting can be accomplished with power or hand saws with a fine tooth blade or abrasive discs. Drilling all fastener holes should be pre drilled 1/16th larger than the fastener Conventional drills with light pressure and high speed work the best. Fastening Fasteners can be of the same type as used for the sheeting nesting with the panels. They should be rustproof and have neoprene gasket for the grommets or washer for the screws.
Can I leave these panels outdoors?
Storage Prior to installation , panels should be stored indoors in a dry well ventilated space. Panels should be stored on end to allow drainage of any moisture caused by condensation or other sources. Moisture between panels can cause permanent discoloration or internal fiber bloom.
How do I seal the overlaps?
End and side laps of panels with each other and with adjacent sheeting should be sealed with flexible non-hardening, UV-stabilized sealants or sealing devices recommended by the manufacturer. Clear sealants are preferred in light transmitting applications.
Do I need to do anything after they are installed?
FRP Panels will maintain best appearance and maximum light transmission through periodic hosing and washing to remove accumulated dirt and dust.
How do I clean the panels?
If after long term exposure to the elements, pollutants and wind-blown particles cause panel appearance to change. They can be cleaned with a stiff brush and washed with a mild detergent.
Will these panels burn?
All FRP will burn we offer varying levels of Fire rated panels. Please refer to the technical data for the Types of panels that are available and what type of fire rating each class of panels meet.
Can I use your corrugated or greenhouse panels on interior application?
Corrugated panels are designed for exterior use and therefore do not have a fire rating. Local Building codes should be checked prior to using the panels in an interior application. That said many designers are using these panels for partitions and lighting diffusers.
Are your entire greenhouse or corrugated panels the same and does it really make a difference what type we use?
Our greenhouse panels come in different weights and thicknesses. This is something you should consider before you buy panels. If you live in a northern climate with heavy snowfall or in areas that tend to get high winds, you should take this into consideration before buying your panels. Don't forget to calculate the OVERLAP to make a watertight seal in heavy wind areas. If you are unsure about your area or the application you want the panels for, please contact our inside sales office. These are NOT the same as you find at the big box hardware stores which are 2-3oz/sqft. We stock and sell only commercial grade fiberglass panels. The Super 600 is a 6oz/SqFt manufacture. We also stock and sell an 8oz panel which is 25% stronger. We have even thicker at our factory - 12oz and panels thick enough you can walk on them.
Do you recommend using a sealant when installing Sequentia Corrugated panels, and if so what type is recommended?
When installing Sequentia Corrugated panels, the use of sealant is recommended at the seams between panels and also where the panels meet the flashings. An exterior rated mildew resistant 100% silicone caulk is recommended.
How much snow will your corrugated panels support?
Our panels can support up to 40 lbs. per square foot when using our Super600 panels and the supports are placed at least 24 inches apart. For further information, refer to our corrugated fiberglass installation guide.
What type of fastener do you recommend when installation Sequentia Corrugated panels?
We recommend the use of Sequentia Aluminum nails 1-3/4" screw nails with neoprene washer. Most installs need a nail (having pre-drilled a hole in the fiberglass) about every 8" (6" if high winds are common, 12" if no wind issues). In the event these fasteners are not readily available exterior grade fasteners (screws or rink-shanked nails) of at least 1-3/4" length with a gasketed screwable washer under the head. See the installation drawing with each product page in this section of the site. The wood strips and aluminum nails are really helpful - if not necessary. Download the brochure (manufacturer's literature) from the panel page you are looking at. Remember, these panels last over 20 years. Do it right today and use the accessories.
Light transmission - what can I expect from Clear, White and Green?
First, keep in mind that a sheet of clear Plexiglass (Plexiglas) acrylic sheet is perfectly clear and is rated at 92%. You lose 4% from reflected light off the first (top) surface and another 4% off the bottom (inside) surface. Polycarbonate is worse - 88% for 1/8" and much less for 1/2". Glass? We don't sell glass but we know it's less than 92%! Now with fiberglass, you have the resin and then the fiberglass - even in clear panels, the strands of fiberglass will reflect back light. No way you can get 92% like Plexiglass. So: Our CLEAR fiberglass panels allow 85-90% of visible light in. Our WHITE fiberglass panels allow 70-75% of visible light in. Our GREEN fiberglass panels allow 35-40% of visible light in.
