Fiberglass is a special material which is used in making many kinds of products including flooring, telecommunication masts, pipes and the like. Known also as foldable fiberglass mats or coverings, these are composed of thin but stiff and flexible panels weaved out of fiberglass, polyester and acrylic and attached with hinges. These mats are versatile in application and can be used in any part of the world. These mats are easy to install in your garage, basement, pool and other areas. These mats are available at various prices, depending on the size of the mat and the materials used for manufacturing.
Several kinds of synthetic fibers can be utilized in manufacturing fiberglass mats. Among these, most popular are vinyl ester, thermoplastic polyethylene, thermoplastic nylon and ethylene vinyl ester. All these have their own advantages and drawbacks, and all can be mixed to get specific final results. Below is a list of top five handling characteristics of these fabrics.
The toughness and resilience A fiberglass mat are usually manufactured by bonding two layers of fabric. The bottom layer is generally made of high-density foam or rubber foam, while the top layer is made of low-density polyethylene or polyurethane. The top layer is then laminated using a solvent or a heat process. The resulting laminated layer is highly tough and durable. Such laminated layer provides great resistance against abrasion, moisture, impact, heat, chemicals and corrosion, and so on.
Cleaning and maintenance Fiberglass mats require no special cleaning and maintenance procedures. They are generally available with an epoxy coating or a split-effect finish. When buying these mats, make sure you know the fiberglass material used in making the mat. It is not recommended to buy a fiberglass mat having a steel core. If you don't know what to look for, always remember to buy a mat in a similar color to the base material to get an idea about its visual appearance and durability. Also, the description price of the mat should include the cleaning and maintenance procedures.
Easy maintenance In contrast to the previous point, a split-effect finish or epoxy coating requires two layers of specialized materials for its finishing. For example, if there are two layers of fiberglass cloth, it will need two coats of clear lacquer to protect it. Thus, the description price of this type of material should include two layers of lacquer or clear coat for better durability and protection. If the fiberglass cloth is laminated, it needs two coats of low-density polyethylene or polyurethane for better adhesion and flexibility. Most epoxy finishes are available in spray or dropper bottle form. It is a good idea to spray some water on the mat after application to moisten it.
Cleaning and maintenance There are many cleaners that can be used to clean fiberglass panels. You can use hot soaps and household cleaners to remove any spots or dirt. Try not to rub too hard as this can cause scratches on the surface. Nevertheless, it is important to rinse the area with a mild detergent, and allow it to dry thoroughly before painting or any other treatments.