Glass Reinforced Plastic is a high-performance composite material engineered for strength, safety, and long-term durability. Lightweight yet exceptionally robust, GRP delivers reliable performance in industrial, commercial, and public access environments where traditional materials are prone to corrosion, degradation, and high maintenance demands.
Engineered Composites supplies high-performance GRP systems designed to outperform steel, timber, and aluminium in harsh operating conditions. Manufactured using fibreglass reinforcement and polymer resins, GRP delivers excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability.
Lightweight, low maintenance, and non-conductive, GRP is widely used across industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects where safety and reliability are essential.
GRP - Glass Reinforced Plastic Properties & Uses in Construction
Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), also known as Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP), offers a range of advantages over traditional metallic materials, particularly steel. Manufactured using glass fibre reinforcement and polymer resins, GRP delivers high tensile strength while remaining lightweight, typically around a quarter of the weight of steel.
GRP is corrosion resistant, non-conductive, and unaffected by moisture or harsh environmental conditions. It is also radar transparent and electromagnetically neutral, making it suitable for use in safety-critical and technologically sensitive environments. These properties combine to make GRP a cost-effective, durable, and sustainable material for a wide range of construction applications.
GRP / Glass Reinforced Plastic Properties
High Corrosion Resistance
Offering exceptional corrosion resistance, GRP is highly tolerant of aggressive environments. Its resistance against chloride ion attacks demonstrates its durable nature and ability to withstand harsh conditions. Unlike traditional alternatives, such as steel, aluminium, and timber, GRP delivers a long-term practical solution that overcomes the corrosion challenges facing industry today.
High Impact Resistance
GRP resists sudden and severe point loading and avoids permanent distortion. If the GRP is deformed due to impact, it will return to its original shape without contractors having to incur costly repairs or replacements.
Lightweight
75% lighter than steel equivalents, GRP significantly reduces transport costs and eliminates the need for heavy lifting equipment. As it can be easily cut and manoeuvred onsite, the risk of manual handling injuries is mitigated.
Non-conductive, inert and non-sparking
The non-conductive properties of GRP make it ideally suited for use on electrically hazardous sites. A highly effective electromagnetic and thermal insulator, it is electronically transparent and not affected by electromagnetic fields or radio wave frequencies. The non-sparking qualities of GRP make it suitable for locations where combustible gases may be present.
High Strength
GRP’s superior tensile strength is equal to or greater than equivalent steel profiles. Despite its lightweight properties, GRP offers impressive strength-to-weight load-bearing performance. The high glass-to-resin ratios used in our technically advanced formulation ensure our GRP products outperform and outlast traditional materials.
Easy to Fabricate
GRP can be easily fabricated and cut onsite to accommodate precise specifications and complex layouts. Using standard hand tools, such as circular saws, contractors can easily cut the product without compromising any of its advantageous properties.
Low Maintenance
GRP is an incredibly resilient and durable material that delivers outstanding cost benefits. GRP, in all its forms, offers a low-maintenance solution with little need for renovation or refurbishment during its fifty-year lifespan.
Long Life Cycle
When subjected to normal operating conditions and environment, the life expectancy of the profiles will be 20 years +, subject to the normal discoloration that will be expected.
Radar Transparent
GRP will not interfere with radar systems.
GRP Products
Where GRP is Used
GRP is used extensively across a broad range of industries due to its versatility and performance benefits.
Commercial Applications
In commercial environments, GRP is commonly used for flooring, fencing, handrails, and safety systems. It is frequently installed in retail spaces, warehouses, public buildings, and transport facilities where durability and slip resistance are essential. GRP provides a long-lasting solution that maintains appearance and performance in high-traffic areas.
Residential Applications
GRP is increasingly specified in residential settings for fencing, decking, mesh panels, and structural components. It offers a durable and visually appealing alternative to timber and metal while requiring minimal maintenance. Its flexibility allows it to be adapted to a wide range of residential designs and layouts.
Industrial Applications
Industrial environments demand materials that can withstand harsh conditions and heavy use. GRP is widely used for access platforms, walkways, ladders, enclosures, cabinets, and safety systems within factories, plants, and infrastructure sites. Its corrosion resistance, impact strength, and non-conductive properties make it particularly well suited to these applications.