Table of Contents
Topcoat is not a high finish paint but it does make a very waterproof hard wearing surface for fiberglass. When dry some brush marks may be evident. When fully cured it can be sanded with wet & dry paper followed by polishing with cutting compound.
Is fiberglass top coat waterproof?
The FibreGlassDirect Standard Topcoat provides a finishing, waterproof and UV stable layer to your fibreglass project.
Is fibreglass roof waterproof without top coat?
Firstly, with the resin/matting basecoat layer correctly applied your roof will be fully waterproofed. Secondly, moisture – the roof and basecoat must be dry before topcoat application – moisture will prevent the topcoat from curing.
What happens if fibreglass gets wet?
Water will contaminate the resin and prevent it from curing. If it rains at any point after the resins or topcoats have started to change from a liquid to a solid, although not ideal, it should be OK. Any rain falling will settle on top and not mix so the resins should still complete their cure.
What does GRP top coat do?
Topcoat provides a durable cosmetic finish and works as a UV barrier preventing UV degradation of the laminate. It is essential to apply Topcoat. Check the laminate before applying the topcoat and carry out any remedial work that is necessary (rectify poor consolidation, air entrapment, untidy laminating).
Can you walk on fibreglass roof?
Yes, a Fibreglass Roof can be walked on. A roof with little to no foot traffic expected would suit 1 layer of 450g matting, a moderate level of foot traffic should use 1 layer of 600g matting and a balcony or a roof with regular foot traffic should use 2 layers of 450g matting.
Can you fiberglass in the rain?
Rain interferes with the fibreglass resin and can alter its properties. If it starts to rain, don’t continue working. Instead, stop what you’re doing and cover any resin that you’ve applied with a waterproof sheet.
Why do fibreglass roofs crack?
The main reason for a GRP roof cracking is due to the roof being poorly installed. During the summer months, heat causes the fibreglass roof to heat up during the day and expand. Then in the evenings as the roof cools back down it contracts. This is called thermal expansion.
Can you recoat a fibreglass roof?
Our 3 tried and trusted products are all you need, you can use them individually to repair or coat or together to repair THEN coat. To recoat fibreglass roof the GRP Restoration Coat is the answer. It will completely restore your fiberglass roof in just one coat and extend it’s life by 10 to 15 years.
Can a fibreglass roof be repaired?
If you prepare and coat an entire fibreglass roof correctly then you won’t need to revisit it for many years, but degradation happens and whether you are looking to fix your entire GRP roof, or just a section, rest assured you certainly can repair a fibreglass roof and it will be fully watertight in no time.
Will fiberglass cure in water?
Fiberglass becomes waterproof once resin is applied and has cured. Prior to applying the resin the fibreglass fabric is not waterproof on its own, while the glass fibers themselves are impermeable to water, the fabric has small gaps between them which water can permeate through.
Can fiberglass hold water?
Yes, fiberglass can and will absorb water.
How long does it take for a fibreglass roof to dry?
Ideally, it is best to aim for a curing time of between 20 to 30 minutes. Never use less than 1% or more than 4% catalyst. Never underestimate the effect of temperature. Resins will not cure at or below freezing and will always cure much quicker in direct sunlight.
Will Fibreglass set in cold weather?
Our Top Tips for Fibreglass Work in Winter Do not start fibreglassing if the temperature is below 5°C as it will not cure. Use the catalyst addition chart to calculate the percentage of resin that should be used. During the shorter winter days, avoid fibreglass or topcoating a roof after 2-3 pm.
Can you Fibreglass on top of Fibreglass?
Can I fibreglass over an old fibreglass roof. As long as its structurally sound yes, again sand with 60 grade aluminium oxide grit paper first, you may also want to clean with acetone and a cloth also.
What temperature does fiberglass need to cure?
Fiberglass resins need heat to cure. Once the temperatures go below 60 degrees an alternate heat source needs to be used to make sure resin cures fully. The type of resin used will determine the amount of time the heat would need to be maintained.
What are the disadvantages of fiberglass?
Fibreglass last a long time, it can be coloured, shiny or dull. It is low maintenance, anti-magnetic, fire resistant, good electrical insulator and weatherproof. The disadvantages is that it needs to be re-gel coated about every five years and can result in airborne fibres which may be an issue to asthma sufferers.
Is fibreglass roof better than felt?
Fibreglass is much more durable than felt and stronger too. It has no seams, so it’s less likely to fail and let water in, and it’s relatively easy for a professional to repair if damaged. The downside to fibreglass roofing is its cost. It typically costs 10 times more than felt, depending on the brand used.
How much weight can a fibreglass roof hold?
Fibreglass layers are typically laid out in 450g, 600g or 900g layers to suit the predicted footfall. If you’ll be walking on your flat roof often, a 600g or 900g fibreglass layer is relevant to you. You can also use two layers of 450g fiberglass. Once installed, the fibreglass will back up the roof’s strength.
How do you fix a crack in a fibreglass roof?
I have a crack in my GRP Roofing Trim – how do I fix it? Sand an area of about 50mm around the crack using rough grit sandpaper to create a key. Cut a piece of 450g chopped strand mat the same size as the area sanded. Mix resin and catalyst. Once cured give the area a light sanding to remove any glass sticking up.
Is fibreglass roofing any good?
Fibreglass roofing systems are known to be durable, have excellent longevity and high performance. While Fibreglass roofs are a newer edition to the roofing industry, they have a greater life expectancy of roughly 20-30 years.
What is better EPDM or fibreglass?
If you’re looking for something low cost and easy to install, EPDM is the solution for you. For those who want something with more durability and a better look, GRP is ideal. Today the products are simpler to use AND better in terms of economical standpoints.
