Fibreglass General FAQ'S

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A: At this stage our roofing system is not BBA accredited. The cost to have such accreditation is huge and owing to the current financial climate we are trying to keep our raw material cost down so that our end user can benefit. We have had a number of meetings with the BBA and will certainly look at the accreditation in the future. CYB Ltd have been in the Glassfibre Industry for over 40 years, initially manufacturing 100s of small cruisers (Jaguar Yachts). This experience gives our company the added advantage of stored knowledge regarding the uses and advantages of using Glassfibre within the roofing industry.

A: Many architects are recommending the use of Glass Fibre (aka GRP) on roofs of today to eliminate the use of heat applied products. We are happy to help with any planning applications to ensure that the correct materials are used as per the building regs (some areas insist that fire retardant resins are used but others don?t). All of our materials are of the highest, Lloyds approved standard. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices to discuss your project.

A: The life expectancy of a GRP roof (if applied properly) is over 25 years. We still have yachts in the water that we built over 30 years ago, you can visit the website http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/westgatefamily/default.htm The Current Director of CYB LTD (Eric Birch) built every size Jaguar on this site except the Jaguar 27. They have been manufactured by another builder since 1996. Our suggested application of materials for your GRP is based around the manufacture of these boats.

A: The only way to get any reasonable adhesion to a metal product is to sandblast the surface first. This does not guarantee a 100% adhesion with either polyester or epoxy resins when put under extreme pressure.

A: I would suggest that you telephone a company called Marine and Industrial Sealants - they will most definitely advise you on an adhesive, their telephone number is: 01692 538263

A: Sorry but all of our information leaflets and books only cover GRP in general, not specifically glider information. It would be worth you considering our GRP Training Workshops which is a totally hands-on experience, giving you the knowledge and confidence to work with Glass Fibre, Resins etc. for any project.

A: Plaster of Paris, or standard fine plaster is fine to use for a mould: Firstly, cast and prepare the plaster to a good finish and then coat over with P.V.A. blue release agent (available from ourselves). Allow to dry. Spread silicone free polish over the P.V.A. but do not polish off. Gel coat over, then lay up in normal manner. Release from plaster and start again. If you need any further advice do not hesitate to give us a call.

A: Fibre glass is glass in the form of straws, sprayed onto a mesh with a binder to hold it into a matting form. All fibre glass is manufactured in roughly the same way, with the exception of multi axle, or woven cloth - these are spun and stitched, or woven into a matting form.

A: Chopped Glass Fibre Strands are sometimes used in concrete mixes to reinforce the composition.

A: Yes, osmosis is a fibre glass problem: A bad lay up results in the fibre glass strands performing a capillary action, seeping water through the laminate, the glass fibre gets wet and ends up delaminating. The only way to tackle this problem is to sand blast the area, pressure wash, then coat with 5 coats of epoxy resin.

A: Sand blast the steel first, then use glass fibre combined with an epoxy resin.

A: Yes, it is possible to make a GRP mould from the existing ball. It would be much easier for me to explain how to undertake this project over the telephone, please call me anytime during the day to discuss. Materials that you will need are: Silicone free wax, PVA Release agent, white gel coat, resin, 450gm glass fibre matting, buckets, brushes and acetone.

A: Many thanks for your enquiry, I am glad you have found the site useful. In answer to your question; Shape your M.D.F, Plaster or Polyurethane foam to the required shape. Fill all imperfections and spray with polyester primer, a few coats will be necessary. Rub back and burnish. The mould must be made in 2 halves. This is not normally a job for anyone that is inexperienced, as you will have to create a flange on the plug, from top to bottom, then mould one half, remove the flange, polish the flange that is left then mould the other half. Both plug and mould must be polished and coated with release agent before moulding. You may benefit from attending one of our GRP workshops.

A: The product to use would be West System Epoxy (ensure to abrade the steel first). This product is available from our factory shop.

A: Taking a mould from this sort of product is a very in depth process that could not be explained fully on paper. I would strongly suggest that you attend one of our GRP Workshops to gain hands on experience first.

A: The glass fibre that we use for laminating cannot be used as a noise proof but you can glass fibre roof insulation material that we deaden noise to some extent. This would be available from a builders merchants.

A: Two pack paint blisters are due to the paint being applied over a damp area. Usually blisters appear when the area is in the direct sunlight. You can only sand them back and re-paint the area. If the glider is made of Epoxy resin it must be abraded with wire wool and detergent before painting.

A: Environmental Resins are available, which contain an additive to lock in the Styrene which in turn, lowers the odour. These products are usually prefixed with an "X".

A: GRP is an abbreviation for Glass Reinforced Plastic.

A: Glass Fibre is used in many industries, such as: Boats, Cars, Signs, Architectural replicas, Aeroplane parts, Bus Parts, Fire surrounds, Engine Covers, Water tanks, the list is endless.

A: There would be no problem using Fibre Glass for a gasoline tank but the gel coat and resin must be of the highest standard and the moulder who carries out the work must be experienced.