Adding Finishing Touches to Your Project

Fibaform takes great pride in our diverse range of GRP prefabricated buildings, cabins and enclosures. Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), also known as fibreglass, is a composite material made of plastic reinforced by fine glass fibres. Its unique properties make it a popular choice for prefabricated enclosures, including gatehouses, kiosks, and various structures in the rail industry. Although aesthetics may not always be their primary appeal, we offer a wide range of paint and cladding finishes to enhance and protect the appearance of your unit. Whether you’re looking to make your gatehouse stand out with a bright, branded vinyl wrap or, conversely, make an enclosure blend in against its natural surroundings (sometimes a factor in gaining planning permission), we can transform the appearance of your GRP structure.

Paint Finishes

Potentially, the simplest finish is a paint coating. The standard finish for most GRP enclosures is a gel coat, a coloured resin applied during the manufacturing process. Gel
coats are durable, weather-resistant, and available in a wide range of colours from the RAL range, including the standard grey and green used in rail applications. A gel coat provides an excellent protective layer against UV radiation, which is especially important for outdoor structures. In public spaces, GRP enclosures may be vulnerable to vandalism. Made from polymers such as polyurethane, silicone, or fluoropolymer, anti-graffiti coatings create a protective barrier that prevents graffiti paint from adhering to the underlying surface. Graffiti can be removed multiple times with appropriate cleaning agents without the need to reapply the coating.

Cladding Finishes

Cladding is another popular option. Our GRP enclosures and cabin buildings products units are often exposed to demanding environmental conditions, including harsh sunlight, high
winds, extreme temperatures and fluctuating humidity levels. External wall cladding provides a weatherproof shell that can prolong a construction life span. Insulation cladding helps regulate interior temperatures, reducing energy consumption and improving occupant comfort. Soundproofing materials in wall cladding can help reduce unwanted noise intrusion
or emittance. By opting for external cladding, you can create stylish, sustainable spaces and have a positive impact on the environment:

• Repurposing and renovation: cladding existing builds can transform them into sustainable and functional spaces
• Energy efficiency: external insulation cladding can significantly improve the energy efficiency of enclosures and prefabricated buildings. Adding insulation materials between the exterior walls and the cladding can reduce heat transfer, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This insulation leads to lower energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions
• Sustainable cladding materials: many exterior cladding materials are sourced from sustainable and renewable resources
• Durability and longevity: external cladding enhances the visual appeal and improves durability. Protecting a structure from harsh weather conditions extends its lifespan, minimises waste and conserves raw materials

TIMBER CLADDING

Wood cladding provides a warm, inviting atmosphere and blends seamlessly with natural surroundings. Customers often choose timber cladding for eco-friendly buildings. Aside from being visually pleasing, timber cladding is also effective as a heat and noise insulator.

WOOD VENEER CLADDING

Composite materials, such as wood-plastic composites (WPC), offer the look of wood with increased durability and less maintenance. This type of cladding is resistant to rot, pests, and weathering, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications.

METAL CLADDING

Metal cladding can be used for a modern, industrial look. It’s available in various metals, including aluminium, steel, and copper, and can be finished in different ways—powder coating, anodising, or galvanising—to enhance durability and provide a distinctive look.

Insulated steel cladding combines durability with advanced thermal performance – high- quality steel panels filled with insulation material reduce heat loss and lower energy costs.

Vinyl Wrapping

A vinyl wrap involves applying a layer of vinyl film over the exterior surfaces of a building or enclosure. This film is available in a wide range of colours and patterns, including options that mimic other materials like wood, metal, stone, or abstract designs. For example, Fibaform used an actual photograph of a client’s stone wall to create a wrap for an enclosure so it blended in when positioned in front of the original wall.

The vinyl layer acts as a protective shield, enhancing the structure’s durability by guarding against environmental damages such as UV rays and abrasions. This protective quality significantly reduces maintenance costs and extends the lifespan of the enclosure. Moreover, vinyl wraps are cost-effective, easy to maintain, and capable of withstanding harsh cleaning agents without losing their vibrancy.

Fibaform Have Got It Covered

The right finish can significantly enhance the functionality and appearance of a GRP unit. When choosing your paint or cladding, several factors must be considered, including the intended use, location, environmental conditions, and aesthetic requirements. It’s also important to consider the long-term maintenance and the ease of repair for the chosen finish. Whatever your objectives, Fibaform has plenty of options for you. Our design team are available to discuss your project and can recommend the best type of external cladding. Call us on 01524 60182 or fill out our simple online enquiry form, we look forward to helping.