Author(s)

W.M. Banks & R.A. Pethrick

Abstract

Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) is increasingly being considered as a possible cladding material for major buildings of historic interest. It can be used either to reinstate existing buildings or to replace cladding or other finishes which have deteriorated due to adverse consitions. One of the questions which has arisen in this context is its long term durability. There are a number of factors which affect the long term behavior of GRP. These include suseptability to UV degradation, fire resistance considerations, effects of atmospheric pollution and the nature of the external finish. A number of the above factors have been investigated by the authors and while it is not possible to put an exact life cycle on the materials, it is likely that a 20/25 year lifetime for cladding made of this material

Keywords