JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #120 - April 2018 - 30

BUlLDlNG AND CONSTRUCTlON pultrusion

thermal expansion of glass fibre composites is
very similar to that of glass, and so the frames
expand and contract at the same rate as glass.
This results in less stress on the window seals
and lower seal failure incidents, limiting air
leaks and moisture infiltration.
Given their inherent corrosion resistance
properties, pultruded frames are also extremely durable. They will not rot or rust and can be
used in harsh coastal environments. Frames
are typically painted or coated to provide a
finish that provides UV resistance against
fading and cracking and enhanced abrasion
resistance. These factors combine to give
composite frames a longer life expectancy
than PVC, wood and aluminium alternatives,
with minimal maintenance requirements.
The high mechanical strength of pultruded
composites means slimmer frames are
possible, which enables a larger viewing area
and lets more light into the home. Composite
systems can be designed to withstand high
levels of wind load, and they provide increased
security through greater resistance to forced
entry.
Pultruded profiles also offer great design
flexibility. Taking advantage of the mechanical
properties of pultruded composites, architects
can create bigger units, holding larger expanses of glass, and different shapes to meet unique
customer specifications. Green building codes
and standards driving the design and construction of more energy-efficient buildings
will favour the increased use of pultruded
window and door components. Glass fibre
composite systems are also becoming more
competitive on price, and this, together with
considerations of lifecycle costs and return
on investment, will make pultruded products
more attractive to buyers.

Pultruded profiles offer design flexibility in the
construction of highly energy-efficient window
systems

Thermal breaks
Thermal bridging through steel and concrete
framing can have a significant impact on a
building's energy performance. Reducing
thermal bridging reduces heat conduction
and energy consumption, and prevents
surface condensation from forming inside the
building.
Because of their superior thermal performance, glass fibre composites are a good
option to provide thermal breaks between
the home's interior and exterior steelwork or
concrete to prevent thermal bridging. Various
projects and applications are being developed
in this area.
Exterior trim
The corrosion resistance properties of composite materials make them ideal for products
exposed to the weather. Pultruded roof trim,
fascia and soffit are extremely tough and durable and provide a low-maintenance solution
while maintaining the appearance of wood.
Lightweight profiles are easy to transport,
handle and install.
Pultruded profiles are also used in roof rain
gutters. In some cases, the gutter system and
fascia are combined in a single pultruded part,
reducing the labour required for installation.
Pultruded gutters have a smooth inner finish
to prevent deposits.
Cladding
Pultruded glass fibre composite offers a
stronger, more durable cladding (siding)
system than wood, metal, PVC or fibre
cement cladding. The installed product is
almost maintenance-free, providing the look
of painted wood without the need for regular
staining, treatment or painting. Composite
cladding is impervious to moisture, withstands extreme temperatures and will not
buckle like PVC alternatives. It is resistant to
chipping, breaking and splintering, and unlike
many types of wood siding, is not affected
by ants and termites. Lightweight composite
products are easier to install than heavy fibre
cement boards. Available in a range of widths
and colours, pultruded cladding provides
a hard-wearing, protective layer against the
elements and is an excellent insulator.

jec composites magazine / N°120 April 2018

Pergolas and arbours
Pergola systems based on glass fibre composite
beams offer advantages over wood, PVC and
aluminium. Corrosion-resistant pultruded
beams can deliver the look of painted wood
without its maintenance requirements or risk
of rot. They are stronger than PVC, with less
expansion and contraction in extreme temperatures, and will not dent like aluminium.
The composite will not rust, chip, fade or
crack.
Because of the strength of composite profiles,
rafters can span longer lengths than wood or
PVC versions, with minimal deflection, and
fewer columns are needed. These strength and
spanning capabilities also enable accessories
such as lattice and canvas to be supported.
Pultruded structural pergola systems allow
for designs ranging from simple to highly
elaborate, and ease of assembly makes their
installation quick and simple.
Columns
Another growing trend for pultrusion is columns to support porticos, porches and other
roof assemblies. Pultruded exterior decorative
and structural columns are strong, easy to install, and maintenance-free. They can achieve
higher structural/load bearing ratings than
roto-cast glass fibre columns and are lighter
in weight, making them easier to ship, handle
and install. Unlike wooden columns, pultruded columns are not prone to rot, fading, insect
attacks, warping and moisture.
Fencing and decking systems
Pultruded glass fibre composite handrails
and fencing systems are strong, attractive and
offer a longer lifespan than wood, metal and
PVC products. Wood splinters, stains, warps
and requires regular repainting. Aluminium,
steel and wrought iron oxidise, discolour and
rust, increasing maintenance costs and risking
safety. PVC offers no comparable strength or
durability to composites and degrades rapidly
in coastal environments. Composite fencing
enables longer spans than PVC, reducing the
number of vertical posts required. Composites
are the clear materials of choice for a coastal
environment, since they can survive corrosive
salt water environments without rot, rust or
corrosion. Glass fibre composite handrail and
fencing can be made in a variety of colours,

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #120 - April 2018