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Long-term performance, ease of maintenance, and how well the material withstands the strain of frequent cleaning and code inspections are more important considerations when selecting a wall material for a commercial kitchen than just the initial cost. Although FRP has been the standard answer for a long time, there are other options available.

This is how it compares to other popular options:

Ceramic tile

Although it might be expensive up front and require a lot of work to install, tile provides a strong, long-lasting surface that is resistant to heat and moisture. Kitchen grout lines are a serious hygienic issue that frequently needs to be scrubbed and resealed frequently to avoid the growth of mold or bacteria. 

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is frequently utilized behind cooklines or in high-heat areas due to its remarkable durability and cleanliness. However, it is more expensive and more challenging to install, particularly on big surfaces. Over time, it is also vulnerable to scratches and dents.

PVC wall panels

Trusscore and other more recent PVC-based solutions present a strong substitute for FRP. Lighter, stiffer, and simpler to install are Trusscore Wall & Ceiling Board panels. In addition, these panels avoid issues like fiberglass shedding or visible seams, and their interlocking design eliminates the need for adhesives or mechanical fasteners. PVC wall panels are rapidly gaining traction among professionals who seek a cleaner, more contemporary option with fewer installation hassles, even if FRP still works effectively.

Sanitation and safety are more than simply nice-to-haves in commercial kitchens, which are high-heat, high-moisture, fast-paced spaces. They are mandated by law. Almost every surface is tested every day, from continuous steam and grease to unintentional splashes and food particles. And the walls are part of that. Although it's simple to concentrate on flooring and appliances, wall surfaces are an essential component of designing a kitchen that is both safe and complies with regulations.

Wall panels are essential for upholding hygienic standards and local health laws. Surfaces need to be non-porous, smooth, and sanitizable without deteriorating when often scrubbed or exposed to strong cleaning agents. Specialized wall panel materials can help with that. While tile grout lines are renowned for capturing bacteria and degrading over time, more conventional choices like drywall can absorb moisture and harbor mold. Long-term headaches may result from the restrictions of even popular choices like FRP. Newer PVC-based panels have revolutionized this situation.

Benefits of FRP Wall Panels

Materials must withstand continuous usage, rapid cleaning, and strict inspection standards in a busy commercial kitchen. Although FRP panels are made to satisfy those requirements, there are frequently limitations to their performance. 

Let’s explore their typical benefits and drawbacks, especially when compared to modern PVC panels:

• Resistance to moisture: FRP won't bloat or peel in humid environments, but its joints may be vulnerable. Joints that are not properly sealed can retain moisture and harbor germs and mold, which is a serious hygiene concern. 

• Durability in high-traffic environments: FRP can sustain damage even if it is resistant to impacts.  Cart and equipment gouges and cracks are frequent, and repairs are typically challenging and obvious. 

• Cleaning effectiveness: Although the panel surface is smooth, it can take a while to clean the areas surrounding moldings and seam covers, particularly when silicone sealants peel or deteriorate.

• Less upkeep than tile: While FRP panels are harder to maintain than seamless PVC panels, they are still easier to clean and care for than traditional tile with grout lines. 

• Regulatory compliance: FRP satisfies USDA and FDA regulations; however, there are a number of more recent substitutes that completely do away with the disadvantages of fiberglass and glue-on trim. 

Many FRP manufacturers continue to refine their designs, but legacy issues with seams and durability persist in challenging environments. Moreover, companies needing fiberglass roof panels for larger construction projects often benefit from choosing integrated material solutions that ensure uniformity across all surfaces.

On paper, FRP could seem like a lot of things, but in reality, it frequently creates needless problems, especially when contrasted with more efficient systems like Trusscore.