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Fiberglass columns provide an alternative
to wood and stone, while maintaining the appearance of
the traditional classic column styles.
Fiberglass is composed of very thin glass
fibers. The fibers are combined with a plastic material,
reinforcing the plastic, and resulting in a light, strong
and durable material.
One of the most common fiberglass composite
materials is fiberglass reinforced polymer, commonly known
as FRP, a construction material stronger than most tradition
materials used to make columns. Fiberglass reinforced polymer
has several advantages over wood; it is non-porous, and
avoids the water damage, swelling and warping that can
occur in humid climates and conditions.
Fiberglass is used to make both fiberglass
columns and column covers. Solid fiberglass columns can
be either load-bearing, designed to carry the weight of
a supported structure, or non-load bearing, concealing
a supportive structure, or standing on its own. Fiberglass
columns possess high impact resistance, and they have powerful
supportive qualities, minus the weight of a traditional
stone or wood column. Fiberglass is also easy to clean
and maintain.
Fiberglass column covers can conceal unattractive
ducts, structural features, lally columns, and basement
supports. Fiberglass covers consist of two pieces that
join to create a seamless surface, and often include detachable
bases and capitols, as well. Therefore, they can be easily
separated for maintenance, and reassembled.
Modern fiberglass first appeared in
1938, as the invention of Russell Games Slayter. Today,
fiberglass columns are produced from molds. The raw materials
are melted in a furnace, and poured into a negative physical
image of the column or column components.
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