Vigorous efforts of humans to have a cozy comfortable and pragmatic life have invested a lot of techniques in Architecture and Construction. Modern modular homes are the store houses of limitless comfort and luxurious chic style of living which got its latest formation by the endless efforts of millions of architects and civil engineers who turned millions of pages to gain knowledge and turned the page of new age civilization. Fiber Glass is one of the new additions in this list which is the original fiber reinforcement of modern composites. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the process evolved into commercial-scale manufacturing of continuous fibers, which would later be used as structural reinforcements.Fiberglass has been quickly rising in popularity as the construction material of choice in many architectural applications.
From intricate indoor aesthetics to building columns, fiberglass has found its use in virtually every aspect of construction. Fiberglass, which is also described as glass fiber, is mostly used in insulation, cladding, surface coating and roofing raw material in construction and construction sector.
Building art is a synthesis of life in materialized form. We should try to bring in under the same hat not a splintered way of thinking, but all in harmony together.
-Alvar Aalto
Characteristics of Fiber Glass
Fiber glass is plastic reinforced by foam or glass fiber. The fiberglass is often woven into a sheet or flattened structure. Fiber glasses are
Techniques of Making Glass Fiber
Silica (SiO2) is heated above 1200°C/2192°F then cooled ambiently, then it crystallizes and becomes quartz, and it is transformed into glass. Glass fiber is made by blending raw materials. To manufacture fiberglass, glass is heated until molten, then forced through superfine holes. This creates glass filaments that are extremely thin—so thin, that they're best measured in microns. Once the fiberglass is woven together, different resins may be added to give the product increased strength, as well as allow it to be molded into various shapes. It has a light but durable character which is ideal for more delicate applications, such as in circuit boards. Glass-reinforced plastic is comprised mostly of plastic, so while it's an improvement over plastic alone for strength and durability, it won't hold up as well as fiberglass. Glass fiber formation, or fiberization, involves a combination of extrusion and attenuation. Finally, a chemical coating is applied on it protect the filaments from abrading and breaking as they are collected and wound into forming packages and, later, when they are processed by weavers or other converters into fabrics or other reinforcement forms. As new and innovative techniques are floating up in the market, new processes of recycling are also coming forth. With this recycled fiber glasses are emerging in the market. One of the most promising is the recycling of outdated wind-turbine blades.
Effectiveness of Fiber Glass in Architecture and Construction
Corrosion Resistance: This is the prime reason of the huge popularity of fiber glass. Its unique elements allow it to hold its own against outdoor elements and corrosive chemicals. Fiberglass composite is highly resistant to most acids, bases, oxidizing agents, salts, corrosive gases such as sulfur dioxide. In addition, they are able to withstand temperature extremes with little risk of compromise to its structural integrity. It is rust proof, algae and bacteria proof, which is difficult for elements like iron, woods concrete and clay. For this it is widely liked by modern architects.
Cost Advantage: Fiberglass is one of the more affordable materials out there in the whole Real Estate and construction industry. The cost-effectiveness of the material is further realized by its long-lasting nature and low maintenance, which is a result of highly durable and corrosion-resistant properties.
Lightweight: Fiberglass is one of the lighter construction materials, with aluminum being one of the few that are even more lightweight. However, compared to aluminum, fiberglass offers both greater affordability and durability. A lighter weight material is easier to work with, saves costs in terms of transport and labor as well as allow construction to be done on a faster note.
High Strength: Fiberglass has the power to withstand temperatures of up to 1000°F, and it’s a poor conductor of heat. Therefore, fiberglass is used to insulate buildings. Further, it can be used to create heat-resistant roofing and be installed into double walls. While steel is overall a stronger material than fiberglass, the strength-to-weight ratio of fiberglass far surpasses that of the former by as much as 75%.
Easily Moldable: In addition to being lightweight, working with fiberglass is also easy as individual pieces can be shaped and assembled at the warehouse under controlled conditions and then transported onto the site in an almost finished form. Often no special tools or welding are required on-site when working with fiberglass.
Water-proof: Unlike other building materials, it does not absorb water nor does the liquid act as a corrosive agent against its surface and for this it is ideal for roofing and exterior installations. Fillers or additives like epoxies and silicone can be used with it to increase attributes of the final composite such as resistance to fire or ultraviolet rays.
Sustainability: The energy-efficient production process of fiberglass profiles translates to lower emission plus the material’s exceptional durability means that fewer resources are wasted in the long run in maintenance or replacement. Now-a-days, discarded fiberglass is increasingly finding its usage in concrete production or being reused in other construction such as manhole covers and picnic tables. 70% of the fiberglass insulation is now manufactured using recycled glass.
Fiberglass Insulation: It controls heat, prevents condensation, increase the sound absorption and elevate the beauty of the ceiling.
Unleash the potential of Glass Fiber!! Experience the Beauty of Effective Transparency!!
How Fiber Glass is used in Construction effectively
1. Fiberglass Conduits
Conduits are used above and below ground for many different reasons. Fiberglass is lightweight, heat resistant, chemical resistant, and much more durable. So, it can be used to update your existing conduit system, with the help of a high-quality fiberglass manufacturer.
2. Fiberglass Composition Roofing
Fiberglass roofing is becoming a popular in today’s modern modular construction, replacing the old shingle roof. Fiberglass roofing will enhance durability and extend lifespan. On top of that, fiberglass roofing requires less maintenance thanks to its strong resistance to weather elements such as hail, wind, and rain. Moreover, fiberglass is an environmentally friendly choice as it does not contain any toxins and can be recycled at the end of its life cycle. As fiberglass roofs become more widely known, more people are choosing them to protect their homes from the elements while saving money in the long run.
3. Earthquake-Resistant Bricks
Earthquakes are so strong that it can bring down sky touching long buildings in minutes or seconds. That is why research has found new ways to build stable structures in earthquake-prone areas. For example, interlocking bricks made of fiberglass can be used to build walls that can deal with horizontal waves. Unlike traditional bricks, interlocking bricks don’t need joining with cement-like materials.
4. Transparent Screens
Fiberglass is a very easily moldable material, which can be manipulated in any shape and can be used to make opaque objects. Translucent fiberglass screens can be finished with glass paint which can give your house a modern contemporary chic look, and the transparent roofing allows light to flood a room.
5. Rust-Proofing Structure
Areas where the level of humidity is more, there the buildings are more susceptible to rust. That is why architects don’t use metals, instead they use wooden materials, whose maintenance cost is high. Fiberglass, is very strong, durable, and extremely versatile, and it won’t be broken down by the water or adverse weather, making it the perfect alternative.
Final Words
Fiberglass is fast becoming popular in home construction because of its high strength to weight ratio and low thermal conductivity. China is the dominant player in fiberglass production with 60 percent of global produce. The global fiberglass market was estimated at a value of $11.8 billion in 2022. It is anticipated to register a 4.5 percent CAGR from 2023 to 2031 and by 2031, the market is likely to attain $17.6 billion by 2031. The fiber glass market of India is currently hitting $230.4 million and it is poised to reach $1,011.1 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 7.7 percent. With the tremendous advancement of architectural science and civil engineering, new tactics of constructions like pultrusion manufacturing and composite formulas are floating in the market and unveiling exciting opportunities. Modern expert builders, developers and engineers are increasingly turning to pultruded products for their residential projects. Further, in this highly vulnerable and treacherous condition of nature green material is highly needed to replace the convenient ones to safeguard the nature, and excitingly, fiberglass is offering that opportunity to safeguard mankind as it is derived from recycled materials.
So what are you waiting for! Go ahead and replace the convenient building materials and build the ‘Green Dream Home’.
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