Glasteel FAQ'sFrequently Asked Questions
Corrugated FRP translucent Panels
What is Corrugated FRP?
Yes the wood adds support to the panels allowing you to use nails or screws in the high point of the corrugation. This also gives the screws or nails something to pull against to get a better seal with the neoprene washer.
Do I have to install it with the textured side out what if I want to have the smooth surface up?
The panel’s side-lap is designed to function in a down position to prevent water from working in between the panels. In addition, the textured side is designed to give you maximum panel life by having a resin rich surface it also helps to lessen the marking of the panel by ice, snow and debris.
What is the snow load capacity of these panels?
The load capacity of the panels depends on the supporting structure. Please follow the installation guidelines available from the dealer as to support spacing and slope. They may also be able to supply a load span table to use with your local building code.
Are these panels fire rated?
No these are a general purpose resin blend and are not fire rated
Will the panels will yellow and crack?
All panels will experience normal color shift over time, but with the high quality UV stabilized resins now used in the industry you will have many years of service from the panels.
Will these panels change shape over time?
FRP is a thermal set product when the hardener is added to the resin the final panel is not effected buy heat or cold they will not change shape. PVC and polycarbonate panels are thermal plastics and are formed by heat and do experience physical changes due to temperature fluctuations hot or cold.
Is it safe to be under these panels on high sun days?
These panels have UV screening agents built into each panel they will screen out and reduce the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Will these panels stand up to chemicals?
General Purpose day-lighting panels remain essentially unaffected by many industrial chemical environments at normal temperatures they will not rot, rust or mildew. We have available special resin systems for more aggressive atmospheres. Please refer to our chemical technical guides for your needs.
What is the light transmission of these products?
Our panels will allow a soft diffused light free from glare, shafts or hot spots from 90% for clear to 65% for opal/ white. Also 97% of solar ultraviolet radiation is blocked. The diffusive nature of the panel automatically provides excellent screening and privacy.
Will these panels crack in the cold?
The panels will retain its structural integrity and shatter resistance over a very wide temperature range from -40 Celsius to 100 + Celsius or -40 F to 212 F.
Can you walk on these panels?
DO NOT WALK IN THE PANELS. It is not recommended to walk on these panels. Please refer to our load span tables for the particular profile and panel weight and construction to assist you in designing the supporting structure to meet the loads carrying requirements in your area.
Do I need any special tools to install these panels?
A) All FRP panels are installed in the same manner as other types of corrugated sheeting. Cutting can be accomplished with power or hand saws with a fine tooth blade or abrasive discs. Drilling all fastener holes should be pre drilled 1/16th larger than the fastener Conventional drills with light pressure and high speed work the best. Fastening Fasteners can be of the same type as used for the sheeting nesting with the panels. They should be rustproof and have neoprene gasket for the grommets or washer for the screws.
Can I leave these panels outdoors?
Storage Prior to installation , panels should be stored indoors in a dry well ventilated space. Panels should be stored on end to allow drainage of any moisture caused by condensation or other sources. Moisture between panels can cause permanent discoloration or internal fiber bloom.
How do I seal the overlaps?
End and side laps of panels with each other and with adjacent sheeting should be sealed with flexible non-hardening, UV-stabilized sealants or sealing devices recommended by the manufacturer. Clear sealants are preferred in light transmitting applications.
Do I need to do anything after they are installed?
FRP Panels will maintain best appearance and maximum light transmission through periodic hosing and washing to remove accumulated dirt and dust.
How do I clean the panels?
If after long term exposure to the elements, pollutants and wind-blown particles cause panel appearance to change. They can be cleaned with a stiff brush and washed with a mild detergent.
Will these panels burn?
All FRP will burn we offer varying levels of Fire rated panels. Please refer to the technical data for the Types of panels that are available and what type of fire rating each class of panels meet.