The Benefits of Fibreglass Rebar
The advanced composite material of fibreglass rebar—fibreglass reinforced polymer (FRP)—was commercially recognized in the 1980s when Japan first used it in their high-speed trains. Traditionally used reinforcement materials had been found to lack strength and durability due to their propensity toward corrosion.
In particular, this defect was shown to shorten the service life of concrete structures, causing them to rust and weaken. Hence, engineers and contractors noted the need for a corrosion-free composite material that could survive harsh environmental conditions such as we see in Ontario, Canada.
With the rise of corrosion due to global warming, fibreglass reinforcement material has gained considerable popularity.
Before we explore the many benefits of using FRP rebar in your new, high-end home construction, let’s take a closer look at what causes corrosion and how it weakens concrete structures.
How Does Corrosion Weaken Concrete Structures?
Corrosion is simply a natural electrochemical reaction between materials and their environment. Iron and steel have a natural tendency to mix with other chemical elements to assist them toward their lowest state of energy. When steel and iron rebar mix with oxygen and water from exposure to air and weather, corrosion—or rust—forms. This process destructively breaks the affected compounds down into weaker elements, causing structural deterioration.
Why You Should Use Fibreglass Rebar In Your High-End Home
Engineers and builders alike consider fibreglass rebar to be a high-value-added construction product ideal for concrete structures exposed to Ontario’s extreme weather conditions. In the late 1990s, Canadian builders adopted FRP for structural applications. FRP rebar products provide solutions to many of the limitations associated with alternative metal rebars.
Maintenance-Free
FRP rebar offers a maintenance-free solution compared to metal materials. As FRP rebar is corrosion-free, it keeps concrete reinforced structures away from maintenance associated with a traditional steel bar highly susceptible to corrosion. Millions of dollars are spent annually to correct and reinforce concrete structures such as homes, bridges, and roads built using metal rebar products
Cost-Effective
FRP rebar products may have an initial financial outlay that is higher than metal reinforcement alternatives. However, this initial investment won’t increase your overall project’s cost due to FRP’s lack of maintenance costs. This feature makes it the ideal choice for new concrete home constructions in Ontario.
FRP rebar is also a cost-effective construction material because it will extend the life of your new home’s structural integrity, where corrosion can have a substantial economic and environmental impact. With a life span of more than 100 years, FRP rebar is a more durable and much longer-lasting solution than galvanized, epoxy-coated, and stainless steel rebar alternatives.
Sustainable Construction Solution
This environment-friendly product helps achieve several LEED® credits in Canada and is the most effective solution for building sustainable concrete structures. As climate change causes more severe weather in Canada, knowing you have a sustainable concrete structure that is corrosion-resistant and requires little-to-no maintenance or future repairs is crucial to your confidence and peace of mind
Easy to Install and Customizable
FBR rebar products are manufactured in custom shapes, bends, and lengths that are easy to cut, machine, and install. These features will add valuable efficiencies to the operational aspects of your new home construction, saving you time and money.
Increased Strength and Lightweight
In addition, FRP rebar solutions are incredibly lightweight at one-quarter the weight of steel rebar. They also offer two times the tensile strength-to-weight ratio than metal rebar products. Knowledgeable contractors can choose the right FBR rebar product for your high-end home to deliver a high bond strength with the concrete that is many times that of steel rebar.
Versatile
There are several different variants of FRP rebar manufactured and utilized in Canada, including the following:
- Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer(GFRP)
- Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)
- Aramid Fiber Reinforced Polymer (AFRP)
- Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP)
GenCorp Homes use only fibreglass rebar product lines manufactured to the highest quality and standard. Manufactured in Canada, our products are supported by the manufacturer’s expert engineering team and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Selecting the most suitable construction materials for your new premium home can be challenging. However, when you work with a luxury home builder like Gencorp Homes, our top priority is to make the entire construction process run smoothly and stress-free. So, contact our team of industry-leading professionals today. We’re here to help you build your dream home.
